Lord Dunglass Obelisk

You'll spot this obelisk rising unexpectedly from the landscape near Coldstream - a tall stone column that marks the spot where the Duke of Buccleuch's estates once held sway. It's a straightforward monument, honestly. Built to commemorate Lord Dunglass, it stands as a reminder of 18th-century Scottish landed gentry and their monuments to themselves.

The real appeal is the walk to reach it. You're out in proper countryside here, with views across the Borders that shift dramatically depending on the light. It's not a grand architectural moment - there's no visitor centre, no interpretation boards - just a stone obelisk and the landscape around it. History buffs will understand the significance; casual walkers will appreciate the excuse to get outside rather than the monument itself.

Allow an hour if you're making a dedicated trip from Coldstream. It's the sort of thing you'd combine with a wider walk rather than visit alone. The nearby Coldstream Holiday Park makes a decent base for exploring this part of the Borders, though you'll want good walking boots and a map or GPS - it's not signposted to within an inch of its life.

Best visited on a clear day when the views actually justify the trek. Kids will likely lose interest within five minutes unless you can spin it into a wider adventure.