Mars Training Ship Memorial Cross

The cross stands on a windswept stretch of Fife coastline near Tayport, marking where the Mars, a training ship, met her end in 1904. The vessel sank in the Tay estuary with the loss of over 200 lives - mostly young cadets - making it one of Scotland's worst maritime disasters. You won't find much fanfare here, just a simple memorial that catches you by surprise when you round the coastal path.

It's the sort of place that gets under your skin precisely because it doesn't shout about itself. The Tay stretches out in front of you, and on a grey day - which is most days - you'll feel the weight of what happened here. There's no visitor centre or interpretation boards, which means you either know the story or you don't. That said, the walk to reach it is proper lovely, and history enthusiasts will find it genuinely moving.

Walkers get the most from a visit, especially those combining it with the coastal trails around Tayport. Allow half an hour to absorb the place once you're there. Families with older children will appreciate the historical context, though younger ones might find it a bit somber without the usual attractions.

If you're staying at nearby Tayport Links or Larick Campsite, this is an easy addition to your coastal explorations. It's free, obviously - there's nothing to pay - but it demands respect rather than casual tourism.