Millplough

The stones at Millplough are modest affairs compared to some of the flashier prehistoric sites you'll find in Scotland, but there's something rather compelling about standing here on the Aberdeenshire hillside without the crowds. It's an archaeological site from the Bronze Age, and what you get is a scatter of ancient monuments - standing stones and burial cairns that have weathered thousands of years with remarkably little fuss.

The real appeal lies in the quietness of it. You're looking at genuine Neolithic and Bronze Age remains, not reconstructions or heavily interpreted visitor centres. That takes some imagination to appreciate properly, which means history buffs and anyone interested in Scotland's earliest inhabitants will find it genuinely rewarding. Young children might struggle with the lack of obvious drama - there are no dramatic ruins or interactive elements.

It's free to access, though you'll need to be prepared for rough moorland terrain and Scottish weather that can turn on a sixpence. Allow 45 minutes to an hour if you're being thorough, longer if you're the type to sit and absorb the atmosphere. Stonehaven, just a few miles south, is your nearest proper town for supplies and a decent pub afterwards.

Base yourself at Cloak Caravan Park or Upper Crawton Park - both are within easy reach - and you can weave Millplough into a broader archaeological tour of the area. It works well as a morning expedition before heading to one of the grander Aberdeenshire attractions.