Milton of Machany

There's not much left standing at Milton of Machany, but that's rather the point. This Bronze Age settlement near Auchterarder is one of those places where you need to use your imagination a bit - the earthworks and foundations tell a story that's roughly 4,000 years old, which puts most of us in perspective.

What you're actually looking at are the remains of circular houses and field boundaries from when people first settled this stretch of Perthshire proper. It's the sort of site that speaks to archaeologists and keen history types far more than casual visitors, if I'm honest. You won't find interpretation boards or a visitor centre here - it's raw landscape, which appeals to some and leaves others wondering why they've driven out to look at bumps in a field.

Walkers will find this works well as part of a longer route through the countryside around Auchterarder. The location itself doesn't demand more than 20 minutes unless you're genuinely interested in reading the land itself. Free to visit, no facilities, no set hours - just an archaeological site in open country.

If you're basing yourself at one of the nearby parks - Braidhaugh Holiday Lodge is the closest at 4.5 miles, or Broadslap Farm if you're self-catering - this works as a morning outing before heading elsewhere. Pair it with a proper walk through the Trossachs or a visit to Stirling if you want more substantial attractions. On its own, Milton of Machany is more footnote than destination.