Monaltrie Monument

A granite monument tucked into the Aberdeenshire landscape near Ballater, Monaltrie marks a spot that mattered to someone, once. The stone sits in the surrounding hills with the kind of quiet dignity that Scottish memorials do well - no fuss, no visitor centre, just a marker and the moorland.

You'll need to walk to it, which is half the point. It's the sort of detour that works perfectly if you're already out on the hills above Ballater anyway. The walk itself is pleasant enough, though the monument itself won't detain you long unless you're keen on local history or spend time deciphering what the inscription actually says.

Historically minded visitors will get more from it than others. Kids might find the walk fun, but the monument itself isn't a destination - it's a waypoint. Plan 30 minutes to an hour depending on your pace and how far you want to make a day of it.

From the caravan parks around Ballater - Ballater Caravan Park is closest at just over two miles - you could combine this with a wider walk across the hills. Firbank Park and Howe of Torbeg both sit within a few miles, making this easy to fit into a Highlands break without too much bother.

Free to visit, obviously. Access depends on whether you can reach the start of the walk, but there are parking options near Ballater town itself.