Nether Braco

A Roman fort sits quietly on farmland just outside Dunblane, its earthworks still visible if you know where to look. Nether Braco isn't a dramatic ruin - there are no standing stones or rebuilt walls here - but if you're into the Romans' presence in Scotland, the site repays a visit.

What remains are the defensive ditches and ramparts, laid out in that characteristic playing-card shape the legions favoured. The fort dates to around 80 AD, part of Agricola's campaign to push into Caledonia. Standing in the field, you can make out the outline reasonably well, especially after rain when the ground shows the earthworks more clearly. It's genuinely absorbing if you've got an interest in Roman military engineering.

Walkers and history types will find this worthwhile, though families with young children might lose patience quickly - there's nothing to climb on or interactive about it. Allow 30-45 minutes if you're the type who stands around thinking about legionnaires. It's free to visit and accessible year-round, though you'll want to check you're not trampling someone's crops.

Located just a few miles from Dunblane, this pairs nicely with a base at Craighead Howf, a well-regarded holiday park in the area. The surrounding countryside is good for walking, and you can build this archaeological stop into a broader day exploring Perthshire's Roman heritage. Go when the weather's decent and you won't slip about in the mud.