Obelisk

Stone monuments don't get much more mysterious than this solitary obelisk standing on a hillside near Stroud. The tall granite needle rises from rough grassland without so much as a plaque to explain what it's doing there or why someone thought this particular spot needed marking. Local walkers have been puzzling over it for decades.

History buffs will find themselves drawn into the guesswork - is it a boundary marker, a memorial, or perhaps connected to the area's industrial past? The truth remains properly elusive, which only adds to its appeal. Getting there involves a decent walk across uneven ground, so it's one for those who enjoy a bit of countryside rambling rather than families with pushchairs.

What makes the trek worthwhile is the view back towards the Stroud valleys. On a clear day you can pick out the town below and trace the old canal routes threading between the hills. The obelisk itself won't detain you long - ten minutes of head-scratching about its purpose is usually enough - but the location rewards the effort.

If you're staying at one of the nearby sites like Apple Tree Park Holiday Homes or Gables Farm Campsite, it makes for a decent morning walk when combined with exploring the surrounding Cotswold countryside. Just don't expect any answers about what you're actually looking at.