Peel of Fichlie Motte

A grassy mound rising unexpectedly from the Aberdeenshire countryside near Aboyne, the Peel of Fichlie Motte is what remains of a Norman fortification from around the 12th century. It's not dramatic - no stones, no walls, just an earthwork that requires a bit of imagination to picture as it once stood. You'll find yourself climbing a fairly steep slope to the flat top, where the views across the Deeside landscape open up nicely. The walk takes maybe twenty minutes, less if you're not bothered with lingering.

This is genuinely for archaeology enthusiasts or anyone keen on Scottish medieval history. Casual visitors might find themselves standing on top wondering what they're looking at within five minutes. There's no visitor centre, no interpretation boards to speak of, just the mound itself and your own curiosity. That said, if you're touring the area's historic sites - and Aberdeenshire has plenty - it's worth the detour on a clear day.

Getting there is straightforward enough from Aboyne, though you'll need to locate the exact access point. It's the sort of place where local knowledge helps. Free to visit, naturally, and best tackled on foot if you're staying at Tarland Camping & Caravanning Club Site just down the road - the six-mile distance makes it a decent morning's outing when combined with a walk through the surrounding countryside.

Go if you're the type who reads archaeology books for pleasure. Skip it if you need interpretive panels and a gift shop.