Prince Arthur's Cairn

A pile of stones on a windswept hillside might not sound like much, but Prince Arthur's Cairn draws walkers for good reason. This monument marks what locals reckon was the final resting place of the legendary King Arthur, though historians will cheerfully argue about whether he was ever real at all. Either way, it's a proper atmospheric spot with views across Aberdeenshire that stretch for miles when the weather's kind.

The cairn itself sits on elevated moorland near Ballater, so you'll need decent boots and a willingness to tramp across rough ground. Most people spend 30 minutes to an hour here - long enough to walk around the stones, take in the vista, and imagine what stories these hills could tell. History enthusiasts will find it worth the effort; kids might get restless unless they're keen on scrambling over rocks and spotting eagles.

Access is free and there are no formal opening times since it's out on the open hillside. Go in decent weather - this isn't the place to visit when mist rolls in. If you're staying at Howe of Torbeg, just five miles away, it makes a solid half-day outing to break up a park-based holiday. The caravan park itself scores well with visitors, so you've got a comfortable base for exploring this corner of the Scottish Highlands. Pair it with walks around Ballater and you've got a proper slice of Royal Deeside.