Princess Royal's Cairn

High on a windswept hillside above Ballater stands a modest stone cairn marking where Princess Victoria camped during her 1857 Highland tour. It's the sort of place that stops you mid-walk and makes you think about how differently royalty moved through the landscape back then - no motorcades, no barriers, just a princess and her travelling party pitching tents on the moor.

The cairn itself is understated, which rather suits the Highlands. You won't find gift shops or interpretation panels, just the stone pile and the view rolling out towards Braemar. The walk up takes forty minutes or so depending on your fitness, and honestly the landscape is the main draw - the cairn is almost incidental to being out there.

Historically minded visitors and walkers will find it worth the detour. Families with young children might struggle with the terrain and the lack of facilities. There's no admission fee that we can find, but check locally before you go as information isn't widely advertised.

If you're staying at Braemar Caravan Park just five miles away, this slots nicely into a half-day exploring the area around Ballater. Pair it with a proper walk in the surrounding hills rather than making it a destination in itself. The real pleasure is the excuse to get high ground and see how the Dee Valley spreads out below you. Bring a packed lunch and settle in for a bit.