Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee Cairn

You'll find a sturdy stone cairn sitting on high ground above Callander, built to mark Queen Victoria's 60 years on the throne back in 1897. It's not a grand monument - just a proper heap of stones with a plaque - but the location makes it worth the walk. The views across the Stirling countryside are genuinely cracking, especially if the weather's on your side.

Getting up there takes about 20 minutes from Callander town centre, depending on your pace and fitness. It's a decent hike but nothing brutal. The path is well-worn and the locals know it. You'll pass through woodland before emerging onto the higher ground where the cairn stands, exposed to the wind and weather like it has done for over a century.

History buffs will appreciate the Victorian era connection, though the cairn itself isn't particularly elaborate. Walkers should definitely include it as part of a longer loop around the Callander area - it works perfectly as a stopping point rather than a destination in itself. Families with older kids will manage it fine; younger ones might find it a bit of a slog for what amounts to a pile of stones and a view.

If you're staying at Callander Woods or Keltie Bridge - both excellent bases - this makes for a rewarding half-day walk. Go early if you want clearer views, and bring a jacket because exposure up there is real. It's free, accessible year-round, and costs nothing but your time.