Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee Cairn

The cairn sits on high ground overlooking Callander, a modest stone structure that marks Victoria's 60 years on the throne. It's not much to look at - a squat pile of rocks with a plaque - but the walk to reach it is what makes the trip worthwhile. You're climbing proper Scottish moorland here, with views that stretch across the Trossachs and down towards Stirling.

This is walker territory, not a sit-down-and-gaze sort of spot. Most people spend ten minutes examining the cairn itself, then another ten taking photos of the vista before heading back down. It's the kind of place that rewards a longer ramble - you can loop it into a proper afternoon hike across the surrounding hills. History buffs will find it interesting enough as a Victorian relic, though there's nothing elaborate about it. Kids might get bored quickly unless they're keen on the actual walking bit.

The site is free and accessible year-round, though winter can make the approach muddy and unforgiving. Allow 45 minutes to an hour if you're just coming for the cairn itself. If you're staying at Callander Woods or Keltie Bridge - both solid parks within walking distance - you could easily fit this into a morning or early afternoon, then have the rest of the day for exploring Callander's shops or heading deeper into the Trossachs. Best visited in clear weather, obviously. When the clouds roll in, you'll see nothing but mist.