Randolph's Leap

A sheer drop of roughly 35 metres down a rocky chasm - that's Randolph's Leap, and it's the sort of place that makes you grip the fence a bit tighter than you'd like to admit. Near Forres in Aberdeenshire, this dramatic gorge carved by the River Findhorn is named after a 14th-century Moray outlaw who allegedly jumped it on horseback to escape pursuers. Whether he actually made it is anyone's guess, but standing here looking down at the narrow gap, you'll probably decide he was either brilliant or completely mad.

The walk down to the viewpoint is brief and manageable - nothing strenuous - which makes it accessible for most fitness levels. You get proper views of the ravine and the river churning below, and on a clear day the light hits the water in a way that justifies the detour. It's honestly worth twenty minutes of your time, no more.

Historyistas will appreciate the folklore angle, though there isn't much interpretation on site, so you might want to read up beforehand. Kids tend to find the sheer drop exciting rather than boring, though you'll want to keep a close eye on them. Walkers using the area will find this a decent short stop between longer routes.

Free to visit. If you're staying at ACE Adventures & Hideaways nearby - just over a mile away - you could combine this with their activity offerings and camping facilities for a proper Highlands break. Best visited when conditions are dry; muddy paths become a bit treacherous.