Samson's Putting Stone

Out on the Ochil Hills above Callander sits one of Scotland's oddest bits of folklore turned to stone - a massive granite boulder that legend claims the giant Samson hurled from the opposite hillside as a show of strength. It's genuinely enormous, and standing next to it does make you wonder how on earth anyone could have shifted it, mythical giant or not.

The walk up takes about forty minutes from Callander, gaining steady height through open moorland with views that just keep expanding. On a clear day you can see right across the Lowlands - proper worth the effort for that alone. The stone itself isn't in some manicured visitor centre; it's just sitting there on the hill, which is exactly how it should be.

This appeals most to walkers and anyone keen on Scottish folklore who doesn't mind a bit of a trudge. History types will appreciate the layers - Bronze Age stones nearby, plus the whole giant mythology that's woven into Highland landscape. It's free, naturally, and you should allow a good two hours return trip depending on fitness.

If you're based at Callander Woods Holiday Park or Keltie Bridge Caravan Park, it makes a solid half-day outing that gets you away from the caravan set without heading too far afield. Don't come expecting facilities - there's none - but do bring waterproofs and decent boots. The moor can turn boggy fast.