Sheep's Cave

A proper Scottish cave, complete with the kind of damp stone walls and narrow passages that make you feel like you've stumbled somewhere genuinely remote. Sheep's Cave sits in the Aberdeenshire hills near Arbroath, and it's the sort of place that rewards a bit of effort to find - no grand visitor centre or marked trails, just you, some decent torches, and the occasional drip of water echoing off rock.

What you get is straightforward: a natural cave system that was historically used by shepherds (hence the name, though don't expect any actual sheep). The walk in takes you through proper Highland terrain - bracken, exposed rock, the kind of landscape that looks grey and moody even on decent days. Once you're inside, it's genuinely atmospheric. The cave isn't vast, but it's enough to properly explore for twenty minutes or so.

This works best for walkers and anyone who enjoys a bit of adventure away from the beaten path. Families with older kids will find it interesting; younger children might get spooked by the darkness and confined spaces, so judge your own accordingly.

The nearest proper facilities are in Arbroath, which is about forty minutes away depending on where the cave actually sits (access details are frustratingly vague). If you're staying at The Grange Glamping just down the road, this makes a decent half-day adventure - combine it with a proper walk in the surrounding hills and you've got a solid afternoon sorted.

Bring good torches, wear something waterproof, and don't expect mobile signal. It's free, obviously.