Shielings

The Shielings are ancient stone bothies scattered across the moorland above Newtonmore, and walking out to find them feels genuinely like stumbling onto something forgotten. These low-roofed shelters were built by drovers and herders centuries ago - practical, spare structures that tell you everything about how people survived in the Highlands without fuss or comfort.

You won't find much signposting, which is part of the appeal. The walk itself is the thing - moorland tracks leading up into proper wilderness, with the Monadhliath mountains rising around you. Most people allow two to three hours for a decent circuit, though you can make it shorter depending on which bothies you're after. It's free, naturally, and open year-round, though the paths turn boggy in wet weather and spring snow can linger longer than you'd expect.

History types and serious walkers will get the most from this. Kids might find one or two of the ruins interesting, but they won't hold attention for long - it's not a destination with facilities or interpretation boards. What you're really doing is connecting with how the Highlands worked centuries back, and that matters more if you're interested in that sort of thing.

Stay at Invernahavon Caravan Park just outside Newtonmore - it's excellent and only three and a half miles away - and pair this walk with the Speyside Way or a day exploring Cairngorms National Park. It's the kind of walk that rewards those who like their history raw and their paths quiet.