St Cyrus War Memorial

The memorial sits on a grassy knoll above Montrose, a simple stone monument that stops you in your tracks. It's the sort of place where you feel obliged to pause, even if you're just passing through on the coastal road from Aberdeen. The names carved into it tell the story of a small community that gave far more than its fair share during the world wars.

You can walk up to it in minutes from the car park - proper straightforward, no scrambling about. The view across the Mearns is genuinely worth the few minutes it takes, especially if the light's good. There's a bench, which locals clearly use. On a quiet afternoon, you might find yourself alone with just the names and the wind.

This isn't a grand affair with visitor facilities or gift shops. It's intimate and understated, which is rather the point. History enthusiasts will appreciate the craftsmanship, though there's not masses to read on site - you might want to research the regiments beforehand if you're keen on that sort of detail. Families won't find it a long stop, but it's worth including if you're in the area for the beaches.

St Cyrus Holiday Park sits barely a mile away, so it's an easy morning walk from a base there. Royal Arch Riverside Park over in Montrose proper is also within striking distance. Either way, combining it with a coastal ramble makes proper sense. Free, naturally, and you can visit whenever you fancy.