The Witches Stone

There's a weathered slab of stone standing alone near Forres that marks one of Scotland's darker moments. The Witches Stone is a modest memorial to the women executed during the 17th-century witch trials - a brutal chapter that claimed lives across Aberdeenshire. You won't find crowds here, which feels appropriate somehow.

The stone itself is plain but powerful. It sits quietly by the roadside, easy to miss if you're not looking for it, but once you know it's there the weight of it hits differently. This isn't a place for lengthy lingering - most people spend twenty minutes taking it in - but it's worth the detour if you're exploring the Forres area.

Historically minded visitors will get the most from a stop here, particularly those interested in Scottish folklore and the hysteria that gripped communities during this period. It's the sort of landmark that prompts proper reflection rather than Instagram moments. Kids might find it a bit grim, though older teenagers studying this era at school would find it genuinely educational.

If you're staying at The Loft Glamping & Camping just down the road - a solid 4.2-star spot about 3.5 miles away - you could easily work this into a morning walk around Forres. Pair it with a wander through the town itself and you've got a half-day that feels genuinely Scottish rather than touristy. Free to visit, open whenever you fancy passing by. It's one of those places that sticks with you longer than the time you spend there.