Tor Castle

Perched on a rocky outcrop near Forres, Tor Castle is essentially a pile of stones with a view - but it's a genuinely compelling pile of stones if you're into Iron Age forts. What you're looking at are the remains of a broch, that distinctly Scottish circular fortification, though calling it a 'castle' is rather generous marketing. The site itself is free and accessible year-round, which is the best part.

Getting up there involves a short, steep climb through heathland - nothing requiring specialist kit, but it's not a doddle either. Once you reach the top, you get proper views across the Moray Firth and towards the Cairngorms on a clear day. The fort's stone walls are still visible, enough to understand the layout if you squint a bit and have done some homework beforehand.

History buffs will find it worthwhile, particularly if you're comparing Iron Age settlements across the Highlands. Families with young children might get twenty minutes out of it before the novelty wears off. Walkers combining it with a wider loop through the countryside will appreciate the detour.

If you're staying at The Loft Glamping & Camping six miles away, it's an easy afternoon out. Allow an hour total - twenty minutes up, twenty minutes looking about, twenty down. Bring decent shoes, not trainers. Winter's a bit grim up here, so aim for April through September if you want to see the landscape rather than fog.