Towie War Memorial

The stone rises quite suddenly on the hill above Aboyne, a stark reminder of what the First World War cost this corner of Aberdeenshire. Towie War Memorial isn't grand or ornate - it's a straightforward granite column that speaks through understatement rather than flourish, which feels appropriate for a rural community that lost sons and brothers it couldn't afford to lose.

You'll find it's mainly a walking destination. The memorial sits above the village, so most visitors approach on foot, which gives the visit a proper sense of pilgrimage rather than casual tourism. The walk itself is pleasant enough, with decent views across the Dee Valley once you're up there. Spend fifteen minutes at the memorial itself - read the names, take a moment - then another twenty if you fancy wandering the surrounding ground.

This appeals most to history buffs and anyone interested in how rural Scotland was shaped by the wars. Families with older children who've studied the period might find it moving. It's free to visit and there's no set opening hours, which means you can go whenever you're in the area.

If you're camping or glamping at Cairngorms Glamping & Campsite nearby, it makes a worthwhile half-hour detour from a day exploring the Highlands. Pair it with walking in the wider Aboyne area rather than treating it as a destination unto itself. The memorial works best as part of a bigger picture, not as the main event.