William Bald

The William Bald monument sits quietly on the Fife coast near Burntisland, a modest stone memorial to a man whose name has largely faded from public memory. He was a ship's captain, lost at sea in the 19th century, and the locals decided he deserved marking - the sort of thing communities did back then without waiting for plaques and Heritage Centre funding.

It's not a destination that will consume your afternoon. You'll arrive, read the inscription if the light's decent, take a photo, and move on. Twenty minutes tops. But if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Pettycur Bay is practically next door at under two miles away - it's a worthwhile wander between breakfast and lunch. The coastal walk to reach it matters more than the monument itself; you get proper sea air and views across the Firth of Forth.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the period detail, though there's no visitor centre or interpretation boards. It's just you and a piece of stone and whatever stories you imagine. Children will find it underwhelming unless they're genuinely interested in maritime history. Walkers, though, should absolutely include this in a longer coastal ramble - it's a legitimate waypoint rather than a destination in itself.

The nearest town is Burntisland, which has actual amenities if you need coffee before or after. Don't expect much fanfare or facilities at the monument itself. That's partly its charm.