Castle Rusky (ruins)

The ruins of Castle Rusty sit on a low rise near Callander, a proper ghost of Scottish medieval ambition. What's left - crumbling stone walls and the shadowy outline of what was once a defensive stronghold - doesn't demand more than thirty minutes of your time, but it's the kind of place that rewards a slow wander. You get views across the Stirling area and a genuine sense of age, even if the castle itself is more historical echo than intact monument.

Historically minded visitors will find the bones of the structure interesting enough, though you'll need to bring your own interpretation since there's minimal signage on site. Children might spend ten minutes clambering about before growing restless. The real appeal is the walk itself - it's accessible enough for most fitness levels, and the surrounding landscape gives you proper Lowlands scenery without the tourist crush.

If you're staying at Callander Woods Holiday Park or Keltie Bridge Caravan Park - both excellent bases - Castle Rusty works as a half-hour detour rather than a destination in itself. Free to visit, no facilities on site, and best tackled on a dry day because the ground gets boggy. Go in late afternoon when the light's good for photography and you're unlikely to encounter crowds. It's the sort of spot that appeals to walkers combining several smaller attractions rather than those after a day-long experience.