Càrn na Cuimhne - Farquharson Cairn

A modest stone cairn tucked into the Aberdeenshire forest near Ballater, Càrn na Cuimhne marks the spot where Colonel Farquharson was buried after the Battle of Culloden in 1746. There's not much to it, frankly - a pile of stones in the woods - but what it represents carries weight. You won't find visitor facilities or interpretation boards here. It's just the cairn, the trees, and the history.

Walkers exploring the forest tracks around this area will stumble across it relatively easily, though it requires knowing where to look or asking locals. The appeal lies entirely in the story rather than the structure itself. Those with an interest in Jacobite history will find it sobering; families with young kids might find it underwhelming unless you're prepared to tell them why it matters. Allow 20 minutes if you're making a dedicated trip, though honestly it works best as a detour during a longer forest walk.

The setting is lovely enough - proper Highland woodland - but it's not a destination in itself. Combine it with time at Braemar Caravan Park, just five or so miles away, and use it as part of a broader exploration of the area's Jacobite heritage. The forest here is decent for walking regardless, so don't let the cairn's modesty put you off if you're in the region. It's the kind of place that lingers in the mind more than it impresses on the day.