Duchess of Gordon's Monument

A granite obelisk rising from the moorland near Aviemore marks where the Duchess of Gordon once stood - or rather, where locals decided to commemorate her in 1812. It's a proper bit of Highland history that most visitors miss entirely, tucked away on the hills above the valley.

The monument itself is modest but striking against the landscape. You're looking at a tall stone shaft in the middle of nowhere, with views across the Spey Valley that frankly dwarf the memorial itself. The walk to reach it is the real draw - nothing too strenuous, but enough to get you away from the main drag through Aviemore.

History buffs will appreciate the connection to the local aristocracy and the story of why she warranted a monument. Everyone else will find themselves thinking more about the Highlands rolling away beneath their feet than the duchess in question. It's the kind of spot walkers stumble upon and photographers linger at, especially on clear days.

Free to visit, of course - there's no charge for standing in a field. Allow an hour for the walk and a potter around. Best tackled as part of a broader ramble rather than a destination in itself. If you're staying at nearby Dalraddy Holiday Park, it's worth incorporating into a morning's exploration of the local hills. Winter can be boggy, so pick your footing carefully. Quiet and unpretentious - which is precisely why it works.