Fortingall Yew Tree

You'll find yourself in a small kirkyard in the village of Fortingall, about three miles south of Pitlochry, standing in front of what might be Britain's oldest living thing. The Fortingall Yew is genuinely massive - a gnarled, ancient tree with a trunk so broad you could practically live inside it. We're talking something between 3,000 and 5,000 years old, depending on which expert you ask. The tree itself is now fenced off to protect it, but that hardly matters. You get the sense of age just looking at it.

It's free to visit, naturally, and takes about twenty minutes unless you're the type who sits on the grass working out whether you're actually touching something older than the Romans. The kirkyard is peaceful, with proper old gravestones around it, which adds to the atmosphere rather nicely. Kids will find it impressive for a bit - there's something about standing next to something genuinely ancient that gets to them - but they'll probably lose interest once they've taken a photo.

Historically minded visitors will get more from it. Local legend insists Pontius Pilate was born here, which is absolute tosh, but the tree itself has earned its place in records going back centuries. If you're staying at Glengoulandie Camping just down the road, it's well worth the short drive. Pair it with a proper walk in the Tay Valley or a visit to Pitlochry itself for a fuller day out.