Laird's Cave

You'll find this cave tucked into the hillside near Bithnie, a proper scramble through moorland to reach it. The entrance is modest - nothing that screams 'visitor attraction' - but that's rather the point. Inside, the cave opens up enough to stand properly, with walls smoothed by centuries of water and the occasional visitor poking about with a torch.

The legend attached to Laird's Cave adds a layer of intrigue, though I'd manage expectations on the theatrical front. It's not a vast cathedral of stone. What you get instead is a genuine sense of exploring something relatively undisturbed, a place where locals have whispered stories for generations without the usual heritage centre polish.

Walkers will appreciate this most. It's a destination that rewards a proper hike across the Aberdeenshire landscape rather than a quick car park stop. Bring a torch - a decent one. The cave runs back further than initial appearances suggest, and the light quality varies depending on the time of day. Allow an hour for the walk out and back, plus twenty minutes to explore properly without rushing.

If you're based at Haughton Holiday Park, this sits within reasonable driving distance and makes a decent half-day excursion. Pack layers - it's properly cool inside, and the wind across the moorland doesn't mess about. Not one for small children or anyone unsteady on rough ground, but for those who enjoy a bit of Scottish adventure with minimal crowds, it delivers the goods.