Machrie Moor Standing Stones

You'll find yourself on a windswept stretch of moorland on the Isle of Arran, surrounded by six standing stones that have been here for about 4,500 years. They're not tall or dramatic - some are quite modest, honestly - but there's something about their age and the sheer emptiness around them that gets under your skin. The walk out here takes you across open ground with views toward the coast, and you can easily spend an hour picking your way between the stones, trying to imagine what they meant to whoever erected them.

It's a fairly low-key attraction, which suits it. You won't find facilities or explanatory panels, just the stones and the landscape. Walkers will appreciate the moorland trek, and anyone interested in prehistoric Scotland will find it worthwhile, though don't expect the drama of somewhere like Callanish. The moorland itself is the real draw - wild and quiet.

There's no admission charge because there's nothing to pay at. Allow a couple of hours if you're walking from the nearest parking area and want to take your time. Autumn and spring tend to be best - summer can get a bit boggy after rain, and winter's a proper slog in bad weather. Kings Caves Glamping sits just under a mile away, making it a straightforward excursion if you're based there for a wider Arran holiday. Frankly, it's worth the detour if you're already on the island.