Morton Castle

The ruins sprawl across a ridge above the Water of Scar, about three miles south of Thornhill - a proper medieval statement that's been crumbling for centuries and somehow looks more impressive for it. What you're actually walking around is the skeletal remains of a 14th-century castle, built by the Douglas family when they basically owned half of southern Scotland. The stonework's gone mostly to rubble, but the earthworks are still commanding: you can trace the old fortifications, pick out where the gatehouse stood, imagine the defensive logic of the site.

It's a walker's destination rather than a tourist attraction with facilities. You'll need a proper pair of boots - the approach winds through rough ground and the final push up to the ruins involves genuine climbing. Once there, the views across the rolling Dumfries and Galloway landscape justify the effort. Allow forty minutes to an hour on site if you're the type to poke about in the stones and read the interpretation board.

Who'll enjoy this? History enthusiasts and serious walkers, absolutely. Families with small children might find it a bit underwhelming - there's no safe play area and the ruins themselves are scattered and potentially hazardous. The free admission helps, and there's no ticketing nonsense.

If you're basing yourself at Penpont Holiday Park just down the road, it's a cracking morning out before heading back for lunch. Worth the detour if you're into Douglas family history or Scottish medieval fortifications. Otherwise it's pleasant enough but not a destination in itself.