Orchil Castle

The ruins of Orchil Castle sit on a hillside near Crieff, commanding views across Perthshire that make the short walk up worthwhile on a clear day. It's not a grand affair - more crumbling stone walls and tumbled foundations than the sort of castle you can actually wander through - but that's rather the point. Built in the 15th century, the place has the feel of genuine age rather than heritage site polish.

You'll want to allow an hour, maybe ninety minutes if you're the type who sits about reading plaques and taking photographs. The walk itself is straightforward enough, though it can be muddy after rain. History buffs will get more from it than families with restless children, if I'm honest - there's not much interactive about a ruin. What there is, though, is quiet. Standing here looking south towards the Ochil Hills, you get a proper sense of why someone built a fortress on this spot centuries ago.

Staying at Craighead Howf, just four and a half miles away, gives you a reasonable base for exploring the wider area. Braidhaugh Holiday Lodge is another option if you want caravan facilities. Both are handily placed for Crieff itself, which has shops and pubs, and neither is far from the more manicured attractions of Perthshire if you want a break from wandering ruins.

Free to visit and open to the elements year-round. Go when the weather's decent and you've got a spare hour.