Pulpit Rock

There's a proper sense of remoteness when you're scrambling up to Pulpit Rock near Tain. This isn't a manicured heritage site with interpretation boards - it's a genuine archaeological find that demands a bit of effort to reach. The rock itself is an Iron Age broch, and standing there you understand why ancient communities chose this spot. The views across the Moray Firth are commanding, the kind that make you feel small and connected to whoever lived here two thousand years ago.

The walk isn't difficult but it's not flat either, so allow a solid hour to get up and back down. Bring proper footwear. This is best for walkers with a genuine interest in Scottish archaeology rather than casual visitors expecting signage and facilities - there aren't any. Families with older kids who enjoy a genuine scramble will get a real kick out of it though. It's absolutely free.

The surrounding landscape matters. You're in genuine Highland terrain, and combining this with a stay at one of the nearby parks - Dornoch Firth Caravan Park is less than two miles away - makes sense. From there you're well positioned for exploring Tain itself, which has its own medieval history, and the wider Easter Ross region. The Dornoch area has plenty of other walks and sites if you're building a proper weekend around archaeology and landscape. Go when the weather's settled. Midges can be vicious in July and August.