Shakkin' Brig

The bridge spans the Water of Cowie with a wobble that's genuinely unnerving - hence the name. It's a modest stone crossing near Laurencekirk, and the moment you step onto it, you understand exactly why locals call it Shakkin' Brig. The whole structure moves fractionally underfoot, which is either thrilling or mildly alarming depending on your nerve.

It's not a major attraction - you won't spend hours here - but it's the sort of thing that makes for a decent short walk if you're staying in the area. The approach through farmland is pleasant enough, and there's something oddly compelling about a bridge that actually feels alive. Kids find it entertaining, especially if they're at that age where minor peril seems hilarious. For serious historians or architecture buffs, it's less interesting - the engineering quirk is the whole point.

If you're based at Dovecot Caravan Park or Royal Arch Riverside Park, both within a few miles, it's worth a half-hour detour. Go when the water's high after rain - it adds to the sense that the bridge is genuinely working hard to stay put. Bring proper footwear because the approach can get muddy. There's no visitor facility or admission charge, just access to the bridge itself. Don't expect signs or facilities, but do expect a slightly unsettling experience that's altogether more interesting than the usual roadside landmark.