The Blue Pool

The water here is genuinely striking - a deep turquoise that seems almost too vivid to be real, especially on a clear day when the light hits it properly. The Blue Pool near Macduff is a quarry lake that's been filled with water so pure and mineral-rich it's developed this extraordinary colour that stops you dead when you first spot it.

It's not a massive attraction - you're looking at a scenic spot rather than a full day's outing. Walkers and photographers are the ones who'll get the most from it; the drive out from Macduff takes barely ten minutes, and you can walk around the perimeter if you fancy stretching your legs. The water's cold enough that swimming isn't really advisable, though locals might disagree with me on that one. Allow an hour if you want to potter about and take photographs, less if you're just passing through.

The real appeal is how unusual it looks against the Aberdeenshire landscape. It's the kind of thing that works brilliantly as part of a larger park holiday rather than a solo destination. Myrus Holiday Park and Wester Bonnyton are just outside Macduff itself, making it convenient for caravanners wanting a quick walk without going far. Banff Links is another solid base nearby if you're planning a few days in the area - you could easily combine this with coastal walks and the local fishing villages.

Free to visit, naturally. Go on a day when the weather's cooperating; grey skies don't do the colour any favours.