Wester Echt

You'll find Wester Echt tucked away in the Aberdeenshire countryside near Garlogie, and it's the kind of place that rewards a bit of detective work. This is a proper archaeological site - the remains of a Bronze Age settlement that's been sitting here for thousands of years, quietly going about its business while walkers pass by. What you're looking at are the faint traces of ancient hut circles and field systems, the sort of thing that makes you pause and think about who was living on this land when it was wild moorland.

It's not a spectacle. There's no visitor centre, no rope barriers, no interpretation boards telling you what to think. You turn up, you look at the ground, you use your imagination. That's precisely why it appeals to archaeology enthusiasts and proper walkers - the ones who enjoy piecing together stories from fragments. Kids might find it underwhelming unless they're already into that sort of thing, to be honest.

The walk itself is pleasant enough, taking you through typical Highland terrain with reasonable views. There's free access as far as I'm aware, though you'll need to check locally before you go - these sites can be unpredictable about access rights. Allow an hour or so if you're taking your time with it.

Stay nearby at Hillhead Caravan Park and you're well-positioned for exploring this quieter corner of Aberdeenshire. It's not a destination in itself, but as part of a broader ramble through archaeological Aberdeenshire, it's absolutely worth the diversion.