Free to Visit

The Old Bridge of Livet is a beautifully weathered packhorse bridge dating to at least the 18th century, sitting quietly just a mile from Glenlivet Distillery. Once built with three arches, only two survive today after the devastating Muckle Spate of 1829. Its high central arch, mossy stones, and woodland setting make it one of Glenlivet’s most charming little historic spots easy to miss, but unforgettable when found

Blairfindy Castle is a late‑1500s L‑plan tower house built for the Gordon family and later used as a hunting seat by the Earls of Huntly. Burned after the Jacobite rising of 1745 and left derelict for centuries, it has now been carefully conserved, allowing visitors to step inside its atmospheric stone shell. Set above the River Livet and surrounded by rolling hills, it’s a quiet, evocative stop full of history and Highland character

Drumin Castle stands on a steep ridge overlooking the Livet and Avon, built in the late 1300s for the powerful Stewart family and later held by the Gordons. Though now a ruin, its thick stone walls, vaulted cellar, fireplaces, and surviving parapet fragments give a vivid sense of medieval life. The site is peaceful, scenic, and perfect for a short wander with a strong sense of history

Lady Hill rises above the centre of Elgin as a small but striking landmark crowned by the Duke of Gordon’s Monument. Beneath the column lie the remains of a medieval motte and bailey castle dating back to the 11th–12th century, once occupied by King Edward I and later destroyed during the Wars of Independence. Today it’s an easy, rewarding climb offering panoramic views across Moray and a tangible sense of Elgin’s layered past.

Randolph’s Leap is one of those places where history, legend, and raw Highland landscape collide. The walk is short but packed with drama roaring water, ancient forest, and a story that’s been told for centuries. It’s perfect for a quick adventure, a family outing, or a peaceful nature escape.

Take a leap into local folklore and discover the hostory on the trails of the River Finhorn.

Findlater Castle is a dramatic cliffside ruin on the Moray Firth coast, offering stunning views, rich medieval history, and a rugged walking experience ideal for adventurous visitors. Highlights Clifftop Fortress : Perched on a 50-foot-high outcrop, Findlater Castle was once a formidable stronghold with sheer drops on three sides and a drawbridge for defense. Historic Drama : Linked to Alexander III, Mary Queen of Scots, and the Ogilvie and Gordon families, the castle played

East Aquhorthies Stone Circle is one of Scotland’s best-preserved recumbent stone circles, offering mystical ambience, panoramic views, and easy access near Inverurie. Highlights Complete Recumbent Stone Circle : Unlike many sites, East Aquhorthies retains its full ring of stones, including the massive recumbent stone flanked by upright grey granite pillars. Unique Stone Selection : Most stones are pinkish porphyry, but the recumbent is red granite from Bennachie, and one is

The Dyce Symbol Stones are a pair of enigmatic Pictish carvings housed in a quiet chapel ruin near Aberdeen, offering a blend of myth, mystery, and medieval artistry. Highlights Two Main Stones : Dyce I (c. AD 600): Features classic Pictish symbols like the “swimming beast” and the double disc with Z-rod. Dyce II (c. AD 700–800): A cross-slab with intricate interlace carvings and a rare Ogham inscription , possibly introduced by Irish missionaries. Setting : Displayed insid

The Maiden Stone near Inverurie is a striking Pictish monument with mythic allure, intricate carvings, and easy access best viewed April to October. Highlights Class II Pictish Cross-Slab : Carved from red granite, this 3-meter-high stone features a ring-headed cross, mythical beasts, and iconic Pictish symbols like the mirror and comb, Z-rod, and centaur-like figures. Legend of the Maiden : Local lore tells of a laird’s daughter who lost a bet with the devil and was turned t

The Brandsbutt Stone in Inverurie is a striking Class I Pictish monument featuring mysterious symbols and rare ogham script—perfect for a quick, lore-rich stop on a heritage trail. Highlights Class I Pictish Stone : Carved around AD 600, this dark whinstone slab features classic Pictish symbols— a crescent and V-rod above a serpent and Z-rod —etched with bold precision. Ogham Inscription : Along the left edge runs an ogham script reading IRATADDOARENS , possibly referencing E

The Wellington Bomber Viewpoint near Loch Ness commemorates the dramatic 1985 recovery of a WWII aircraft from the loch’s depths. It offers historical insight, scenic views, and a peaceful stop for reflection Highlights Historic Aircraft : The viewpoint honours Wellington Bomber N2980 , which ditched into Loch Ness during a training flight on 31 December 1940. It was recovered intact in 1985 and is now housed at Brooklands Museum. Interpretive Signage : On-site panels share t

The Falls of Bruar offer a scenic woodland walk with dramatic waterfalls, historic stone bridges, and easy access from the House of Bruar. It’s free to visit, open year-round, and ideal for a short nature escape in Perthshire. Highlights Series of waterfalls : Set in a forested gorge, the falls cascade through dramatic rock formations. Historic bridges : Two picturesque stone bridges offer stunning views and photo opportunities. Circular walking trail : A 1.5-mile loop takes

Standing proudly at the junction of High Street and Station Road, this polished granite Celtic Cross honours the 83 local souls lost in the World Wars. Dedicated in 1921, it bears the badge of the Cameron Highlanders and a Gaelic inscription: Air Chuimhne Nan Sonn Nach Maireann —“In memory of the heroes who are no more.” Surrounded by gardens, it remains a place of quiet reflection and enduring gratitude Highlights Striking Celtic Cross in polished grey granite, featuring th

Queen’s View offers one of Scotland’s most iconic panoramas, gazing westward over Loch Tummel toward the distant peaks of Glencoe. Though Queen Victoria visited in 1866 and assumed it was named for her, the viewpoint is more likely a tribute to Queen Isabella, wife of Robert the Bruce Highlights Breathtaking Vista : Overlooks Loch Tummel with views stretching to Schiehallion and the distant Glencoe mountains—often called Scotland’s finest view . Royal Connection : Named for Q

Tucked within the dramatic Pass of Killiecrankie near Pitlochry lies Soldier’s Leap, a legendary spot steeped in history and Highland folklore. During the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689, government soldier Donald McBane is said to have made a desperate 18-foot leap across the River Garry to escape pursuing Jacobite forces. Highlights Soldier’s Leap : The legendary 18-foot jump by Redcoat Donald McBane during the 1689 Battle of Killiecrankie. Killiecrankie Gorge : A stunning

Nestled in the heart of Moray, the Fochabers Folk Museum offers a captivating glimpse into everyday life in northeast Scotland during the 18th to 20th centuries. Opened in 1984, this charming museum showcases an eclectic collection of carriages, agricultural tools, vintage clothing, and domestic artifacts. Visitors can step back in time with a recreated 19th-century schoolroom honouring Alexander Milne, founder of Milne’s Free School, and explore the wartime legacy of RAF Dal

Nestled in the quiet village of Rhynie in Aberdeenshire, a remarkable collection of carved stones tells tales from over 1,000 years ago....

The Watchers is a striking art installation located on the A939 Lecht Road in the Cairngorms National Park, near Corgarff Castle in Aberdeenshire. Created by artist John Kennedy, this installation features four sculptural cowls made from folded steel, each sheltering a larch wood seat. Highlights The cowls resemble origami-like forms and are designed to offer protection from the wind and snow, evoking imagery such as: Helmets or armoured figures A henge or standing stones A h

Nestled near the peaceful shores of Loch Kinord in Aberdeenshire, the Kinord Cross is a beautifully carved stone from the 9th century. It...