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

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

After taking a tour round Culloden Battlefield or just a day out in Inverness, the Battlefield Bar& Restaurant is the perfect lunch day out. Monday : 12-9pm Tuesday : 12-9pm Wednesday : 12-9pm Thursday : 12-9pm Friday : 12-11pm Saturday : 12-11pm Sunday : 12-9pm Ferghas Eats After a quiet walk across the moor, Ferghas the Coo stepped into the Battlefield Bar—muddy hooves, thoughtful eyes. He ordered the Highland steak pie, served piping hot with mash and gravy. As he at

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

Farm Ness near Inverness offers a hands-on, family-friendly experience with Highland cows, alpacas, play areas, and stunning views of Loch Ness. It’s open daily from 9am to 5pm and ideal for kids, nature lovers, and curious travelers. Highlights Meet the Highland cows : Iconic shaggy beasts you can feed through the Insta Cow pipe. Animal encounters : Includes alpacas, pygmy goats, rare breed pigs, and rabbits. Play areas : Features sand pits, play tractors, and the Highlands’

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

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...

Tomnaverie Stone Circle, built around 2500 BC in Aberdeenshire, is a Bronze Age recumbent stone circle featuring a 6.5-ton horizontal stone flanked by uprights, surrounding a burial cairn used for cremations and aligned with lunar events and the distant peak of Lochnagar Highlights Large stone table 360 degree over watch of valley Also features reconnaissance shelter from cold war era Practical Information Car park enough for 8 cars Picnic benches available Seating points ava

Perched on the Moray Firth coast near Lossiemouth, Covesea Viewpoint offers breath-taking panoramic views of rugged cliffs, sweeping beaches, and the iconic Covesea Skerries Lighthouse. This scenic spot is perfect for wildlife watchers, history buffs, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape. From here, you can glimpse RAF aircraft overhead or simply soak in the dramatic coastal beauty that has inspired generations. Highlights High viewpoint Good for wildlife watching Practical I

Roseisle Beach and Forest Walk is a scenic coastal spot on the Moray Coast, nestled between Burghead and Findhorn. Offering sandy shores, pine-scented woodland trails and wildlife-rich paths perfect for walking, cycling, and family picnics. Highlights Picnic areas Barista Coffee Wildlife Kids play area Practical Information Large Parking area Disabled access to beach Coffee Vender onsite Tips for visitors The area is known for bug activity (it is a forest) There is BBQ desig

Tucked within a lush woodland glade, Linn Falls showers gracefully over mossy rocks into a clear, tranquil pool. Surrounded by tall trees...

Portknockie Harbour is a historic natural harbour with two basins, primarily used by leisure craft but also accommodating some small...

From a small parking area at the edge of Fochabers town there is a small walk popular with dog walkers, cold water swimmers and walking enthusiasts. While not a very long or linear walk the area is both beautiful and loved by the locals. Highlights Memorial Garden created and cared for by locals "The Sand Pit" a popular swim spot Fish ladders running up local streams Access to river Spey Practical Information Head East for garden and Ladders Head West for pools and Spey Acce

Craigellachie Bridge is a cast iron arch bridge located across the River Spey at Craigellachie, near the village of Aberlour in Moray, Scotland. The bridge was designed by the renowned civil engineer Thomas Telford and constructed between 1812 and 1814. Highlights Craigellachie Bridge is not only an important engineering feat of its time but also a significant historical landmark, showcasing the advancements in bridge construction during the early 19th century. It is consider

Erected by public subscription, the tower was built as a memorial to Admiral Lord Nelson. The foundation stone was laid by James Brodie of Brodie on the 26th of August, 1806, with coins and a parchment being placed beneath it. Highlights Forest walk winds several directions with benches along the whole trail View of Findhorn bay from peak point Practical Information The walk from the car park takes around 20-30 minutes Picnic spot at top of trail Steep walk but levels out in

Duffus Castle served as a fortress residence for over 500 years, spanning from the 1100s to the 1700s. The stone structure that stands today was constructed in the 1300s, replacing an earlier timber fortress. The Castle is a fine example of Motte fortification where by a mound is created after a low trench is dug allowing water to create an island defence. Highlights Once regarded as one of the strongest castles in Scotland, Duffus Castle fell into decay and was abandoned in

Biblical gardens are designed to reflect the plants, landscapes, and themes found in the Bible. Elgin hosts such a garden that serves both as a place of beauty and a source of inspiration. The Garden opened to the public in 1996, free to enter and is enjoyed by many throughout much of the year. Highlights Assortment of Flora chosen to create paths Various exerts from the Bible reflected in the garden set in stone Benches and seats placed around for reflection and contemplati