Meigle and Glen Isla

Fifteen miles north of Dundee on the B954 lies the tiny settlement of MEIGLE, home to Scotland's most important collection of early Christian and Pictish inscribed stones. Housed in a modest former schoolhouse, the Meigle Museum (April-Nov daily 9.30am-6pm; HS; £2) displays some thirty pieces dating from the seventh to the tenth centuries, all found in and around the nearby churchyard. The majority are either gravestones that would have lain flat, or cross slabs inscribed with the sign of the cross, usually standing. Most impressive is the 7ft-tall great cross slab, said to be the gravestone of Guinevere, wife of King Arthur, carved on one side with a portrayal of Daniel surrounded by lions, a beautifully executed equestrian group, and mythological creatures including a dragon and a centaur.

Three miles north of Meigle is Alyth, near which, legend has it, Guinevere was held captive by Mordred. The sleepy village lies at the south end of Glen Isla, which runs parallel to Glen Shee and is linked to it by the A926. The tiny hamlet of KIRKTON OF GLENISLA is ten miles or so up the glen. Here, the cosy Glenisla Hotel (tel 01575/582223, www.glenisla-hotel.co.uk; £60-70) is great for classy bar meals and convivial drinking. In the nearby Glenisla forest there are some hiking trails, while just before Kirkton, a turn-off on the right-hand side leads northeast up a long bumpy road to the unexpected Glenmarkie Farmhouse Health Spa and Equestrian Centre (tel 01575/582295; £40-50) which offers pedicures and pony trekking.