Maeshowe

Maeshowe is a 5,000-year-old chambered cairn on Orkney, built around 2800 BC with real precision. Its entrance passage is aligned so that the midwinter solstice sunset shines straight down it and lights up the back wall of the chamber. Inside is the largest collection of Viking runic inscriptions in the world, carved by Norse crusaders who broke in during the 12th century.

You can, but only on a guided tour booked ahead through Historic Environment Scotland. Tours leave from the Maeshowe visitor centre at Stenness. The chamber is small and you reach it by crawling along the low entrance passage, which makes it all the more atmospheric. Your guide covers both the Neolithic architecture and the Viking runes.

Maeshowe is about 9 miles west of Kirkwall, roughly 15 minutes by car. It sits close to the Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, and the three are usually visited together as part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site.

The runes were cut by Norse crusaders who sheltered here around 1150 AD. They run to boasts, names and idle commentary, including claims of buried treasure, references to the Crusades, and one that reads roughly 'Ingigerth is the most beautiful of all women'. It's the largest collection of Viking runes found anywhere.