Barry Mill

Barry Mill is a working water-powered corn mill on the Barry Burn near Carnoustie, one of the last in Scotland, on a site that ground oatmeal for almost 800 years until it closed in 1982. The present mill dates from 1814, and the National Trust for Scotland keeps the great wheel turning every day it is open, with milling demonstrations on Fridays, so you can see the machinery that fed a rural community and hear about the miller's long working day. Guides walk you through the mill floor by floor, and outside a path follows the burn past the lade and mill pond, where dippers, kingfishers, herons and woodpeckers are regulars, joining the Carnoustie path network. Reviewers single out the volunteers' knowledge and the sight of flour being made, and call it a hidden gem for members. Tips from visitors: follow the road signs rather than the sat nav to find the car park, parking is free, and the banks of the burn are good for a picnic.