Airds Castle

The ruins of Airds Castle sit on a rocky promontory near Campbeltown, commanding views over the Kintyre peninsula. What you find here are the remains of a 13th-century stronghold - crumbling walls and a handful of standing stones that speak more to the patience of archaeologists than the grandeur of its past. Don't expect a fully reconstructed castle with gift shop and tearoom. This is the real thing - just you, the wind, and centuries-old stonework.

History buffs will appreciate the challenge of piecing together how this fortress functioned, sitting as it does on a defensive position that clearly mattered to medieval Argyll. The walk out to the site itself is worthwhile, with decent coastal views along the way. It's not a destination that will swallow an afternoon, mind you. A decent explore takes 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how much you want to scramble about.

If you're based at Carradale Bay Holiday Park just down the road - and it's rated highly for good reason - Airds Castle makes an easy morning or late afternoon detour. The lack of crowds means you'll have the place to yourself, which is rather the appeal. Bring sturdy shoes; the ground gets boggy and uneven. Summer's your best bet for access, though even then it's not what you'd call easy going. Locals can point you in the right direction from Campbeltown if signage has fallen away, which it often does in these parts.