Castle Shuna

The ruins of Castle Shuna rise from a tidal island in Loch Linnhe, a proper dramatic sight when the light hits the water properly. Getting there requires either a boat or waiting for the tide to drop enough to wade across - check before you commit, because timing is everything. What remains is a 17th-century stronghold, roofless but still commanding, with walls solid enough to remind you why the MacDougalls bothered building it in the first place.

History buffs will find the bones of the structure genuinely interesting - you can trace the layout of the tower and outbuildings if you've got an eye for that sort of thing. Families should think twice unless your kids are genuinely keen on climbing over old stones in potentially damp conditions. The journey itself is half the appeal; it's not a casual pop-in attraction.

Allow a good half-day if you're doing this properly, accounting for tide times and the effort of getting out there. There's no visitor centre or facilities on the island, so bring what you need. Oban sits only a few miles away and offers several caravan parks - Creagan Station Tourers and the Oban Camping and Caravanning Club Site are your closest options, each under five miles off. Base yourself there and make Castle Shuna a morning expedition when conditions suit. It's the sort of thing that stays with you precisely because it demands a bit of effort.