Dinosaur footprint Blackwaterfoot

The beach at Blackwaterfoot on the Isle of Arran holds something rather special if you know where to look - dinosaur footprints pressed into the ancient rock face. They're small, weathered impressions left by creatures that walked here roughly 200 million years ago, which still manages to feel genuinely extraordinary when you're standing right in front of them.

It's free to visit and takes about an hour if you're not rushing. The prints are best seen at low tide, so timing matters - check the tidal charts before you head down. The walk itself is straightforward enough: Blackwaterfoot beach is accessible and the prints are on the foreshore, though the light-coloured sandstone where they're found can be tricky to spot until your eyes adjust. Bring proper shoes because the rocks are slippery when wet.

This appeals most to kids obsessed with dinosaurs or geology enthusiasts who enjoy that hands-on experience of actually seeing evidence rather than just reading about it. Adults with no particular interest in prehistoric life might find it a bit underwhelming - the prints aren't dramatic or particularly large. But families staying at Kings Caves Glamping nearby will find it a worthwhile add-on to a day exploring Arran's beaches. Don't expect a visitor centre or interpretation panels; there's nothing there except the rocks and the history. That's rather the point. Combine it with a proper walk along the coast or a picnic and you've got a decent morning sorted.