Dunadd Fort

The walk up Dunadd Fort takes about ten minutes if you're reasonably fit, which means most people will tackle it without drama. What you're climbing towards is a proper piece of Scottish archaeology - a rocky outcrop in the Moine Mhor valley near Lochgilphead that once served as a fortress for the ancient kingdom of Dál Riata, back when Irish settlers had made Argyll their own.

At the summit you'll find mysterious carved symbols: a boar, some footprints, an ogham inscription. Nobody's entirely sure what they all meant, which is oddly satisfying - there's something rather nice about standing on ancient ground and being genuinely uncertain. The views across the flat peatland towards Crinan are excellent, especially on a clear day.

History buffs will find themselves properly engaged here. For families, it depends on the kids - under fives might struggle with the climb and get bored quickly once they're up there, but eight-year-olds onwards tend to find the carvings genuinely interesting. Walkers will appreciate the straightforward hike and the 360-degree vistas.

It's free to visit and you can turn up any time - there's no gatehouse or set hours. Allow an hour including the walk and a proper poke around the summit. The Pod Over By is your closest overnight option at just 1.2 miles away, making it an easy addition to a park-based holiday. Lochgilphead Caravan Park sits 3.7 miles off if you prefer something larger. Either way, this is worth the twenty-minute detour from the main road.