Campbells' Paper Caves

The caves themselves are modest - a series of small rock shelters cut into the hillside above Dunoon, nothing like the cathedral-sized caverns you might be imagining. But that's rather the point. What makes Campbells' Paper Caves worth the scramble is the archaeological story tucked into these alcoves. This is where people actually lived, leaving behind evidence of occupation that reaches back centuries. The setting is lovely, with views down towards Loch Eck, and the walk up from nearby Stratheck Holiday Park or Loch Eck Caravan Park takes maybe twenty minutes if you're not rushing.

You won't find much in the way of signage or interpretation - this is proper rough archaeology, not a polished visitor attraction. That means it appeals most to history types and walkers who enjoy piecing together stories from the landscape itself. Kids might get a kick out of exploring the actual caves, though there's not masses to see once you're there. Allow an hour including the walk, longer if you want to sit about and take in the view.

The real value is in context. If you're basing yourself at one of the caravan parks around Loch Eck for a few days, this breaks up a walk nicely and adds a genuine historical angle to what might otherwise be a pretty but undramatic corner of Argyll. It's not a destination in itself, but it's the sort of place that makes a proper day out when you've got time to explore the whole area properly.