Cruggleton Castle (ruined)

A few wind-battered stones on a grassy knoll near Newton Stewart - that's Cruggleton Castle, and honestly, it's more evocative than impressive. What remains is barely two metres high in places, a jumble of red sandstone foundations that once held a 13th-century stronghold. You can walk right up to it without ceremony or fencing, which is rather nice; the castle doesn't demand reverence, just a bit of curiosity.

The real draw is the setting. It sits on a peninsula jutting into Wigtown Bay, and the walk out there - across fields with decent views - takes longer than the castle itself does to explore. All told, allow 45 minutes to an hour if you're thorough. The structure's fragmentary state means it takes some imagination to picture what was actually here, so it's better suited to history enthusiasts than casual walkers expecting dramatic ruins.

Free to visit, no facilities on site. Newton Stewart is close enough for supplies and lunch. If you're staying at Drumroamin Farm - a solid five-star park just down the road - this makes a decent afternoon excursion when the weather isn't grim. It won't blow your mind, but it's the sort of spot that rewards going slightly out of your way, especially if you've already got a few days in the area. Best visited when the light's good and the midges aren't out. In winter, the bleakness suits it.