Dùn a' Choin Duibh

The ruins of Dùn a' Choin Duibh sit on a headland near Tarbert, a proper scramble through bracken and rough ground that rewards you with views across the water and the bones of what was likely a broch or early fortified settlement. The stone tumble isn't dramatic - you won't find towering walls here - but there's something compelling about standing where Iron Age people once lived, looking out at the same stretch of Argyll coast they would have watched.

This is archaeology for walkers rather than casual visitors. The site demands a bit of effort to reach and offers no interpretation boards or visitor facilities, so you'll need to bring curiosity and a good map. History enthusiasts will find it rewarding; families with young children might find the walk and lack of defined features a bit underwhelming. Allow an hour to get there and back from Tarbert, plus time to poke around the ruins themselves.

If you're based at Tarbert Holiday Park, just 2.5 miles away, or one of the excellent nearby options like The Gather or Port Ban, this makes a solid half-morning venture. Pair it with a coastal walk along the peninsula - the terrain around here is cracking for getting away from the main routes. Go when the weather's decent because the exposed headland gets windy, and bring decent boots. It's free to visit, as these archaeological sites usually are, and worth the detour if you're into Bronze Age settlements and don't mind getting your feet muddy.