Dun da Lambh, Hillfort

A steep scramble up a heather-covered slope rewards you with the remains of an Iron Age fort that commands views across the Cairngorms. Dun da Lambh sits on a ridge above Newtonmore, and on a clear day you can see for miles - proper impressive for something so tucked away.

What you're actually looking at are the eroded ramparts of a prehistoric hilltop settlement. The defensive walls are still visible if you know what you're looking for, though they're not reconstructed or manicured like some heritage sites. You're essentially standing in the footsteps of people who lived here two thousand years ago, which gets under your skin more than any museum ever could.

This is walker territory, no question. The approach takes maybe forty minutes from Newtonmore depending on your fitness, and the path can be boggy. Families with young kids might find it a bit of a slog - it's steep enough that you'll notice it. But if you've got teenagers or you're already hiking the area, the effort pays off. The solitude is real too; you won't be jostling for position with crowds.

It's free to visit and there are no opening hours - you just go. Summer's best for avoiding the wettest conditions. If you're based at Laggan Glamping nearby, this fits nicely into a day's exploring the Highlands. Pair it with a walk round the lower glens and you've got a proper day out. Don't expect facilities or interpretation boards. This is raw archaeology.