Dun Mor, dun site

The crumbling stone rings of Dun Mor sit quietly on a hillside near Lochgilphead, waiting for the few visitors who actually know they're there. It's an Iron Age fort - what's left of one, anyway - and the ramparts are still impressive enough to give you a real sense of how well-chosen the defensive position was. You can walk right up to the site without any fuss or barriers; it's completely free and open whenever you fancy.

What you're looking at is an ancient settlement that would have been properly fortified when it was in use. The banks are still visible, though time and weather have done their work. It's not a grand tourist experience with interpretation boards everywhere - far from it. If you come here expecting reconstructions or a visitor centre, you'll be disappointed. But if you enjoy reading the landscape and imagining Iron Age life, this is exactly the sort of place that rewards a quiet wander.

History types and serious walkers will get the most from Dun Mor. Children might find it a bit abstract unless you're good at bringing ancient sites to life. Allow half an hour, maybe forty minutes if you're exploring the wider area. It's well worth combining with a stay at Lochgilphead Caravan Park - just a mile and a half away - and using it as a starting point for walks around Argyll. The Pod Over By, a bit further out, also makes a decent base if you're planning several archaeological visits in the region. Go on a clear day if you can; the views from the fort justify the trip on their own.