Dun Skeig, dun

The ruins of Dun Skeig sit on a steep hillside above Tarbert, and getting there is half the point. You're climbing through proper rough terrain - grass, loose stones, the lot - before you reach what's left of this Iron Age broch. The dun itself is more fragmentary than you might hope, with sections of the circular stone wall still standing shoulder-high in places, enough to give you a sense of the structure. On a clear day, the views across the loch make the scramble worthwhile.

This isn't a manicured heritage site. There are no interpretive boards, no visitor centre, no gift shop. You need a decent map or GPS to find it, and proper boots help. Walkers and archaeology enthusiasts will get the most from it - anyone looking for an easy stroll or a quick photo stop might feel disappointed. The effort required keeps crowds away, which is rather the appeal.

Allow 90 minutes return from Tarbert if you're reasonably fit, longer if you want to linger and soak in the views. It's free to visit, as most archaeological sites in this part of Argyll are. If you're staying at Port Ban Holiday Park down the road, this makes a solid morning outing before heading back for lunch. Combine it with other Iron Age sites in the area if you're keen on that period - there's plenty scattered through Argyll worth exploring.