Dunadd

You'll spot Dunadd from miles away - a craggy lump rising 150 metres out of the Crinan Moss like something left over from the Ice Age. It's one of those peaks that looks impossible until you're actually climbing it, then you realise it's a proper scramble but entirely doable for anyone with reasonable fitness.

The fort itself dates back to around 500 AD when it was the royal stronghold of Dál Riata, the ancient Scottish kingdom. Carved into the rock near the summit is a footprint - literally someone's foot pressed into the stone - which historians reckon was used in coronation ceremonies. Standing there running your own boot into that groove, you get a genuine sense of connection to something genuinely old.

Allow ninety minutes for the round trip from the car park, though you could spend longer pottering about the ramparts and soaking in views across to the Paps of Jura. The ascent gets steep in the final push and the rocks can be slippery, so it's not ideal for very young children, but anyone ten and up will manage fine. Bring proper walking boots - trainers will leave you scrambling.

It's free to visit and genuinely worth the detour. Lochgilphead sits just three miles south, making this an excellent afternoon activity if you're staying at The Pod Over By or Lochgilphead Caravan Park. Best in dry weather - there's nothing much to shelter under up there once the rain rolls in.