Hill of Dun, dun site

The Hill of Dun rises abruptly from the landscape near Glasgow, a Bronze Age fort that's been sitting here for roughly 3,000 years. What you're actually looking at is an Iron Age hilltop settlement - the ramparts are still visible, weathered but commanding. The views across the Lowlands from the top are genuinely worth the climb, though it's not a gentle stroll: the approach is steep in places and can be boggy depending on recent weather.

This one appeals to archaeology enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys a proper hillwalk with some historical substance attached. Kids might find it a bit underwhelming if they're expecting something more obviously ancient - there are no standing stones or reconstructed buildings, just earthworks and a good vantage point. Families staying at Loch Lomond Retreat or Lomond Woods Holiday Park (both about six miles away) could reasonably fit this in as a half-day trip, combining it with a walk elsewhere in the area.

There's no visitor centre or facilities on site. Go in decent weather - the exposed position means wind and visibility matter. Allow a couple of hours maximum if you're just doing the hill and the views. It's free, naturally, and you can turn up whenever. The real reward isn't the remains themselves but the sense of standing where people stood millennia ago, looking at much the same landscape. If you're into that sort of thing, it's well worth the detour from Glasgow.