Lundy WWII Decoy Site

You'll find the crumbling remains of a Second World War decoy site on Lundy, a windswept island off the Scottish coast accessible from Fort William. It's properly atmospheric - concrete gun emplacements and rusted metal structures scattered across moorland, designed to draw German bombers away from the real targets on the mainland. The site itself is free to explore, though you'll need to factor in ferry costs and timing to actually reach the island.

This is one for military history enthusiasts and walkers who don't mind a bit of scrambling over uneven ground. Most people spend two to three hours picking through the remains, though you could easily extend that if the weather holds and you fancy longer walks across the island. There's something compelling about standing among these forgotten defences - you get a genuine sense of wartime anxiety and ingenuity, even if the structures are now just shadows of their former selves.

If you're based at Ben Nevis Holiday Park or Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park near Fort William, the decoy site works as a half-day excursion combined with island exploration. Check ferry schedules beforehand - they don't run in rough weather, and daylight hours matter. Spring through autumn is your window. It won't thrill everyone, but if you're after something beyond the typical Highland tourist trail and you've got a genuine interest in WWII heritage, it's well worth the effort.