Moy Castle

Moy Castle sits on a rocky outcrop on the Isle of Mull, a proper fortress that's been weathering Atlantic storms since the 13th century. What you're actually looking at is a compact, three-storey keep surrounded by rugged Argyll coastline - not some sprawling palace, but it packs genuine medieval punch. The setting is what makes it: raw cliff edges, no safety railings, and views across to neighboring islands that remind you why anyone bothered defending this windswept corner in the first place.

Getting here requires a bit of effort, which keeps the crowds away. You'll need to locate it near the small settlements on Mull's eastern shore, then either walk the coastal paths or navigate local roads to reach the vantage point. It's not a place where you can roll up by car and stroll straight through - there's no visitor infrastructure, no gift shop, no opening hours to check. That's either refreshing or frustrating depending on your mood. Families with young kids might find the rough approach and lack of interpretation a bit thin, but walkers who enjoy hunting down Scotland's scrappier historical bits will rate it highly. Allow a couple of hours including the journey from wherever you're based, longer if you're combining it with coastal exploration.

If you're staying at Port nan Gael Campsite on Mull, Moy Castle makes a cracking half-day expedition. It's the sort of spot that rewards a bit of independence - bring decent shoes, check the tides if you're approaching via the shore, and don't expect grand facilities. What you get is authenticity and solitude.