Preaching Cave

A narrow cleft in the sandstone cliffs near Blackwaterfoot on the Isle of Arran, the Preaching Cave demands a bit of scrambling to reach but rewards you with genuinely atmospheric surroundings. The cave itself isn't vast - you're looking at a modest rocky alcove rather than some sprawling underground chamber - but what makes it worth the effort is the history clinging to it. This was supposedly used by Scottish ministers in the 1600s to conduct services away from prying eyes during religious persecution. Whether that's entirely accurate or local legend has worked its magic over three centuries, it's hard to say, but the location certainly feels clandestine enough.

The approach involves clambering down to the foreshore at low tide and picking your way along the rocky beach. Wear proper shoes - the rocks are slippery and unforgiving. The cave mouth sits about 20 metres up the cliff face, accessible via a steep scramble that'll take five minutes if you're reasonably agile. Once inside, it's cramped but atmospheric, with the sound of waves below and enough space to sit and absorb the rather eerie quiet.

Walkers and history buffs will find this worthwhile, though families with young children might find the access awkward. Allow an hour or so from Blackwaterfoot. Timing matters - check the tide tables before you go. Kings Caves Glamping sits just 3.5 miles away and makes a decent base if you're exploring Arran's coastal walks and lesser-known spots.