Sheiling For Deirdre and Naoise

A stone shelter on the banks of Loch Awe tells one of Scotland's most tragic love stories. The Sheiling for Deirdre and Naoise is a small, weathered structure - little more than four walls and a roof - but it marks the spot where two legendary figures supposedly sought refuge from a curse that doomed them from birth.

The tale itself is part Irish myth, part Scottish landscape legend. Deirdre, born under a druid's prophecy of ruin, and Naoise, the warrior who loved her, fled here to escape her father's wrath and the king's jealousy. Whether they actually stood where you're standing now is anyone's guess, but the romantic in you won't mind the ambiguity.

What you get is a modest historic site with genuine atmosphere - the kind of place that rewards a quiet few minutes rather than demanding hours. It's free to visit, and the walk down to the loch shore is straightforward, though the shelter itself is basic. History buffs and anyone drawn to Celtic legend will find it worth the detour from Taynuilt, especially if you're already exploring Loch Awe's eastern shore.

Stay at Loch Awe Holiday Park, just four miles away, and you can weave this into a broader sweep of the area. It works well as a short stop during a longer walk or drive around the loch. Allow 20 minutes unless you're inclined to linger with the mythology. Go in calmer weather - the wind off the water can be fierce.