The Bullwood Tree

An ancient oak standing alone on a hillside near Dunoon, the Bullwood Tree is one of those spots that stops you in your tracks. You'll find it just off the main roads, a gnarled giant that's been here for centuries watching over Argyll's changing landscape. The trunk is properly massive - the kind of thing that makes you realise how old these trees actually get. There's a real sense of standing in front of something that's outlasted empires and forgotten wars.

It's not a destination that demands hours. Twenty minutes to walk up, have a look, maybe sit against the trunk if the weather's decent. History buffs will appreciate what they're standing in front of; walkers passing through the area should absolutely make the detour. Kids will find it interesting for five minutes, then want to run around the surrounding fields, which is fair enough.

The tree sits in open countryside with proper views across to the Firth of Clyde on a clear day. If you're staying at Beach House Pods or The Secret Glen Campsite - both excellent bases for exploring the area - this is a genuinely worthwhile morning walk. Bring decent shoes because the ground can be boggy depending on recent rainfall. Free to visit, obviously. No facilities up there, so don't expect facilities. It's just the tree, the view, and however long you want to stand around feeling small.