Toward Castle Ruins

The ruins of Toward Castle sit on a headland overlooking the Firth of Clyde, about two miles south of Dunoon. What remains is largely 14th-century stonework - enough to get a proper sense of the fortress that once commanded this stretch of coast, though you're not walking into anything remotely intact. The walls are low, the interior open to the elements, but the setting alone makes the trek worthwhile.

The walk out to the castle takes about twenty minutes from the car park, through farmland and along a decent path. It's straightforward enough for families with older kids, though younger ones might find the ruins themselves a bit underwhelming once they arrive. History buffs will appreciate the coastal position and the strategic importance it held - a place to control maritime traffic and keep an eye on potential raiders.

There's no visitor centre, no admission fee, no facilities to speak of. Go on a clear day if you want the views across to the Isle of Bute and beyond. Dreich weather (and this is Argyll, so expect it) will test your patience with just broken walls to look at.

If you're staying at Beach House Pods nearby, it makes an easy afternoon outing - combine it with a proper walk around Dunoon itself or head to one of the better-preserved castles further afield. On its own, though, it's more of a short detour than a destination. Twenty minutes onsite, then you're ready to move on.