Uamh an Sgiathain

The cave entrance sits tucked into the hillside near Oban, and the first thing that strikes you is how small it looks from outside - deceptively modest. Uamh an Sgiathain, which translates as the Cave of the Wing, is a genuine Sea cave you can actually walk into, though it's a bit of a scramble to reach it and the interior is fairly compact once you're through. The main chamber opens up enough to stand properly, and there's real atmosphere inside - the sound of water, the particular smell of damp stone, the way light filters through gaps in the rock.

This works best for people who genuinely like caves and don't mind a bit of rough underfoot hiking to get there. Kids might find the scramble exciting rather than tedious, but younger ones could struggle with access. The drive from Oban takes under ten minutes, so it's an easy addition to a wider day out rather than a destination in itself. Check tides before you go - you'll need decent access to the cave entrance.

If you're staying at Sunnybrae Holiday Park or Argyll Kayaker Cove, both within five miles of Oban, the cave makes sense as a morning detour between your pitch and other Argyll attractions. Allow perhaps an hour including the walk down and back. It's free and there are no opening hours to worry about - just turn up when the tide cooperates. The real appeal here is the rawness of it, rather than any grand geological show.