Dinas Mawr promontory fort is reckoned to date from the Iron Age and was probably the stronghold of a clan leader.  It is situated on the west of the Pencaer Peninsula, generally known as Strumble Head, jutting out into the Irish Sea.  The location is stunning, but not for those of a nervous disposition, especially in bad weather.  Dinas Mawr is accessible along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path or via a footpath off a minor road.  However, laymen will need to look for evidence of the fort.  A ditch is clearly visible on the headland between what were stone ramparts and traces of at least one hut circle can be made out just inside the ramparts.  Most of Dinas Mawr comprises a towering lump of rock, however, with severely restricted space for settlement to the east and the south of the crag; the top, surely, would have been too inhospitable.  Immediately beyond Dinas Mawr is the islet of Ynys y Ddinas.  Though a good defensive position, there is no fresh water and it is speculated whether the fort had some ceremonial or ritual purpose, for it cannot have been of much long-term use, or in the event of a prolonged siege.

Often described as 'The Key to England', Dover Castle is the largest castle in England and dates from 11th century, though there was probably an Iron Age fort on the site and the complex includes a Roman lighthouse and Saxon church. The fortress was garrisoned until 1958 and offers a unique insight into Britain's history. A medieval court has been recreated inside the Great Tower. Underneath the castle, deep inside the famous White Cliff, are tunnels which date from medieval times. During WW2, these were the HQ for the control of Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of Dunkirk, and there are vivid displays illustrating this. There is an underground hospital to visit too, and a WW1 signal station. Dover Castle has appeared in several film/TV productions, including 'The Other Boleyn Girl' and 'Wolf Hall'.

Dun da Lamh (pronounced ‘doon da larve’) is a prehistoric, believed to be early Pictish, hilltop fort near Laggan in the Highlands.  It sits on Black Craig, 1484 feet above sea level and 600 feet above the land below, overlooking the River Spey to the north.  The fort is approximately 360 feet (110 metres) long by about 98-246 feet (30 and 75 metres) wide.  Inside are shelters, believed to have been constructed by the Home Guard during WW2.

The fort’s sole defence is a stone wall, which has been cleared in places.  It is constructed of fine quality stone slabs resembling bricks totalling an estimated 5000 tons which are not from the local valley. It has been skilfully made.  The fort is so steep on three sides as to be impregnable and is only approachable from the west where the walls are over 20 feet thick.  Dun da Lamh means ‘fort of the two hands’.  The plaque on the site asks was it a frontier fortress of a great Pictish nation guarding the farmlands to the north and east; or was it something else?

Dun da Lamh can only be reached by foot and it is a strenuous walk for which you should dress appropriately and allow a couple of hours each way, depending on conditions and fitness.  There are a variety of starting points, including a way-marked route from Laggan Wolftrax (as per postcode).  Others suggest starting from the car park opposite the Pattack Falls Forestry Commission Car Park off the A86.

The evocative ruins of Dunnottar Castle occupy a large, rocky, headland jutting into the North Sea, accessed by a narrow strip from the mainland. Though the current ruins date largely from the 15th and 16th centuries, its history goes back to the early medieval period, at least. Dunnottar was attacked by the Vikings, captured from the English by William Wallace, was famously where the Honours of Scotland (the Scottish Crown Jewels) were hidden from Oliver Cromwell's forces, and played its part in the Jacobite Rebellions of the 18th century.

NOTE: The castle can be closed to visitors in bad weather - essential that you check their website before visiting. There is also limited car parking - the castle is not in Stonehaven itself - it's about a 20 minute walk along the coast.

Dunvegan Castle occupies a rocky promontory in the north-west of the Isle of Skye, surrounded by stunning scenery. It has been the home of the chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years and is packed full of history and legend. Among the heirlooms kept at the castle are the Dunvegan Cup, the mysterious Fairy Flag and Sir Rory Mor's Horn. There are also reasonably extensive gardens.