Bishop's Glen Reservoir

The reservoir sits in proper isolation, a dark mirror of water hemmed in by steep woodland a few miles north of Dunoon. It's the sort of place you stumble upon rather than plan for - industrial in origin, genuinely peaceful in practice. Built to supply water to the town, it's become a walking destination and a spot where locals bring dogs and fishing rods.

Walking the perimeter takes a couple of hours depending on your pace and how many times you stop to watch the water. The paths are decent enough though muddy stretches aren't unusual. What strikes you most is how quiet it is - you'll hear more birdsong than voices most days. The water itself is cold and uninviting, but that's rather the point. This isn't about a swim.

It works best for people who actually like walking rather than those just ticking off a box. Families with young kids will lose interest within the hour. Serious hikers might find it a bit tame. But if you're staying at Hunters Quay Holiday Village or The Secret Glen Campsite nearby and want a proper walk without driving an hour, it does the job well.

The land around it is yours to explore at no charge - there's no entrance fee or visitor centre, just open access. Go on a weekday if you can. Weekends bring the Dunoon crowd and the peace evaporates quickly. Weather matters here; a grey drizzly morning can feel atmospheric or dreary depending on your mood.