Blackmill Loch

The water at Blackmill Loch sits still most days, reflecting the Argyll hills like a mirror that doesn't quite believe in itself. It's a modest loch - not the dramatic show-off you find further north - but that's rather the point. You get here via narrow single-track roads from Inveraray, which keeps the crowds at bay.

There's a decent walk around the loch itself, flat enough that it won't wreck your calves but interesting enough to justify the detour. The banks are lined with birch and rowan, and in autumn the colours are genuinely worth timing a visit for. Fishing folk come here regularly, which tells you something about what's in the water, though I'd phone ahead about permits if that's your thing.

Families with younger kids might find it a bit quiet - there's not much happening in terms of facilities or drama - but older walkers and photographers will rate it. Allow an hour for the full loop, maybe ninety minutes if you're the lingering type. It's free to access and visit on your own schedule.

If you're based at one of the local glamping sites - Fyne Glamping is cracking and only twenty minutes away - this makes an excellent half-day outing without the pressure of a full excursion. The Strathlachlan Caravan Park is similarly close. Inveraray itself has plenty of amenities and makes a sensible base for exploring the wider area.