Children's Loch

Children's Loch sits just outside Erigmore in Perthshire, a modest water body that punches above its weight for families. The name's a dead giveaway - this is genuinely one of those rare places where kids actually want to stay longer rather than drag you toward the gift shop.

What you're looking at is a shallow loch ringed by grassy banks, which means little ones can safely paddle and splash without the deep-water anxiety. There's a decent stretch of shoreline to explore, and if the weather's kind, the reflections off the water are rather lovely. Ducks, the odd moorhen - nothing exotic, but children find that compelling. Bring a bag of oats if you must, though signs typically ask you not to.

Walkers will find it a straightforward loop of maybe an hour, depending on how many times you stop to throw stones. The terrain's flat and accessible, so no scrambling involved. History types won't find much - it's not some ancient drowned settlement - but it's a peaceful spot without the crowds you'd hit at the bigger Scottish lochs.

Timing-wise, spring through early autumn works best. Winter turns it into a rather grey business, and midges can be brutal in July and August. It's free to visit, naturally - there's nowhere to pay even if you wanted to.

If you're staying at Corriefodly Holiday Park just down the road, this makes an easy morning outing before lunch. Not a destination in itself, but a proper addition to a Perthshire park holiday.