Corran Lochan

The walk down to Corran Lochan rewards you with a proper little Highland water, tucked away in the Argyll hills near Cairndow. It's not a dramatic loch - no vast vistas or towering peaks - but there's something genuinely peaceful about it. The water sits calm and dark, reflecting the trees, and on a quiet day you'll hear nothing but the occasional bird call.

This is gentle walking country rather than serious hiking. The approach is manageable, though you'll want proper shoes - the ground gets boggy in places and can be slippery after rain. Most people will manage it in under an hour to the water's edge and back, making it an easy half-morning's work from nearby Drimsynie Holiday Village or Glenfinart Caravan Park.

Who'll love it? Families with kids old enough to manage a bit of uneven ground, and anyone after a quieter side of Argyll without the crowds. If you're expecting drama and Instagram-worthy peaks, save your energy. But if you want to sit by a real Scottish loch without bumping into tour groups, this does the job nicely.

There's no visitor centre or facilities - bring what you need. The real appeal is the walk itself through proper woodland, and the chance to slow down. Combine it with a stay at Forest Holidays Ardgartan or Loch Eck Caravan Park for a proper off-the-beaten-track break in the area.