Deanston Loch

The water here is proper still, dark enough to reflect the low Scottish hills that rise around it. Deanston Loch sits just outside Dumfries, close enough for a half-day trip but far enough that you'll feel properly away from it all. It's a straightforward spot - a freshwater loch with banks you can walk, good for a stretch of the legs and a bit of air after time on a caravan site.

Walkers will get the most from it. There's nothing theatrical about Deanston - no visitor centre, no marked trails that I could find, no cafes - but that's rather the point. You come here to be quiet, to watch the water, maybe spot waterfowl if you're lucky. The loch itself is a decent size, enough that you won't feel hemmed in, and the walk around the perimeter takes a couple of hours at a leisurely pace. Kids will manage it fine if they're the outdoor type, though they might find it dull if they're expecting playgrounds and ice cream vans.

If you're camped at Auchenfranco or any of the other sites clustered within a few miles of Dumfries, Deanston makes a sensible break from site life. It's free to visit and there's no faffing about with opening times. Come early morning or late afternoon when the light sits properly across the water and you won't be tripping over day-trippers. Don't expect drama - expect peace, and you won't be disappointed.