Deil's Craig Dam

The dam itself is more functional than dramatic - a modest concrete barrier holding back water that looks nothing like the Highland lochs you might expect. But walk along the eastern bank and you'll understand why locals bother with it at all. The water's surprisingly clear on a decent day, and the surrounding hills create a proper sense of enclosure, even though you're only thirty minutes or so from Glasgow's sprawl.

It's a straightforward walk rather than a serious hike, making it decent for families who want fresh air without the commitment of a full day on the hills. The path is well-trodden and mostly level, though muddy patches are guaranteed after rain. Most people allow ninety minutes to loop the water and grab a breather at one of the quieter spots away from the road.

Historically interesting if you care about Victorian engineering - the dam was built to supply water to local industry, which explains its practical rather than scenic design. Worth combining with The WHW Hotel & Campsite nearby if you're basing yourself in the area for a few days. It's the sort of place that shines on crisp autumn mornings when the water reflects the sky properly, rather than summer weekends when it feels slightly too busy for what it is. Free to visit and no particular time restrictions, though daylight hours are obviously your window.