Dow Loch

The water at Dow Loch sits dark and still, reflecting the surrounding moorland in a way that makes you feel properly isolated despite being just outside Kinross. It's not dramatic - no thundering waterfalls or craggy peaks - but that's rather the point. This is a place for quiet reflection, for walkers who want something genuinely peaceful without the crowds that plague bigger Scottish lochs.

You can walk the shoreline here, and the paths are manageable without being taxing. The loch itself is shallow in places, which means you'll see waterfowl and the occasional heron if you're patient. Birdwatchers should absolutely make the trip; the variety is proper decent for a freshwater loch this size.

It's free to visit, and there's no formal opening hours - you just turn up. Allow an hour for a decent walk round, longer if you fancy sitting by the water with a flask. The whole thing works brilliantly as a morning excursion if you're based at Fossoway Cabins, which sits just four miles away and makes an excellent centre for exploring the wider Tayside area. You could combine this with other local walks and call it a proper day out.

Is it worth the detour? If you're after something genuinely tranquil and don't mind a landscape that's understated rather than Instagram-ready, absolutely. If you're expecting drama, you'll find it a bit flat.