Dubh Loch

Drive past Erigmore and you'll spot the turn-off for Dubh Loch - a proper little water body that catches plenty of folk off guard with how quiet it actually is. The loch sits dark and still most days, ringed by low vegetation and the kind of landscape that makes you realise why Perthshire gets all the attention. It's not dramatic in the way Loch Lomond is. There's no grandeur or postcard-worthy peaks. What you get instead is peace, and the chance to wander the shoreline without fighting crowds.

Best suited to walkers after a gentle ramble rather than thrill-seekers. The water's peaty, so don't expect to see far below the surface, but that adds to the slightly mysterious feel. You can do a loop around parts of it in an hour or so without breaking a sweat, though the paths are rough in places and can get muddy. Birdwatchers tend to linger longer - it's the sort of spot where you might actually see something worth noting.

It works nicely as part of a wider morning if you're staying at Corriefodly Holiday Park nearby, especially if you want to break up driving with some fresh air. Free to visit and no formal facilities to speak of, so bring water if you're planning a proper walk. Go on an overcast day when the mist sits low - it transforms the whole place into something properly atmospheric. Avoid peak summer weekends if solitude matters to you.