Eilean a' Bhùtha

A proper woodland walk through ancient forest on what's essentially an island within Loch Lomond - though don't expect dramatic peaks or dramatic vistas. Eilean a' Bhùtha sits quietly off the Arrochar shore, and you'll need to arrange a boat to get there, which immediately sorts out the casual day-trippers from people who actually want a bit of solitude.

Once across the water, you're into dense tree cover with narrow paths that feel genuinely remote. The forest itself is the point here - gnarled oaks, birches, and the kind of damp woodland floor that means proper boots aren't optional. There's an old settlement if you know where to look, scattered stone walls and traces of what folk left behind centuries ago. History buffs will find this more interesting than those after Instagram moments.

Walkers and forest explorers get the most from this. Kids might lose interest after an hour unless they're genuinely into woodland exploration rather than "something to do." The walk's moderate - not strenuous, but the paths aren't manicured.

Stay at Loch Lomond Holiday Park in Arrochar, just 2.4 miles away, which gives you access to this and plenty of shoreline walks without the fuss of being right in the thick of things. Beinglas Campsite is another option if you want something smaller. Neither will break the bank, and both put you in the right spot for exploring the quieter side of the loch. The island works well as a morning expedition before heading elsewhere around Arrochar.