Feinn Loch

The water here is properly dark - almost black in certain light - and sits in a valley that feels properly remote despite being only a short drive from Oban. Feinn Loch is one of those lochs that rewards a quiet morning visit, when the hills around it are still wrapped in mist and there's barely another soul about.

It's a straightforward affair: a freshwater loch ringed by moorland and low hills, good for fishing if that's your thing, but equally worth visiting just to stand at the water's edge and breathe. The walk in is minimal if you're after a quick look, though the surrounding terrain invites proper exploration on foot. Walkers will find this more appealing than families looking for activities - there's no café, no facilities, just you and the loch.

The real draw comes if you're basing yourself at one of the nearby parks, particularly Loch Awe Camping Pods about 6 miles south. It's the sort of place to escape to between busier days out - a genuine pause rather than a full itinerary. Go at dawn if the midges are troublesome, and bring proper waterproofs. The light changes constantly here, which matters if you've got a camera, though honestly the best photographs are the ones you don't take - they're the ones you just remember.