Finlas Water

You'll find Finlas Water tucked away in the hills above Alexandria, a proper little reservoir that most folk rushing to Loch Lomond completely miss. It's not the dramatic landscape you might expect - the water sits quietly among moorland and forestry, with rolling banks rather than the sharp peaks you get further north. What makes it worth the drive is the sheer peace of the place. There's a decent walking loop around the water that takes a couple of hours without being strenuous, and the views back towards the Highlands are genuinely good, especially on a clear day.

This is walker territory, not a spot where you'll find ice cream vans or rowing boats. Bring proper boots because it can get boggy after rain, and there's no visitor facilities to speak of - pack a flask. Kids will manage the walk if they're reasonable on their legs, but bored teenagers might grumble about the lack of incident.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks around Loch Lomond - Loch Lomond Retreat is the standout for quality - Finlas Water makes an excellent half-day trip to break up the schedule. It's far quieter than the main loch and offers genuine solitude without being remote enough to feel properly wild. Go early morning if you can, before the light gets harsh, and expect to have the place largely to yourself. Free to visit, no set hours to worry about.