Firkin Point Picnic Area

The pull-in at Firkin Point catches you by surprise - one minute you're driving along the A82 near Alexandria, the next you've got proper views across Loch Lomond spreading out in front of you. It's a straightforward picnic spot, nothing fancy, but that's rather the point. You park up, grab a bench, and suddenly you're looking at one of Scotland's most famous lochs without the bother of queuing at a visitor centre.

It works best if you're after a quick stop rather than a half-day outing. Families with restless kids will appreciate that it takes seconds to get from car to view - no trudging up hills required. The tables are well-positioned, the water views genuine, and on a clear day you can see right down the loch. Walkers using the area will find it a decent spot to fuel up before heading off on the proper trails nearby.

The location is its biggest asset. You're sandwiched between Inverbeg Holiday Park and Forest Holidays Ardgartan, both within easy reach, so if you're based at either for a week, this works as a no-fuss lunch stop. Loch Lomond Holiday Park is just down the road too. Come midweek if you can - weekends bring coach tours, and the car park fills up fast. There's no admission charge and no facilities to speak of, so come prepared with your own provisions. Allow twenty minutes unless you plan to linger and actually soak in the Loch Lomond atmosphere.