Glencoe Lochan

The loch sits in the shadow of Glencoe's mountains, and even on a grey day the reflections are properly dramatic. You're looking at the Three Sisters - those jagged peaks that dominate every postcard of the valley - mirrored in still water. It takes about fifteen minutes on foot from the car park to reach the viewpoint, a gentle walk that beats fighting for space at the main Glencoe overlooks.

This is free to visit, naturally. There's no facility here, just a small parking area and the path itself. Best time is early morning before the tour buses descend, or late afternoon when the light gets low and golden. Rain doesn't hurt - the drama actually ramps up.

Families with young kids will manage the walk fine, though pushchairs won't work on the path itself. Photographers could spend an hour here chasing different angles and light. Serious walkers often treat it as a warmup before heading higher into the Glen.

You're perfectly placed for the nearby caravan parks - Invercoe is basically on the doorstep, and Red Squirrel just north keeps you right in the action. The whole Glencoe area rewards a few days. Drive the valley floor, tackle some hills if you're up for it, or simply sit by this loch and let the mountains do the work. It's not secret anymore, but there's a reason everyone comes.