Kirk Dam

The water here is surprisingly still, almost glassy on a calm day. Kirk Dam sits in proper moorland country above Dunoon, a quiet reservoir that most visitors heading to Cowal completely miss. It's not a dramatic sight - no thundering cascade or turquoise Alpine jewel - but there's something genuinely peaceful about it. The walk in takes about 20 minutes from the nearest access point, skirting through rough grassland with Argyll's hills rolling out on either side. On a grey Scottish afternoon it feels properly remote, though you're never far from civilization. It's the sort of place where you might spot a golden eagle if you're lucky, though red grouse are far more likely.

Walkers get the most from this one. It's not a destination in itself - you won't spend hours here - but it makes a solid leg of a longer circuit through the moorland. The water itself is unremarkable to photograph, and kids might find the lack of facilities a touch underwhelming after the initial scramble to get there. There's no café, no visitor centre, no marked trail with handrails. You either know the way or you work it out.

If you're staying at Beach House Pods down in Dunoon and looking for an afternoon walk with a bit of genuine isolation, it's worth the effort. Combine it with other Cowal explorations - the area has better-known attractions if Kirk Dam feels too low-key. Admission's free, naturally, since there's nothing there to charge for. Go in the morning before the light gets too flat.