Lachan nan Cnamh

The water here is dark and still, ringed by moorland that slopes up sharply on all sides. Lachan nan Cnamh sits in one of those quiet corners of Arran that most visitors miss entirely - no car park, no visitor centre, just a proper loch that feels properly remote even though you're only a few miles from civilisation.

It's a walk to get to, though nothing brutal. The approach takes you through classic Scottish upland terrain: rough grass, heather, the occasional boggy bit. You'll likely have it to yourself, which is precisely the appeal. This isn't a destination for sitting by the water with an ice cream. It's for people who want to feel like they've actually gone somewhere.

The fishing types do well here - brown trout are about. Walkers benefit most, though. If you're based at Kings Caves Glamping nearby, this works as a proper half-day outing rather than a quick stop. The loch itself is modest in size, but the landscape around it - that moorland openness - makes it feel larger. You'll want decent boots and basic map sense. Weather changes fast up here, so check the forecast before you go.

Visit out of tourist season if you value silence. Summer weekends can see the occasional hiker, but midweek in autumn or spring? Chances are you won't see another soul. Allow three hours minimum if you're walking there and taking time to sit and actually look at the thing. Half measures won't do it justice.