Lindowan Reservoir

The water here is properly still on a good day - the kind of reflective surface that makes you understand why people bother with reservoirs at all. Lindowan sits quietly in the hills above Helensburgh, a decent spot for a walk that doesn't require a full expedition or a packed lunch for eight hours. You get a proper sense of the Argyll landscape without the tourist crowds, which is exactly the draw.

It's a straightforward walk round the water, nothing technical. Families with older kids will manage it fine; the ground can be boggy after rain, so decent boots are worth bringing. Allow a couple of hours if you're not rushing, less if you just want a quick circuit. The view across the water back towards the coast has its moments, particularly in that hour before sunset when the light gets proper golden.

There's nothing here in terms of facilities - no cafe, no visitor centre, no ice-cream van. You're relying entirely on what you bring. That's either its charm or its major drawback, depending on what you want from a day out. If you're based at one of the local caravan parks - Rosneath Castle is closest at under two miles away - it's a useful addition to the itinerary, breaking up a quiet afternoon. As a standalone destination though? Worth popping past if you're in the area, but you won't regret skipping it if the weather turns sour.