Loch a' Cheigein

The water here sits absolutely still on a calm day - mirror-flat and ringed by proper Highland scenery that doesn't need much marketing. Loch a' Cheigein is a small freshwater loch near Oban, the kind of place locals know about and visitors stumble across by accident, which is precisely why it's worth the detour.

It's not a major attraction with visitor facilities or marked trails, so don't expect crowds or cafes. What you get instead is a genuine slice of Argyll landscape - moorland sweeping down to the water's edge, decent views across to the surrounding hills. The loch itself is maybe 20 minutes from Oban town centre, making it a natural break if you're based there or staying at one of the nearby parks like Loch Awe Camping Pods.

Walkers will find plenty to do in the area. The shoreline is accessible enough for a gentle wander, though you'll need waterproofs if the Highland weather turns - and it will. Kids might enjoy spotting waterfowl or tossing stones into the loch, but this isn't a destination that'll hold their attention for hours. It's more about the breathing space and the light hitting the water than any structured activity.

Go early morning if you can. The mist often sits low over the water until mid-morning, and when it clears you'll have the whole place to yourself. Free to visit, obviously. Allow maybe an hour if you're combining it with other Argyll spots on a holiday circuit.