Loch a' Mhadaidh

The loch sits in proper remote territory - a dark, still body of water hemmed in by moorland that feels properly isolated even though Oban is only a short drive away. There's no visitor infrastructure here, no car park with a café, no marked trails. You're essentially turning up and finding your own way down to the shore, which is either brilliant or frustrating depending on your mood.

It's a walker's loch rather than a destination in itself. The real appeal is the walk in - moorland trails that shift colour with the seasons, and the sense that you've wandered somewhere most holiday crowds haven't bothered with. On a clear day the water reflects sky properly. On a grey one, which is more often the case, it's moody and atmospheric. A couple of hours' exploring is enough unless you're keen on fishing or just want a very quiet spot to sit and think.

Families with small children might find it underwhelming - there's nothing to actually do once you're there. But walkers and photographers will appreciate the lack of fuss. It works well as a half-day excursion alongside visits to the nearby holiday parks like Sunnybrae or Argyll Kayaker Cove, both of which can serve as decent bases for exploring Argyll's lochs and glens. Oban makes a sensible jumping-off point for supplies before heading out.