Loch Ascog

The water at Loch Ascog sits surprisingly still on a calm day - dark, glassy, reflecting the Argyll hills like a mirror someone's just polished. It's a freshwater loch tucked away from the main tourist drag around Dunoon, which means you get peace without the crowds that plague the coastal spots.

There's a decent walk around the loch itself, probably two hours at a leisurely pace if you take the full circuit. The path's well-maintained but can be muddy after rain, so boots are sensible. You'll spot the old boathouse and get proper views across to the surrounding woodland - it's the kind of place where you actually hear birds instead of car horns.

Families with keen walkers will get the most from it. Kids under eight might find it a bit samey after the first forty minutes unless you make a game of spotting wildlife. There's not much in the way of facilities - no café, no playground - so come prepared with a flask and snacks.

The big draw is the fishing. Loch Ascog is stocked with brown trout, and if you've got a rod and a permit, this is proper value compared to more touristy waters. Day permits are usually available locally and won't break the bank.

If you're based at Beach House Pods five or so miles away, this makes an excellent half-day excursion to break up a park holiday. It's close enough to pop over to, but isolated enough to feel like you've properly escaped the caravan site.