Loch Con

The water here is properly dark - almost black in certain light - and that's what makes Loch Con worth the drive from Pitlochry. It's a small loch, nothing like the more famous stretches of Loch Tummel nearby, but that's rather the point. You get the drama of Perthshire's landscape without the crowds.

There's a decent walk around the shoreline if you're after some exercise, though the paths aren't formal or heavily signposted - you'll need to pick your way along. The surrounding hills rise up steeply, which means the light changes quickly throughout the day. Morning or late afternoon tends to be best for photos, when the water catches the sun at an angle that actually reveals its colour rather than just reflecting grey sky back at you.

Families won't spend more than an hour here unless they're keen walkers or birdwatchers. The loch attracts plenty of waterfowl, which can keep children entertained for a bit. There's nowhere to splash about or paddle - it's not that kind of destination.

If you're staying at Tighnavon Glamping Pods, it's barely six miles away, making it an easy detour on a morning exploring the area. Pair it with a proper walk somewhere like the nearby Tummel Valley trails, rather than treating it as a standalone stop. Access appears to be free, and there's nowhere official to park, which tells you something about how quiet this place tends to stay.