Loch Drunkie

The walk around Loch Drunkie is genuinely one of the better ways to spend a couple of hours in the Stirling area without needing to commit to anything ambitious. It's a proper little Highland loch - nothing massive, but the circuit is straightforward enough that you won't get lost, and the views across the water toward the surrounding hills give you that sense of being somewhere wild without actually being miles from anywhere.

The path itself is well-trodden and manageable for most fitness levels, though you'll want decent boots if it's been wet. The real appeal here is the quiet. You get very few crowds compared to the honeypot attractions closer to Glasgow, which is less than an hour away. Families with kids who can handle a two-hour walk will find it rewarding - there's water, trees, and enough space for them to burn energy without the faffing about of a formal visitor attraction.

It's free to visit and you can turn up whenever suits you. Early morning or late afternoon tends to be nicest for light, and weekdays are markedly calmer than weekends. If you're based at Callander Woods Holiday Park just down the road, this makes an excellent excuse to get out properly without venturing too far afield.

The walk takes about ninety minutes at a gentle pace if you're not stopping constantly for photos. Don't expect facilities - there's no cafe or shop, so bring water. It's the sort of place that reminds you why people came to Scotland in the first place rather than some engineered experience.