Loch Dubh

The water here is dark and still, which is exactly why locals call it Loch Dubh. It's a proper Highland loch in Argyll, about an hour's drive from Glasgow if traffic doesn't bite you, and it feels a world away from the city despite that short distance. The loch itself is modest compared to some of Scotland's bigger attractions, but that's rather the point - you won't fight crowds for a decent vantage point.

This is walker territory, mainly. The shoreline has tracks that work well for a solid two to three hour outing, and the water draws in the occasional kayaker or fisherman. The surrounding hills aren't dramatic, but they're green and real, and the reflections on a calm day are worth stopping for with a camera. Families with younger kids might find it a bit quiet - there's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, just the loch and the land around it.

Free to visit, obviously. No entry fees, no car parks to pay for. The best move is to base yourself at Inverbeg Holiday Park, just under five miles away, which gives you a proper set-up for exploring the wider area. That way you can do Loch Dubh as part of a bigger loop - it's not a destination in itself that warrants a long journey, but as part of an Argyll week it slots in nicely alongside proper walking country. Allow a couple of hours if you're just having a look round, longer if you fancy tackling one of the decent walks.