Loch Garbh

The water at Loch Garbh sits dark and still, ringed by coniferous forest that climbs steeply on all sides. It's a small loch - nothing grand - but that's rather the point. You won't find crowds here, which makes it useful if you're staying at one of the caravan parks dotted round Inveraray and want a quieter alternative to Loch Awe.

There's a narrow track that runs alongside the eastern shore, decent for a gentle walk with decent views across the water. The loch itself is unremarkable from a scenic perspective, though the forest canopy gives the whole place a sheltered, almost intimate feel. It's the sort of spot where you might spot red squirrels if you're lucky and quiet enough.

For walkers, allow an hour for a lazy circuit if one's possible; the terrain's manageable but nothing spectacular. It works as a half-day outing rather than a proper destination in itself. Families with young children might find it a bit static after twenty minutes - there's not much to actually do here beyond walking and looking.

Fishing is likely permitted but you'd want to check locally in Inveraray first. The nearest town's only a few miles away, which makes Loch Garbh handy for caravan park guests seeking a break from the busier waters. If you're based at Argyll Caravan Park or Strathlachlan, it's close enough for a morning wander without faffing about with drive times.