Loch Lyon

The drive into Loch Lyon takes you through proper Highland scenery - steep hillsides dropping straight into dark water, with barely a soul around. It's a long, narrow loch that doesn't get the tourist crush of Loch Lomond, which makes it all the better.

You can walk the northern shore near Crianlarich, though the paths can be muddy and the terrain's uneven. The real appeal is just being here - the water's moody, the hills feel close enough to touch, and on a clear day the light across the loch is genuinely something. Allow a couple of hours for a proper wander and some photographs. Bring decent boots.

It's a solid stop if you're based at Tyndrum Holiday Park - only 8 miles away - and gives you that sense of empty Scotland without the drive to the west coast. The loch works well for walkers and photographers; small children might find the walk a bit much and get restless. There's nowhere to swim safely, and no facilities to speak of, so come prepared.

Honestly, it's not flashy. The appeal is in the quietness and the raw landscape. If you want dramatic mountain backdrops and don't mind a bit of isolation, it's worth the detour from Crianlarich. Don't expect a visitor centre or anywhere to buy a coffee - bring a flask.