Loch na Machrach Bige

The water here sits perfectly still on a calm day - which, if you're in Argyll, means you'll want to time your visit carefully. Loch na Machrach Bige is a small freshwater loch tucked away from the main roads, offering the kind of quiet that makes you forget there's a caravan park three miles down the road in Tarbert.

It's not a destination that'll eat up your afternoon. What you get is a peaceful spot for a short walk, some decent birdwatching if you're patient, and if the light's right, genuinely lovely reflections off the water. Photographers tend to appreciate it more than families with young kids - there's no beach, no facilities, just the loch and whatever weather Scotland decides to throw at you that day.

The drive from Tarbert takes about ten minutes, and it's worth doing if you're already staying at Tarbert Holiday Park or The Gather for a change of pace. Both parks are solid bases for exploring this part of Argyll, but neither is right on the water, so Loch na Machrach Bige fills that gap nicely. You're looking at thirty minutes to an hour here - a proper walk round the perimeter if you're keen, or just twenty minutes if you want a quick breather between other activities.

Bring binoculars and waterproofs. Leave your expectations about dramatic scenery at home. If you like your lochs remote and uncrowded, this one delivers.