Loch nam Ban

This shallow loch sits in the hills between Oban and Loch Awe, and honestly, it's the sort of place you'd stumble upon rather than specifically plan around. The water is dark and moody even on decent days - locals reckon that's what the name means, 'Loch of the Women' - and it's ringed by moorland that feels properly wild compared to the postcard lochs nearby.

There's no obvious visitor infrastructure. You can park near the road and walk around the shore, which takes a decent hour if you're not rushed. Photographers do get something from it, especially when cloud cover is heavy and the light turns everything monochromatic. It's worth a stop if you're driving between Oban and Loch Awe, but I wouldn't say it justifies a special trip on its own.

The real value is as part of a broader day exploring the area. Loch Awe Camping Pods sits just six miles away and gives you a base for tackling the bigger attractions - Kilchurn Castle, the Pass of Brander - while using Loch nam Ban as a quieter, lesser-known alternative when you want to avoid crowds. It's free and accessible year-round, though March through September is genuinely nicer when the weather cooperates.

Best for walkers who appreciate bleak moorland and don't need dramatic mountain backdrops to enjoy themselves. Day-trippers from Oban will find it peaceful but sparse. Families should probably head to Loch Awe proper instead.