Loch nam Breac

A small loch tucked into the moorland north of Islay, Loch nam Breac is the sort of place you stumble upon rather than plan for. The water sits dark and still most days, hemmed in by rough grassland and low hills that don't announce themselves loudly. There's a real sense of remoteness here without the hard slog required at some of Argyll's more famous lochs.

What makes it worthwhile is precisely that quietness. This isn't a tourist trap with a visitor centre and a gift shop. You get the loch, the landscape, and usually the company of very few other people. It's decent for a gentle walk around the shoreline if you're based nearby, and the light reflecting off the water can be properly beautiful on a clear afternoon, especially towards dusk.

Families with young kids might find it a touch underwhelming on its own - there's not a great deal to do except look and walk. But if you're staying at one of the glamping pods on Islay and you've got a half-day to fill, it's worth the short drive. The moorland around it appeals to walkers who want something low-key rather than challenging, and you might spot golden eagles or red-billed choughs if you're lucky.

There's no formal infrastructure that I could find - no parking area, no facilities. Just find a sensible spot to pull off the road and go from there. Best visited when the weather's reasonable; in rain and mist it loses whatever charm it has. Allow an hour to do the loch justice and take in the surroundings properly.