Loch nan Ciob

The loch itself is quiet and unassuming, tucked into the landscape near Campbeltown with the kind of stillness that makes you forget there's a world beyond the water. What you're looking at is a modest freshwater body, the sort of place locals know and visitors stumble upon by accident - which is precisely why it's worth the detour.

There's decent fishing here if that's your thing, and the walking around the shoreline is pleasant enough without being spectacular. The main appeal is the simplicity of it all. No gift shops, no visitor centre, no crowds fighting for the best Instagram angle. Just water, hills, and the kind of solitude that's increasingly hard to find.

Walkers will find a proper spot to stretch their legs, particularly if you're based at one of the nearby parks like Carradale Bay or Muasdale. The terrain's manageable, nothing too demanding. You could spend an afternoon here or knock it off in an hour - depends on whether you want to sit and watch the water or keep moving.

Timing-wise, spring and early summer are best when the light's decent and the midges haven't fully arrived. Free to visit, obviously - it's a loch. Campbeltown is close enough that you can combine this with other bits of exploring in the area. Not a destination in itself, but a decent addition to a park-based holiday when you fancy getting away from the crowds and facilities.