Loch nan Gad

The water here is black as ink on a still day, which sounds dramatic but it's honestly true - Loch nan Gad sits in a fold of the Argyll hills and the light barely penetrates the surface. It's a small, quiet loch, nothing like the famous ones you'll find an hour south, and that's precisely why it's worth the drive from Tarbert.

You won't find facilities or tourist infrastructure. What you get instead is solitude, proper walking country, and if you're lucky, sightings of red deer on the surrounding slopes. The shoreline is peaty, boggy in places, so good boots are non-negotiable. Most people spend between one and two hours here - it's not the sort of loch that demands an entire day, but it rewards a quiet wander.

Families with young children might find it a bit underwhelming without a specific goal, but walkers and photographers will find something genuine here. The mountains rise steeply around it, creating that sense of being tucked away from the world. On overcast Scottish days - which is to say most days - the landscape feels almost moody.

If you're staying at Tarbert Holiday Park, this works well as a half-day expedition, though you'll want to check the weather first. There's a rough path of sorts, but nothing marked or maintained. Spring and early summer are best; winter can be bleak and the light goes early. Bring a map, check the tide if you're planning to walk the shoreline, and don't expect crowds.