Loch Raoin

The water here is dark and still, ringed by moorland that rolls back into low hills. Loch Raoin sits quietly in the Dumfries & Galloway landscape, about four miles south of Castle Douglas, and it's the sort of place you'd stumble upon rather than plan for. It's a modest loch - nothing dramatic - but that's rather the appeal. You can walk the shoreline without fighting crowds, and on a still day the reflection of the surrounding hills makes it worth the detour if you're camping nearby.

This is proper walking territory. Bring decent boots if you want to explore the banks properly, and allow a couple of hours if you're making a proper job of it. The water's cold - locals will tell you it's deep enough to swim, but you'd need nerve. Birdwatchers come here for the wigeon and tufted ducks, particularly in winter. It's the kind of place that rewards patience rather than quick visits.

If you're staying at one of the caravan parks within a few miles - Mollance Farm or Loch Ken Holiday Park are close enough for a morning ramble - this works well as a quieter alternative to busier attractions. Not somewhere to take restless kids for an afternoon, unless they're genuinely keen on spotting water birds. Adults after a peaceful walk in open country will find it worth the short drive from Castle Douglas. Spring and autumn are probably best - summer can feel a bit bleak once the midges arrive.