Loch Restil

The drive down to Loch Restil from Cairndow is half the appeal - you're winding through proper Highlands scenery, all steep slopes and dark water. The loch itself sits in a glacial valley with mountains rising up on both sides, which sounds dramatic but manages to feel genuinely quiet once you're down there. It's the kind of place where you actually hear the water and birdsong rather than other visitors.

There's a small car park at the lochside where you can pull in and just stand about for a bit. A short walk takes you along the shore - nothing strenuous, just enough to get you moving and let the scale of the place sink in. The water's dark and cold-looking, which it absolutely will be. If you're into landscape photography or you've dragged the family out here needing a breather from organized attractions, this delivers. Don't expect facilities - there's nothing here but the loch and the hills.

It works as a stop between other things rather than a day's destination on its own. Pair it with Forest Holidays Ardgartan, which sits just up the road - that gives you a proper base for exploring the Cowal Peninsula and makes this an easy morning walk. Drimsynie Holiday Village over at Loch Goil is another option if you want slightly more amenities nearby. On a clear day it's genuinely worth the detour; on a grey one it's moody and atmospheric in a different way. Allow twenty minutes to an hour depending on how long you want to stand about looking at water.