Loch Tarsan

The water here is dark and still, ringed by steep woodland that makes you feel properly tucked away from the world. Loch Tarsan sits a short drive inland from Dunoon, and it's the sort of place you'd stumble upon by accident rather than plan for - which is exactly why it works. The loch itself is modest in scale, but that's rather the point. You're not here for drama; you're here for quiet.

It's a walker's spot more than anything else. The shoreline paths are manageable without being taxing, and if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Stratheck, Loch Eck, or Glendaruel are all within five miles - you've got a decent afternoon outing without needing to load the car. Bring a camera if you're into landscape work. The light across the water in late afternoon can be genuinely lovely, and there's usually nobody about to spoil the mood.

Families with young kids might find it a bit samey after half an hour, unless they're the type to skip stones and hunt for frogs. Older children who like a gentle walk will get more from it. There's no visitor centre, no facilities to speak of, and no entry fee - it's simply public access to a Scottish loch. Allow an hour or so for a proper poke around. The real value is as a circuit-breaker between the seaside at Dunoon and the more structured attractions inland. Go when the midges aren't biting, which roughly means April through September, though you'll want dry weather to enjoy it properly.