Loch Ulgadail

The water here is so still it looks like dark glass, especially on a windless afternoon. Loch Ulgadail sits in a quiet fold of Argyll countryside, far enough off the main road that most tourists miss it entirely. It's a proper freshwater loch - not huge, not famous, but genuinely lovely if you're prepared to find it.

Walking the shoreline takes you through mixed woodland and open moorland, with views back across the water towards the hills. There's something about the isolation that makes it feel a bit wilder than the other lochs in the region, even though you're only a short drive from Tarbert. No visitor facilities to speak of, no crowds, no café - which you'll either love or find a bit pointless depending on what you're after.

Best visited by car if you're basing yourself at Muasdale Holiday Park, which is under six miles south. The loch works well as a morning stop before heading into Tarbert for lunch or pushing on to the better-known Loch Fyne. Walkers will find it peaceful rather than spectacular - allow an hour for a gentle circuit if you want the full shoreline, less if you're just wanting a quick look and a breath of fresh air. Photography enthusiasts might appreciate the reflections on a calm day.

It's the sort of spot that rewards unhurried exploration. Bring binoculars for bird spotting and don't expect signposts - that's rather the point.