Lochan a` Chroin

The water here sits so still it's almost unreal - a perfect mirror reflecting the hills around Arrochar. Lochan a' Chroin is a small lochan, really, tucked into the Lowland landscape north of Arrochar, and it's the sort of place that rewards a bit of effort to find it.

You're looking at a modest freshwater loch, not a major landmark, but that's rather the point. The walk out is straightforward enough - mostly flat approaches from the Arrochar area - and you'll find yourself alone most days, which is increasingly rare in the Trossachs. The surrounding hills give decent views without being dramatic, and if you're fishing types, there's trout in there, though you'll want to check local rules first.

For walkers this works as a half-day outing, maybe two hours if you're not rushing. Families with primary-age kids will manage it fine; bored teenagers might find it a bit quiet. History buffs won't find much - it's a natural feature rather than a built attraction - but landscape photographers will spend longer than planned, especially in that golden hour light.

If you're based at Beinglas Campsite, just a few miles south, this is genuinely worth the drive over. It doesn't demand a full day, but it's the sort of genuine Lowland loch experience you actually get to yourself, which counts for something. Proper spot if you want peace rather than crowds.