Lochan a' Chroin

You'll find this small, remote loch tucked into the hills west of Lochearnhead, and it's the kind of place that rewards a proper walk rather than a casual drive-by. The water sits in a quiet valley, ringed by rough moorland and craggy slopes - nothing dramatic, but genuinely peaceful. It's a straightforward hike in from the Balquhidder Glen side, taking the better part of an hour on foot, though the paths aren't always obvious so check conditions beforehand.

The loch itself is modest and shallow, which means it lacks the moody grandeur of some Perthshire lochs, but that's rather the point. Walkers get the most from it - there's a proper sense of remoteness once you're up there, and on a clear day the surrounding peaks give you something decent to look at. Photographers might find the reflections worth the trek, especially early morning or late afternoon. Families with young legs will manage fine, though anyone expecting an easy stroll round a loch side path will be disappointed. There's no facilities at the loch itself, so bring what you need.

If you're based at Balquhidder Braes Holiday Park just down the road, this makes a cracking half-day outing. It's free to access and genuinely quiet - you won't be fighting crowds. Factor in two to three hours round trip depending on your pace. Go in spring or autumn when the weather's more stable; winter can make the paths boggy and harder to follow.