Lochan Laraiche

A small but proper beautiful loch tucked away in the hills above Lochgilphead, Lochan Laraiche is the sort of place you stumble upon rather than plan for - which makes it all the better. The water sits calm most days, reflecting the surrounding woodland and hills with that particular clarity you get in Scottish lochs. There's a rough path around it, though don't expect a manicured trail - this is proper wild ground.

You're looking at a fifteen to twenty minute walk from the nearest road access, which keeps the crowds down considerably. The effort rewards you with a peaceful spot that feels genuinely remote despite being only a few miles from Lochgilphead. If you're staying at Lochgilphead Caravan Park or The Pod Over By, this makes an excellent half-day outing - particularly on a clear morning when you can actually see what you're doing underfoot.

Families with older kids will manage fine; younger ones might find the walk a bit tedious and the loch itself isn't dramatic enough to hold attention for more than an hour. Photographers and walkers looking for something quiet will appreciate it far more. There are no facilities whatsoever, so bring what you need and take everything back out with you.

Go on a weekday in shoulder season for the best chance of solitude. Summer weekends attract the occasional visitor, but it's never rammed. Worth the detour if you're keen on walking - skip it if you need facilities or dramatic scenery.