Lochan na Garbh-bheinne

You'll need to work for this one, but the effort pays off. Lochan na Garbh-bheinne sits high in the hills above Oban, a proper mountain lochan that rewards walkers with views across Argyll that go on forever. The water itself is dark and still, ringed by steep moorland rather than the postcard-perfect mountains you might expect, but that's part of its appeal - it feels genuinely wild and untouched.

Getting there means a solid walk from Oban, nothing too technical but you're climbing steadily. Most people allow two to three hours for the round trip. It's the sort of place where you'll rarely bump into crowds, even in summer. History buffs and serious walkers will get the most from it; casual day-trippers hoping for a quick stroll might find it a bit much.

There's no visitor centre, no facilities, no admission charge - just the lochan and the silence. Go early if you can. The light changes dramatically through the day up here, and morning mist can roll in without warning. On a clear day you can see across to the islands. On a grey one, it's moody and atmospheric in equal measure.

If you're based at Argyll Kayaker Cove or Sunnybrae Holiday Park nearby, this works brilliantly as a morning expedition before heading back to Oban town. It's the real deal if you want a bit of proper Highland walking without needing ropes or specialist kit.