Lochan nam Muc

You'll find this small loch tucked into the hills above Arrochar, and it's the sort of place that rewards a proper walk to reach it. The water sits in a glacial valley with steep sides, and on a clear day the reflection of the surrounding peaks is genuinely striking - though the view does depend heavily on the weather cooperating.

It's a solid two-hour round trip from the car park near Rest and Be Thankful pass, climbing steadily through moorland and heather. The path gets boggy in patches, so decent boots matter. Once you're there, you can loop around the loch or simply sit by the water for a bit if you've earned it.

This isn't a five-minute photo stop. It appeals to hill walkers and anyone who wants a quieter alternative to the busier Loch Lomond trails - you won't find crowds here. Families with young children might find the walk tedious; teenagers with proper legs will get more from it.

If you're camping at Beinglas Campsite just down the road, it's worth adding to your itinerary on a good weather day. Same goes if you're based at Loch Lomond Holiday Park, though it's a bit of a drive from there. The loch itself is free to visit, though you'll need transport to the trailhead. Allow a full morning or early afternoon, and check the forecast first - this high ground can cloud over quickly.