Lochan nan Cat

You'll find this small loch tucked into the hills west of Killin, a tranquil pocket of water that most visitors to the area completely overlook. The name means 'loch of the cat' in Gaelic, though spotting one of the feline variety is unlikely - what you actually get is a modest but proper attractive body of water surrounded by moorland and scattered woodland. The walk in takes maybe thirty minutes from the village, rising gently through bracken and heather. It's no Loch Tay - the bigger loch dominates the tourist trail just down the valley - but that's precisely why it's worth the leg-stretch. The water itself sits in a quiet bowl of landscape, and on a clear day the reflections are lovely. Walkers with reasonable fitness get the most from it. You're looking at a couple of hours total, so don't expect a full day's expedition. It's free, obviously - it's just a loch. The best approach is from Killin itself, and it works well as a half-day detour if you're based at Loch Tay Highland Lodges nearby. The glamping park sits four miles south, making Lochan nan Cat a straightforward morning jaunt for those staying there. Go early if you want any peace. Summer weekends can get busy with local walkers who know the area. Bring a packed lunch - there's nothing at the loch itself, and Killin's the nearest option for cafes. Winter's surprisingly nice too, especially after frost when the water goes mirror-still.