Lochan Oisinneach Mor

The water at Lochan Oisinneach Mor sits absolutely still on a calm day - a dark mirror reflecting the Perthshire hills around it. This small loch near Dunkeld is the sort of place you stumble upon rather than plan for, which is precisely why it's worth the detour.

It's a proper walk to get there, nothing too strenuous but you'll need decent boots and about two hours to do it properly. The path winds through mixed woodland with glimpses of water through the trees before opening onto the loch itself. On a grey afternoon I was there alone except for a heron and some Red Kites circling overhead.

Families with older kids will find it rewarding - the walk's engaging enough to hold attention, and there's something magical about finding your own quiet corner of water away from the honeypot attractions. Photographers and birdwatchers will absolutely rate it. Don't expect facilities or manicured viewpoints. This is raw Tayside landscape.

Best visited in late spring or early autumn when the midges are less aggressive and the light's warmer. Summer can be properly brutal if you're sensitive to biting insects. There's no charge for access and the loch is free to enjoy year-round.

If you're staying at Milton Of Fonab Caravan Park just up the way, it's an excellent half-day outing that genuinely feels like you've escaped rather than merely visited a tourist spot. Bring water, proper waterproofs, and realistic expectations about what's on offer. You won't get a café or gift shop - you'll get genuine Highland solitude.