Lord Niemonen

The woodland around Lord Niemonen is proper Argyll - steep hillsides thick with native trees, rocky burns cutting through the undergrowth, and hardly another soul in sight. You're looking at a genuine nature reserve that feels more like stumbling into someone's private estate than a managed attraction, which is precisely why it works.

The walk itself is the thing here. There's no visitor centre, no interpretation boards, just forest. Depending on which route you take from Cairndow, you could spend anything from ninety minutes to a full afternoon picking your way through the reserve. The terrain's rough in places - proper boots matter - and it's steep enough that you'll feel it in your legs. This isn't a stroll; it's a proper woodland walk for people who actually want to move.

Family groups will find it a bit much unless the kids are already seasoned walkers. Birdwatchers and anyone serious about spotting native woodland creatures will get more out of it than casual visitors. October through March is when the light's nicest and the midges vanish, though the mud factor goes up accordingly.

Admission appears to be free, which seems generous given the quality of what's on offer. It slots brilliantly into a caravan holiday at Strathlachlan or Glendaruel - both within three miles - giving you a proper forest day without driving far. Just don't expect facilities. Bring water, good boots, and a map.