Lucifer's Loch

Dark water surrounded by thick woodland - that's Lucifer's Loch near Stirling, and yes, the name's a bit theatrical, but it does give the place a proper brooding atmosphere that matches the murky depths. The loch itself is small and quiet, the sort of spot you'd stumble upon rather than plan a day trip around, though walkers heading through the Scottish Lowlands often find themselves here by accident and glad of it.

It's free to visit and there's no faffing about with opening hours since it's just a natural water body. Allow an hour if you're combining it with other walks in the area - it's not somewhere you'll want to spend a whole afternoon unless you're into woodland sketching or bird watching. The surrounding forest is the main draw, honestly. Proper atmospheric in autumn when the light gets low early.

History types might enjoy the old folklore attached to the name, though I'd warn you not to expect any formal interpretation or visitor facilities. It's genuinely undeveloped, which is either refreshing or frustrating depending on what you want from a day out. Families with young kids might find it a bit underwhelming on its own - there's no picnic area or play space, and the water's not exactly inviting for a swim.

If you're based at The WHW Hotel & Campsite just a few miles away, it's easily combined with other Stirling walks without being the main event. Think of it as a moody detour rather than a destination.