Reservoir No 2

The water here is proper dark, almost slate-grey on the day I visited, and it stretches out between rolling hills in a way that feels removed from the touristy bustle of Loch Lomond just a few miles down the road. Reservoir No 2 is exactly what it sounds like - an industrial water supply that someone sensible decided not to fence off entirely, which means you get this genuine, unmanicured bit of Argyll without the gift shops or the crowds.

It's a walker's spot, really. The shoreline path gives you a solid couple of hours if you want it, with the Helensburgh side being the more accessible approach. The surrounding hills don't require scrambling - more of a steady ramble - and the whole thing feels quieter than Loch Lomond proper, which is five minutes away. Families with younger kids might find it a bit dull unless they're keen on spotting water birds or skipping stones; there's no facilities to speak of, no cafes, no playgrounds.

If you're based at Loch Lomond Retreat or any of the parks clustered around Rosneath and Stoneymollan, this makes a genuine alternative day out when you fancy escaping the main loch's visitor infrastructure. Free to access, obviously. The light's best in late afternoon, when the water catches the sun properly and the hills get some drama back. Not a destination on its own, but as part of a wider Argyll holiday, it's well worth the detour.