Tower Hill Park

Tower Hill Park is a proper nature reserve just inland from Helensburgh, where you can walk through woodland and grassland without the crowds you'd find on the coastal paths. It's the kind of place that rewards a slow wander rather than a quick tick-off - keep your eyes open for woodland birds and the occasional deer if you're lucky. The terrain is manageable for most fitness levels, though it can get muddy underfoot after rain, so decent boots are worth bringing.

The reserve works brilliantly as a morning or afternoon escape during a caravan holiday at Rosneath Castle or Hunters Quay. You'll get far more peace here than at the busier Argyll attractions, which means it's genuinely good for families who want to let kids run about without constant supervision on exposed clifftops. Older children and keen birdwatchers will find the most satisfaction; toddlers might lose interest after half an hour unless you make a game of spotting wildlife.

Allow two hours for a decent circuit without rushing. There's no visitor centre or café, so bring water and snacks. The reserve is open year-round and free to access - one of those lovely Argyll spots where you simply turn up. Early morning or late afternoon in spring and autumn are your best bets for seeing something interesting. It lacks the dramatic views of nearby coastal walks, but if you're after genuine woodland peace without driving far from your holiday park, it's exactly what you need.