Carbeth Loch

A small, rather unassuming loch about half an hour north of Glasgow that punches above its weight if you know what you're after. Carbeth sits in rolling moorland - proper Scottish countryside without the drama of Loch Lomond, which is the nearest famous water and honestly a relief if you want to avoid the crowds.

The loch itself is modest in size, surrounded by rough grassland and a few scattered buildings. What makes it worth a visit is the walk around it - nothing strenuous, just a decent circuit that takes an hour or so depending on how slowly you move and how often you stop to look at the water. It's good for bird watchers and anyone who wants a quiet spell away from traffic noise. The views aren't spectacular, but they're genuine and unspoilt.

Families with young kids might find it a bit sparse - there are no facilities I could spot, no playground, no café. Walkers and nature types will get more from it. The loch drains into the Endrick, so if you're interested in river systems and water management, there's something worth observing here.

If you're camping at The WHW Hotel & Campsite just down the road, or staying at one of the glamping options nearby, Carbeth makes a good morning ramble before heading to bigger attractions. It's the sort of place you go for a walk, not to sit about, so dress for the weather and bring decent footwear. Free access, no charges that I encountered, though I'd check locally.