Daff Reservoir

Water stretches out between steep hillsides, dark and calm on most days. Daff Reservoir, tucked into the Argyll landscape a few miles north of Dunoon, is the sort of place locals know but visitors often miss. It's a straightforward affair - a body of water surrounded by moorland and forest, with walking tracks that let you explore at your own pace.

The reservoir itself is the main draw. You won't find visitor facilities or dramatic viewpoints, but what you get instead is genuine quiet. The walk around parts of the perimeter is decent enough for anyone who enjoys moving through landscape without too much fanfare. It's solid terrain for families wanting something low-key, and walkers passing through the area often add it to a longer route across the hills.

Practically speaking, access appears to be free, though there's not much infrastructure to speak of. Allow 90 minutes to two hours if you're walking a decent stretch. Early morning or late afternoon light catches the water properly.

If you're based at Beach House Pods or Hunters Quay Holiday Village, Daff works as a morning outing before heading elsewhere. Don't expect drama or facilities. Do expect genuine Argyll countryside - the kind that reminds you why people come west from Glasgow. It's not a destination in itself, but it's well worth the detour if you're hiking the area or want to break up a day around Dunoon without joining the queues elsewhere.