Duck Bay Beach

The shoreline at Duck Bay curves gently along Loch Lomond's western edge, offering one of the most accessible stretches of beach if you're staying near Alexandria. It's not dramatic - the water is freshwater, the sand a mix of pebble and grit - but on a clear day the views across the loch toward the southern hills are genuinely lovely.

You can walk the beach easily enough, paddle if the weather's warm, and there's a small car park that makes access straightforward. The real appeal here is simplicity. No queues, no fees, no fuss. Families with young kids will manage fine for an hour or two; older children might find it a bit quiet unless they're keen on skimming stones or spotting water birds. It's the sort of place you'd pop to between other activities rather than make a day of it.

The nearby parks - particularly Loch Lomond Retreat, which sits just 1.3 miles away - make Duck Bay a natural stop-off during a week on the loch. If you're based at one of these sites, this beach gives you a change of scenery without the drive. Summer's the obvious choice, though even spring and autumn mornings have their appeal if you don't mind the cold. Go early to avoid the few day-trippers and have the place almost to yourself. It's not spectacular, but it's honest and well worth the short walk from the car.