Loch Airigh na Creige

Loch Airigh na Creige sits tucked away in the hills above Inveraray, a small Highland loch that hardly anyone talks about - which is rather the point. You'll find yourself surrounded by steep moorland and proper wilderness, no crowds, no gift shops, just water and sky and the occasional golden eagle if you're lucky.

It's a straightforward walk from the road, though the paths aren't exactly manicured. The loch itself isn't massive - you can take it in quickly - but that's part of its charm. Serious walkers and photographers tend to get more from it than casual visitors. If your family wants a two-hour expedition with a decent payoff rather than a destination in itself, it works. Small children might find the walk tedious with limited facilities at the end.

There's no visitor centre, no admission fee, no opening hours to worry about. Just turn up. Allow a couple of hours if you're making a proper outing of it.

From Inveraray itself, you're well-positioned for exploring Loch Awe's eastern shore and the broader Argyll region. The caravan parks dotted around - Loch Awe Camping Pods is closest at under six miles - make decent bases if you're touring the area. Combine this with a visit to Inveraray Castle or a proper Loch Awe circuit drive, and it slots nicely into a Highland park holiday. Worth the detour if you're already in the area, but don't plan a trip around it.