Loch nan Sgilleog

The water here is absolutely still most days - reflective as dark glass, with the hills rising sharp on either side. Loch nan Sgilleog sits in proper remote Argyll territory, a small freshwater loch that rewards anyone willing to venture beyond the busier tourist routes around Taynuilt.

There's not much infrastructure to speak of, which is precisely the appeal. You're coming for the landscape itself - the Highlands closing in around you, the chance to sit quiet for a bit without crowds. Walkers get the most from it, particularly those doing longer treks through the glen, though it's manageable for casual visitors too. The scenery shifts depending on light and season; winter brings a stark beauty that summer crowds tend to miss.

Allow an hour or so if you're stopping for photos and a wander. It's free, naturally, and there's no admission booth or visitor centre to navigate. Come early morning or late afternoon when the light hits properly and you might see red deer down by the water's edge.

Stay at Fyne Glamping nearby (just four miles away, seriously good reviews) or Loch Awe Camping Pods if you're after something more conventional. Both give you a proper base for exploring this quieter corner of Argyll without being marooned. The loch itself won't take your whole day, but it fits perfectly into a longer Highland exploration - add a walk up one of the surrounding hills and you've got yourself a proper outing.