Lochaber Loch

Half an hour south of Dumfries, this modest loch sits quietly in the rolling countryside, offering proper tranquillity without the crowds that plague Scotland's more famous waters. The walking is gentle here - a circuit takes about forty minutes at a leisurely pace, making it just right for families with smaller children who might find Loch Lomond a bit much.

Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the peaceful setting, though don't expect trophy trout. It's more about the calm than the catch. The surrounding woodland provides decent shelter if the weather turns, which it tends to do in these parts.

Birdwatchers should bring binoculars - I spotted herons on both visits, plus the usual suspects of coots and mallards. Nothing spectacular, but pleasant enough for an hour's distraction.

Access is straightforward with informal parking nearby, and it's completely free to wander about. Early morning visits work best before dog walkers appear in force around nine.

For families staying at Marthrown of Mabie or the other nearby parks like Beeswing Caravan Park, it makes a decent leg-stretcher between bigger attractions. Don't make a special journey though - it's the sort of place that works well as part of a longer day out rather than a destination in itself.