Lochan na Curaich

There's a small loch tucked away near Lochgilphead that most visitors to Argyll completely miss, and that's rather the point. Lochan na Curaich is one of those places you stumble upon by accident - a quiet water fringed by woodland, the sort of spot where you might see herons if you keep still enough.

It's not dramatic. No mountains rear up behind it, no waterfall tumbles into it. What you get instead is peace, and a proper sense of being away from the main tourist trail. The walk around the water takes maybe forty minutes at a dawdle, and the paths are straightforward enough for families, though young children might find it a touch dull if they're after thrills.

Walkers doing the circuit around Lochgilphead area will find it worth the detour - it fits nicely into a morning's ramble, and there are benches if you fancy stopping with a flask. History types won't find much to grip them here, but bird enthusiasts could spend a good hour watching. Summer's the best time; winter rain can make the paths boggy.

If you're based at The Pod Over By just down the road, or at Lochgilphead Caravan Park, this works as a gentle leg-stretcher between exploring Argyll's bigger attractions. It's free, obviously, and there's no formal opening hours - just turn up. Don't expect facilities. Do expect quiet.