United Kingdom · GB

Loch Skerrols

A mile or so inland from the village of Bridgend in north-central Islay, Loch Skerrols is a tree-fringed freshwater sheet that punches far above its size. The 27-hectare loch was actually constructed in the late 18th century to supply water power to the estate's mills and the long-gone Newton Distillery, and the mill pond that has since been quietly reclaimed by reed and otter is now one of the island's best wildfowl spots. A gentle, well-marked loop from Bridgend Woods car park brings you along the water's edge in an hour or so, with a longer circular route adding views across neighbouring Loch Indaal.