Bayfield Loch

The water here is genuinely still - you'll notice it straight away. Bayfield Loch, sitting quietly in the Highlands just south of Inverness, is the sort of place you might stumble upon rather than actively seek out, which rather suits it. It's a modest body of water, nothing dramatic, but that's precisely the appeal. There's a peaceful walk around the shoreline if you fancy stretching your legs, and the reflections of the surrounding hills on calm days are worth the trip alone.

Don't come expecting a developed visitor experience - there aren't facilities or marked trails, so you're mostly here to breathe air that feels properly Highland and take in the quiet. Walkers will find it worthwhile, particularly if you're based nearby and want a gentle half-hour outing rather than a full expedition. Birdwatchers occasionally do well here too. The loch works particularly well as a breather between bigger activities - if you're staying at Delny Glamping just five miles away, it's an easy detour to clear your head.

Visit early morning or late afternoon if you can. You'll have the place to yourself and the light hits the water properly. Allow 45 minutes to an hour if you walk round. There's no charge as far as I can establish, and no facilities at the loch itself, so come prepared. It's understated Highland Scotland - not showy, just genuinely restorative.