Dubh Lochain

The walk to Dubh Lochain takes you through proper Highland country - the kind of landscape that makes you understand why people move here and never leave. It's a dark, peaty loch tucked into the hills near Kyle, and reaching it means a decent trek across moorland and through woodland. Allow a good two to three hours there and back, depending on fitness and how many times you stop to catch your breath or take photos.

What you get at the end is a wild swim spot and a genuine sense of isolation. The water's cold enough to wake you up fully, and the surrounding hills create this amphitheatre effect that feels a world away from civilisation. It's the kind of place walkers and outdoor swimmers swear by - not somewhere you'd bring young kids expecting a quick visit, but absolutely the thing if you're after a proper Highland experience.

The real appeal here is the walk itself, not some dramatic vista. You're moving through genuine wilderness, crossing burns and boggy patches, watching for golden eagles if you're lucky. It's free, obviously - just park near Kyle and set off with a map and decent waterproofs.

If you're camping at Glenshiel Campsite, Dubh Lochain makes a cracking full-day adventure. The loch rewards effort rather than convenience, which is exactly how the best Scottish wild places tend to work.