Duckpond

A modest body of water near Newtonmore, Duckpond is exactly what its name suggests - a shallow lake where waterfowl congregate, mostly attracting locals and passing walkers rather than headline-grabbing tourists. The appeal is straightforward: you can wander the perimeter, spot mallards and the occasional grebe, and enjoy a bit of peace without the crowds that descend on the bigger lochs elsewhere in the Highlands.

It's best suited to families with young children who want to feed ducks (bring proper duck pellets, not bread), or walkers looking for a gentle leg-stretcher between longer hikes. Allow 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much you dawdle. The surrounding paths are flat and accessible, so it's not demanding terrain.

The real value here is proximity - if you're based at Invernahavon Caravan Park just four miles away, it's a convenient spot to break up a rainy afternoon or get the kids out before supper. It's not going to be the highlight of a Highland holiday, but as a quick diversion with views of the moorland beyond, it serves its purpose. Go early morning for better light and fewer people. Winter isn't particularly inviting - the place has charm mainly when the weather cooperates and the birds are active.