Little Loch Skiach

The loch sits quiet and unassuming just outside Pitlochry, the kind of water you could easily drive past without noticing. But that's precisely its charm. Little Loch Skiach is a proper small-scale Highland loch - no tourist infrastructure, no gift shops, just water, mountains, and the occasional fisherman.

There's a decent footpath around the shore if you fancy a walk, taking maybe 45 minutes to an hour depending on pace. The water's peaty and dark, reflecting the surrounding hills beautifully on a clear day. In autumn the birches turn gold and it's genuinely lovely. Birdwatchers do well here - you'll spot red kites and maybe an osprey if you're lucky and patient.

This isn't somewhere to spend half your holiday. It's a quick detour, the sort of place you'd tack onto a morning before heading into Pitlochry proper or driving to somewhere bigger like Loch Rannoch. Families with young children might find it a bit underwhelming unless they're keen on nature spotting. Walkers and photographers will appreciate the lack of crowds.

If you're staying at Pitlochry's Pitilie Pods - which gets rave reviews for glamping - it's barely five miles away, easily combined with a stroll around the actual town. Free to visit, no set opening hours since there's nothing formal to open. Best visited April through October when the light's good and the midges are less vicious.