Loch Allt a' Mhuillin

The walk to Loch Allt a' Mhuillin is rougher than you'd expect for somewhere only a couple of miles from Ullapool, but that's precisely why it stays quiet. You're looking at a small, dark loch ringed by moorland and low hills - the sort of place where midges will find you if the wind drops, so time your visit accordingly.

It's a loch for walkers rather than casual visitors. The path isn't maintained, there's no car park, and you'll be squelching through boggy ground for decent stretches. The reward is proper solitude and views back towards the Summer Isles if conditions cooperate. The water itself is peaty and moody, framed by rough grassland that turns bronze in autumn.

Allow two to three hours for the round trip, depending on fitness and how long you linger. This isn't a spot for young children unless they're comfortable with uneven terrain and wet feet. Older kids with some walking experience will manage fine, though they'll need convincing it's worth the effort - the loch looks dramatic from a distance but underwhelming up close if you're expecting something Instagram-ready.

It works well as a morning walk if you're based at Port a' Bhaigh Campsite, just down the road. Combines nicely with a proper lunch back in Ullapool rather than trying to make a full day of it. Go when the midges are dormant - spring or after the first hard frost - and bring waterproof boots. The Highland weather turns on a sixpence out here.