Loch an Easain

You'll find Loch an Easain tucked into the Highland landscape near Sutherland, a freshwater loch that rewards walkers willing to leave the main roads behind. It's not the sort of place you stumble upon by accident - you have to actually want to get there - which is precisely why it feels so peaceful when you do.

The loch itself is modest in size, ringed by moorland and hills that shift colour depending on the light. There's something properly wild about it, especially on grey days when the water mirrors the sky so completely you lose track of where one ends and the other begins. Walkers dominate here, and rightly so - the approaches are gentle enough for most fitness levels, though the terrain underfoot can be boggy in places, so proper boots matter.

If you're camping at Clachtoll Beach Campsite just down the road, this makes an excellent half-day expedition. The loch draws history buffs too - there's archaeological interest in the area if you know where to look, though the main appeal is simply the solitude and the light across the water.

Allow a couple of hours for a straightforward walk and exploration. There's no café, no facilities, no admission charge to speak of - you're paying in effort, not pounds. That's the deal here, and it's one that pays dividends if you're after genuine Highland peace rather than manicured viewpoints. Come mid-morning if you can; the light tends to be better, and the midges less vindictive.