Loch an Iasgair

A small freshwater loch tucked into the Highland landscape near Gairloch, Loch an Iasgair is the kind of place you'll stumble upon rather than plan a trip around - though you might want to change that. The name means 'Fisherman's Loch' in Gaelic, and it's still popular with anglers after brown trout, but walkers and nature types get just as much from a visit.

There's no developed infrastructure here - no visitor centre, no facilities, just water and mountains and the kind of quiet that feels properly remote even when you're only a few miles from civilisation. Park near Gairloch and it's a straightforward walk to reach the water's edge. The views across to the surrounding hills are solid without being dramatic, and the loch itself is clean and clear. Families won't find organised activities, but older kids happy to walk and explore will appreciate the sense of discovery. This isn't a destination in itself; it's a proper addition to a wider day exploring Gairloch's lochs and coastline.

If you're based at Sands Caravan & Camping - a cracking spot just four miles away - Loch an Iasgair makes a decent morning walk before heading to the beaches or villages. Spring and early summer are best when the light's good and the midges aren't yet unbearable. Allow a couple of hours including the walk. No entrance fee, no hassle, just Scotland doing what it does best - understatement.