Loch an Ràin

The loch sits quietly in the Highland landscape near Strathcarron, a strip of dark water that doesn't announce itself loudly but rewards those who find it. This is proper wilderness - no cafés, no visitor centre, no crowds pretending to appreciate nature. You get the water, the hills rising either side, and whatever weather the Highlands decide to throw at you that day.

It's the sort of place walkers and landscape photographers actually care about. Fishermen too, though you'll want to check local permissions before casting a line. The walk in varies depending which approach you take, but allow a couple of hours and wear decent boots - the terrain's boggy in places and the paths aren't maintained like the honeypots further south.

Who gets most from this? Not children after five minutes of scenery, and definitely not anyone wanting facilities or easy access. But if you're staying at Shieldaig Camping & Cabins just down the road - excellent spot, that - and you want a proper Highland hike without the tourist infrastructure of somewhere like Loch Ness, this fits perfectly. Early morning or late afternoon light makes the water come alive. Midges can be fierce in summer, so timing and insect repellent matter.

Free to visit, naturally. Just turn up. The lack of infrastructure means zero hassle and zero cost - which in the Highlands these days feels like a small luxury.