Loch Bad a' Chròtha

The water here is so dark it's almost black, reflecting the surrounding hills like a mirror that's seen better days. Loch Bad a' Chròtha sits quietly in the Highland landscape near Gairloch, the kind of place you stumble upon rather than deliberately seek out - which is exactly why it's worth the bother.

It's a modest loch, honestly. You won't find facilities or tourist infrastructure, just open water hemmed in by moorland and the occasional Scots pine. The appeal is pure and straightforward: a proper bit of wilderness without the crowds you'd get at the more famous lochs further south. The walk here from Gairloch itself is pleasant enough, taking you through typical Highland terrain where you're more likely to spot a golden eagle than another visitor.

This works best for walkers who enjoy solitude and photographers chasing that low-light magic. Families with young kids might find it a bit bleak after the initial five minutes - there's nothing to do once you're there except sit, look, and listen. Spring and autumn tend to be best, when the light does something interesting with the dark water and you're not fighting midges.

Staying at Sands Caravan & Camping, just 3.9 miles away near Gairloch, makes this an easy half-day ramble. It's the kind of detour that costs you nothing but time and gives you back some peace. That's fair value in my book.