Loch Bhraighaig

The water here sits perfectly still most mornings, reflecting the mountains like a mirror that's been polished to within an inch of its life. Loch Bhraighaig is a proper Highland loch - the kind you'll find yourself staring at for far longer than you intended, especially if you've driven over from Strathcarron on a clear day.

It's a modest loch, nothing that'll take your breath away compared to the famous ones nearby, but that's precisely why it works. You get the drama of the Highland landscape without the crowds of tour buses. The walk around it is manageable - couple of hours if you're ambling - and the paths are decent enough, though watch for bog after rain. Photographers will find it worthwhile, particularly late afternoon when the light catches the water and the hills turn golden.

This is walkers' territory, full stop. History enthusiasts might appreciate the old settlement remnants dotted about, but you'll need local knowledge to spot them. Families with young kids might find it a bit remote and lacking facilities - there's nowhere to grab a coffee or ice cream, and the drive from anywhere decent is proper rural.

If you're staying at Shieldaig Camping & Cabins just down the road, you could easily combine this with the better-known lochs in the area for a solid day's walking. Allow half a day minimum if you want to do the loch properly rather than just swing by for a quick photo. Free to visit, naturally - it's a loch, not a theme park.