Loch Breac an Eich

The water here is properly still on a calm day - mirror-flat and reflecting the surrounding hills like something out of a postcard you'd never believe was real. Loch Breac an Eich sits in the Scottish Highlands near Kyle of Lochalsh, and it's the sort of spot you stumble upon rather than plan for. There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, which is exactly why it works.

You're looking at a small Highland loch with decent access for a quiet walk round the shore. The walk itself takes a leisurely hour or so depending on how many times you stop to take photographs. There's something about the light here - even on overcast days it catches the water in odd, lovely ways. It's not a destination in itself, mind you. This is the kind of place that makes sense if you're staying at Reraig Caravan & Camping up on Skye, just a few miles away across the water.

Historically minded visitors will get less from it than keen walkers or photographers. There's no story attached, no ruined castle, no legend worth repeating. What you get is solitude and decent Highland scenery, which in truth is why people come to this part of Scotland. Families with young children might find it a bit underwhelming after the first fifteen minutes - there's nowhere to splash about, nothing to do except walk. Adults after a proper quiet moment will find it pays off. Admission is free. Go early morning or late afternoon if you want the light to work properly.