Loch Carn Tarsuinn Beag

A proper little Highland loch that most tourists miss entirely, which is precisely why it's worth the trip from Fort Augustus. Loch Carn Tarsuinn Beag sits tucked away in the wilds, and there's something rather special about finding a body of water this quiet when you're expecting crowds.

There's not much here in the way of facilities or formal attractions - it's a straightforward walk-in scenario where you turn up, have a look at the water, maybe sit for a bit and listen to nothing much at all. Photographers and walkers will get the most from it; families with restless toddlers might find twenty minutes is enough. The loch itself is modest in scale but the surrounding scenery does the job nicely, with typical Highland hills and moorland doing what they do best.

The nearest proper base is Fort Augustus, just a few miles away, and you're well-positioned if you're staying at Loch Ness Holiday Park or Inver Coille Camping & Glaming - both close enough that you could easily slot this in as a morning or afternoon detour without it eating into your day. Parking and access details aren't well documented, so you'll want to check locally before you go, but that's half the charm with places like this. No entry fees, no gift shop, no nonsense. Just walk in, breathe deeply, and remember why you came north in the first place.