Loch Carrie

The water at Loch Carrie sits there, dark and still, hemmed in by proper Highland hills that rise up without fuss. It's a small loch - the kind that doesn't announce itself to the world, which is exactly why it works. You're looking at a quiet spot near Beauly where the main draw is straightforward: a place to walk, cast a line if you're fishing-minded, or simply sit by the water and let the hills do the talking.

The loch itself is modest in scale. No visitor centre, no tearooms, no infrastructure to speak of. What you get is access to decent walking around the shoreline and the kind of landscape that reminds you why people choose the Highlands. The reflections off the water on a still day are genuinely good. If the weather turns, which it will, you'll understand why Scots are stubborn about outdoor pursuits - they just get on with it.

Walkers will find this rewarding. Families with young children might struggle to stay engaged for long without other activities in the mix. The nearest base - Cannich Woodland Camping and Caravan Park is just 4.7 miles away - puts you in the right part of the Highlands for a proper outdoors break. Combine it with walking in the broader area and you've got a solid couple of days.

Realistically, allow an hour or two if you're stopping by. Free access, no hassle. It's not dramatic or showy, but that's sort of the point. The Highlands have plenty of famous lochs. This one's worth knowing about if you want something genuine and quiet.