Loch Conagleann

Loch Conagleann sits quietly in the Highlands, a decent-sized freshwater loch that never gets rammed with tourists even in summer. The water's dark and still most days, reflecting the surrounding hills properly well. There's something almost meditative about it - you can walk the shoreline, though paths aren't formally marked, and the access is straightforward enough if you don't mind a bit of rough ground.

It's the kind of loch that appeals to walkers and photographers more than families after day-long entertainment. Birdwatchers get a kick out of it too. Allow a couple of hours if you're doing a circuit, or pop in for 45 minutes if you're just after a quick stop. The nearest proper facilities are in Inverness, about six miles north, so plan accordingly.

If you're staying at Loch Ness Shores just down the road, this makes a solid morning or afternoon outing when you fancy escaping the busier Loch Ness crowds. It's worth the short drive, especially on a clear day when the reflections are decent. The loch sits high enough that midges can be brutal in late summer, so time your visit for spring or early autumn if you're sensitive. Don't expect shops, cafes, or visitor facilities here - bring what you need and treat it as a proper escape, not a destination with bells and whistles.