Loch Creagach

A remote Highland loch that sits high in the hills above Strathcarron, Loch Creagach delivers the sort of raw Scottish landscape that makes you understand why people move here and never leave. It's a small, quiet body of water - nothing flashy, no facilities, no crowds - which is precisely why it's worth the drive.

The walk in takes you through proper moorland, with the loch eventually appearing between the ridges. On a clear day the views across to the surrounding peaks are genuinely excellent; on a grey one it feels appropriately moody and atmospheric. There's a decent path most of the way, though it's not signposted to death like some tourist spots. You're looking at a couple of hours round trip if you keep a steady pace.

Families with older kids who enjoy outdoor walks will get on well here. Very young children might find it a bit of a slog for limited reward once they arrive. Serious walkers love it because it avoids the honeypots and you've got real mountain air without the Cairngorms footfall.

Shieldaig Camping and Cabins sits three miles away near Strathcarron and makes a solid base for exploring this corner of the Highlands. If you're combining it with a park holiday, treat Loch Creagach as a proper walk day rather than a quick stop - it deserves the time. The remoteness is the whole point. Free to visit, obviously, and there's no entrance fee or charge. Go early if you want solitude.