Loch Cruinn

Drive fifteen minutes north of Pitlochry and you'll find yourself at a proper mountain loch that feels miles from anywhere, even though it's barely that far. Loch Cruinn sits in a crease of Perthshire hills with hardly another soul in sight - no gift shop, no café, no nonsense. You get water, you get mountains, you get the kind of silence that makes you realise how little you actually need.

It's best approached on foot rather than expecting facilities. The short walk in rewards you with clean views of the loch reflecting whatever the Scottish sky is doing on the day - grey, moody, suddenly brilliant. The surrounding moorland is open and exposed; this isn't a sheltered spot, so come prepared for wind and weather. Hill walkers doing the bigger Perthshire routes often pass through here, and it's straightforward enough for anyone who fancies a moderate walk without needing proper climbing kit.

Worth your time? If you're staying at Tighnavon Glamping Pods nearby, absolutely. It's a fine half-day venture that won't eat into your schedule but gives you that authentic Highland loch feeling. You're looking at maybe two hours round trip for a gentle potter, longer if you explore the hills. Don't expect to linger for hours - there's nowhere to sit down really - but for getting away from the Pitlochry tourist trail and breathing some proper mountain air, it's spot on. Go early in the day if you can; the light's better and you'll likely have the place to yourself.