Loch Dùn Dreagain

The water here is dark and still, ringed by hills that rise up sharply on all sides. Loch Dùn Dreagain sits in the Highlands above Fort Augustus, a proper wild bit of Scotland where you can actually hear yourself think. It's a small loch, nothing like its famous neighbour Loch Ness down the road, but that's rather the point. You won't find crowds or cafes or gift shops - just water, mountains, and the occasional golden eagle if you're lucky.

Walkers get the most from this place. There are decent paths around the loch edge, and the surrounding hills offer routes for anyone with decent boots and a bit of time. It's also solid for photographers who want dramatic Highland scenery without fighting other tourists. Families with younger kids might find it a touch bleak - there's nothing to do once you've walked round, and the weather can turn in minutes.

Allow an hour or so for a circuit walk, longer if you're heading up into the hills. No facilities that we could find, so bring what you need. It's free to visit, naturally.

If you're based at one of the Loch Ness holiday parks nearby - Loch Ness Holiday Park sits just 4.4 miles away and has excellent reviews - Dùn Dreagain makes a worthwhile half-day detour. The contrast to Ness's tourism machinery is refreshing. Bit of a drive from Fort Augustus, but worth it if you want somewhere genuinely quiet.