Loch Kemp

The water here sits dark and still, hemmed in by the kind of Highlands landscape that makes you understand why people write poetry about Scotland. Loch Kemp is a proper freshwater loch near Inverness, the sort of place locals know but tourists often miss whilst chasing Loch Ness down the road. You won't find theme parks or visitor centres - this is just the loch itself, wild and unmanicured, with enough space to feel genuinely remote despite being just a few miles from the city.

Walkers get the most from it. The shoreline paths are straightforward rather than demanding, and on a clear day the views across the water and into the surrounding hills are genuinely worth the time. Fishing enthusiasts reckon it's decent too, though you'll want to check local rules before casting a line. Bank access is generally free, though facilities are minimal - bring what you need.

Give it an hour or so if you're passing through, longer if you're properly rambling. Families with young kids might find it a bit underwhelming unless they're into splashing about on the shore, but teenagers and adults who actually like landscape will find it worth the detour.

If you're staying at Loch Ness Holiday Park or Loch Ness Shores just down the way, Loch Kemp makes an easy morning outing before heading into Inverness proper. It's the sort of place that breaks up a holiday nicely - nothing spectacular, but genuinely peaceful and properly Scottish.