Loch Loy

A shallow freshwater loch about six miles south of Nairn, Loch Loy sits in a quiet corner of the Highlands where most tourists never venture. It's the sort of place you stumble upon rather than deliberately seek out, which is precisely why it's worth the small detour from the coast.

The loch itself is modest - maybe a mile long - but the surrounding landscape is genuinely peaceful. There's a walking path that loops around it, taking roughly an hour at an easy pace. The water reflects whatever the sky decides to throw at it, and on a clear day you get decent views towards the Moray Firth direction. Birdwatchers will find it reasonably productive; I spotted greylag geese and a few ducks on my visit. In winter, the light here has an almost austere quality that photographs surprisingly well.

It's not a destination in itself - you're not talking about a full afternoon's entertainment unless you're genuinely into wetland walks. But if you're based at Barrow Campsite or exploring Nairn, it's an honest hour's outing that beats another coastal path. The car park is basic but functional. No facilities to speak of, so bring what you need.

Families with young children might find it a bit underwhelming after the initial novelty wears off. Serious walkers heading towards the Cairngorms will find better terrain elsewhere. But for people who like their Highland scenery without the crowds and Instagram chaos, this does the job properly.