Loch Lub Mhari

The drive north from Aviemore winds you through proper Cairngorms scenery before Loch Lub Mhari appears - a small, dark loch hemmed in by heather moorland that doesn't announce itself loudly but rewards a stop. It's not dramatic like some of the bigger Highland lochs, but there's something restful about it, the kind of place where an hour disappears without you noticing.

Walkers benefit most here. The loch sits at around 1,300 feet and the moorland around it offers decent footpaths if you want to stretch your legs beyond the immediate shoreline. The water's deep and cold - no swimming unless you're hardy - but it's good for photographing, especially on clear days when the Cairngorms backdrop sharpens up. Families will find it fine for a brief stop and paddle in the shallows on the eastern bank, though there's not much infrastructure, so pack what you need.

Free to visit, naturally. Allow 30 to 90 minutes depending on whether you just stop for a look or fancy a proper walk around the perimeter. Afternoon light tends to be kinder here than morning, which can be grey even when it's decent elsewhere.

It works well as a half-day excursion from Dalraddy Holiday Park, which sits just four miles south near Alvie. Drive up, have a wander, maybe spot some red grouse or mountain hares if you're lucky, then head back for something warm to eat. The loch doesn't demand a huge time commitment but it's worth the detour if you're staying in the area.