Loch Meiklie

You'll find Loch Meiklie tucked away in the Highlands near Drumnadrochit, a proper quiet water that most tourists miss whilst chasing Nessie fever down the road. It's a small freshwater loch, the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think - no tour buses, no gift shops, just water and mountains doing what they've done for centuries.

The walk around it is gentle enough for families with older kids, though the terrain can be boggy in places so proper boots matter. Fishermen come here for brown trout, and birdwatchers reckon it's worth an hour or two with binoculars. The views across to the surrounding hills are decent rather than dramatic, but that's rather the point. It's the kind of spot where you go to escape the crowds, not to tick off a postcard.

If you're based at Loch Ness Glamping or Highland Premier Glamping Pods - both five-star rated and within easy driving distance - Meiklie makes a solid half-day extension. You could loop it with a visit to Cannich Woodland Camping's local walks, which sit at the foot of Glen Affric. Allow a couple of hours maximum unless you're serious about fishing or photography.

There's no admission fee that I'm aware of, and no facilities on site, so bring what you need. Go early in the morning if you want solitude, or late afternoon when the light softens across the water. It's not going to change your life, but it's exactly what the Highlands do best when you step away from the main routes.