Loch Misirich

The loch sits quietly in the Highland landscape, about five miles from Strathpeffer - the kind of water that doesn't shout for attention but rewards those who bother to find it. It's a proper freshwater loch, surrounded by moorland and hills that shift colour depending on the light and season. You won't find crowds here, which is either the whole point or utterly pointless, depending on what you're after.

What you actually do is walk around it, fish if you've got the inclination and permission sorted, or simply sit and look. There's something deeply Scottish about a body of water that doesn't try to be dramatic - no steep cliffs, no famous castle ruins on an island, just water and heather and the occasional eagle overhead if you're lucky. Bird watchers get genuine value here. Walkers find it's a decent option if you're based nearby and want a shorter circuit than some of the bigger lochs.

It works well as a half-day stop if you're staying at Highland Heights Luxury Glamping - close enough not to feel like a detour, far enough out that it feels like you've actually gone somewhere. Allow an hour to walk the perimeter at a casual pace, longer if you're photographing or watching for wildlife. There's no visitor centre, no facilities, no entrance fee. Just turn up.

If you're expecting drama, you'll leave disappointed. If you want the kind of loch experience that doesn't rely on postcards and tourist infrastructure, this works.