Loch na Croic

The drive up to Loch na Croic from Strathpeffer takes you through proper Highland scenery - moorland and scattered conifers - and that's half the appeal. The loch itself is quiet and relatively undiscovered, which means you won't be queuing for photos or dodging tour groups. It's a freshwater loch surrounded by heather and low hills, the kind of place where you actually hear birdsong instead of camera shutters.

Walking around the shoreline is straightforward enough, though paths aren't manicured. Allow 45 minutes to an hour if you're taking it slow and stopping to look at the water. Families with younger kids might find it a bit tame - there's no visitor centre, no cafe, no facilities. But if you're after a genuine Highland loch experience without the Loch Ness circus, this delivers. Walkers especially will appreciate it as a warm-up or break between bigger routes.

Access appears to be free, and there's room to park near the loch. Best visited on a clear day when the light catches the water properly. If you're staying at Highland Heights Luxury Glamping nearby, it's worth the short hop to tick off a proper loch without the tourist machine. Spring and early summer are lovely - the heather hasn't yet turned purple, but the light is sharp and the air's crisp.