Loch na Faoileige

The water here sits quiet and dark, ringed by thick woodland that crowds right down to the shore. Loch na Faoileige is small - the kind of Scottish loch that doesn't make it onto postcards, which is precisely why it's worth the short drive from Inverness.

There's no facilities, no car park, no marked trails. You'll need to find your own way to the water's edge through the trees, which keeps the place refreshingly undisturbed. The loch is best for anyone who actually wants to spend time in the Highlands rather than ticking boxes - walkers doing longer routes through the area, photographers after moody water shots, or anyone after a proper bit of solitude.

Allow an hour to get there, have a poke around the shoreline, and head back. It works well as a stop-off if you're exploring the quieter corners between Inverness and the lochs further west. The nearby camping spots at Loch Ness Holiday Park, Loch Ness Shores, and Inver Coille are all within easy reach if you're basing yourself in the area for a week.

Go when the light's decent - morning's usually best here - and don't expect amenities. Bring wellies. The woodland around the loch can be boggy, and there's always midges depending on the season. It's free to visit, naturally. Kids might find it a bit dull if they're expecting a beach or a visitor centre, but teenagers who like wild places will get it.