Loch na Gobhlaig

You'll find Loch na Gobhlaig tucked away in the Scottish Highlands near Beauly, and it's the sort of place that rewards actually getting out of the car and walking its shores. It's a small, quiet loch - nothing like the famous Ness or Morar further north - but that's precisely what makes it worth seeking out if you're after solitude rather than Instagram crowds.

The loch itself is surrounded by proper Highland scenery: steep banks, a mix of moorland and woodland, and water that's genuinely cold even in summer. You can walk around it, though the paths aren't manicured tourist routes - bring decent boots. Swimming is possible if you're brave, though most visitors simply sit and watch the light change across the water.

This works best for walkers and those who like their nature without the facilities. Families with young children might find it a bit remote and slightly underwhelming on first impression, but older kids who enjoy genuine wilderness will get more from it. There's no shop or facilities at the loch itself, so pack what you need from Beauly beforehand.

If you're staying at Cannich Woodland Camping and Caravan Park, just four miles away, this makes a cracking afternoon walk. It's free to visit and you can spend as long as you like - an hour's easy wander or a full morning if you're keen to explore properly. Go when the light's good rather than in drizzle, and you'll understand why locals keep this one quiet.