Loch nam Faoileag

Out on the road between Drumnadrochit and the main A82, this small loch sits quietly without the crowds you'd find at Loch Ness itself, just down the way. The water's dark and still, ringed by low hills - proper Highland scenery without needing a famous monster to justify the visit.

It's the sort of place you stumble across rather than plan for. There's no visitor infrastructure, no café, no car park with a gift shop. You pull over where you can, walk down to the shore, and that's it. The water's cold even in summer, mind you.

Walkers get the most from Loch nam Faoileag. The loch itself doesn't demand hours - you can circle it in maybe an hour if you're not rushing - but the paths around it are pleasant and the views back towards the Glen are worth the leg work. Photographers will find the light hits nicely in late afternoon. If you're after a swim, the water's clean enough, though it'll take your breath away.

It works brilliantly as a quiet morning walk if you're staying at one of the nearby glamping spots - Loch Ness Glamping is barely two miles away, and Highland Premier Glamping Pods even closer at four miles. After a night in a pod, this beats heading straight to the tourist machine at the loch's visitor centre. Come early to avoid what little traffic there is. Free, obviously. Allow an hour to ninety minutes unless you're bringing a packed lunch to linger.