Loch Neil Bhain

The loch itself is a proper tonic - dark water cupped between moorland hills with barely a soul in sight. You'll find Loch Neil Bhain tucked away in the Highland wilderness near Sutherland, and it's the kind of place where the silence actually feels loud. The surrounding hills are bare and rolling, no obvious access points or visitor infrastructure, which means you've got to work a bit to get there - but that's rather the appeal.

This is walkers' territory, full stop. The remoteness makes it brilliant for anyone after genuine solitude and big views. Families with young children might struggle unless they're the hardy sort; the terrain is rough and unmarked. No facilities that I'm aware of, so you're entirely self-sufficient.

Really, Loch Neil Bhain works best as part of a bigger Highland exploration rather than a destination in itself. Clachtoll Beach Campsite sits only a couple of miles away - a solid five-star spot if you're based there - and the loch becomes a morning's ramble or afternoon diversion into the emptiness. Best visited in decent weather; Scottish Highland mist turns this kind of place into a complete washout. Allow three or four hours if you're going to make a proper outing of it. Worth the effort if you want to feel properly remote.