Loch Palascaig

The water here is dark and still, ringed by moorland that stretches back towards the Cuillin ridge. Loch Palascaig sits in that quiet corner of Skye where most tourists don't bother venturing - which is precisely why you should. It's an easy drive from Kyle of Lochalsh, tucked inland from the coast, and the loch itself demands nothing from you except time and decent boots if you fancy a walk round the shore.

What you get is straightforward: a proper Highland loch with room to breathe. The water's cold, obviously, and the light does strange things across it depending on the weather. There's no café, no facilities, no car park with an ice cream van. You park on the verge and walk. Walkers will find this genuinely rewarding - the circuit isn't demanding but the isolation feels earned. Photographers should come when the weather's turning; grey skies and late afternoon light suit this place far better than sunshine.

Families with young kids might find it a bit bleak unless they're the sort who enjoy wild swimming and boggy ground. It's not a destination in itself, but rather a detour that rewards the effort. If you're camping at Reraig Caravan & Camping just down the road, this makes for a cracking morning or late afternoon outing before dinner. Allow a couple of hours if you're walking the perimeter. Free, obviously. Go when the midges aren't out - May through September gets ambitious then.