Loch Poll a' Mhuic

The loch sits quietly in the Highland landscape, tucked away from the main tourist routes that dominate the west coast. You won't find facilities or car parks here - it's genuinely remote, which is exactly the point. The water reflects the surrounding hills in that particular way Scottish lochs do on still days, and the whole scene has a proper sense of isolation that feels increasingly rare.

Walkers will appreciate the approach. It's not a casual stroll, but the effort rewards you with genuine solitude rather than Instagram crowds. The terrain is rough enough to keep casual day-trippers at bay, which means you're more likely to have the place to yourself. The nearest settlement of real size is Sutherland, though you're better thinking of this as deep Highland territory - this is where the land genuinely feels empty.

If you're based at Clachtoll Beach Campsite down the coast - a cracking spot in its own right - you could make an afternoon of exploring this way. It's not a destination that needs hours; what matters is being here rather than doing anything particularly structured. The light changes dramatically throughout the day, and the hills shift from grey to purple to gold depending on the weather.

Not for everyone, frankly. If you need visitor centres and café stops, look elsewhere. But if you want to see a piece of the Highlands that most people drive straight past without noticing, this is worth the detour.