Loch Àrd

The loch sits tucked into Highland moorland about 2.5 miles south of Ullapool, Scotland's proper working fishing port - a genuinely remote freshwater lake that feels worlds away from the bustle of the town itself. What you get here is a straightforward walk round a substantial body of water ringed by rough heather and rocky outcrops. The views across to the mountains are genuine Highland scenery without the overcrowding of more famous spots. It's the sort of place where you'll spot red-throated divers or the occasional roe deer, depending on the season and your patience.

Walkers will find this rewarding - the circuit is roughly four miles depending on the route you take, and it's doable for most fitness levels if not particularly challenging. The shoreline's rocky in places, proper boggy in others, so decent boots matter. Families with younger kids might find the walk a touch long for the views on offer, but teenagers who aren't complete phone zombies will enjoy the isolation. History types won't find much to gnaw on here - it's landscape rather than heritage - but that's rather the point.

There's no visitor facility or admission to speak of. Park near the water and walk when the mood takes you. Port a Bhaigh Campsite nearby is a solid base if you're after something more basic than Ullapool's hotels. Afternoon light here is worth timing for, especially in autumn when the heather turns bronze.