Loch Saugh

A proper little Scottish loch that catches most visitors off-guard - Loch Saugh sits quietly near Laurencekirk without the fanfare you'd expect from a Highland water body. The loch itself is modest in size, but the surrounding landscape has real character: moorland tumbling down to the water's edge, with decent walking routes that let you circle the shore without much fuss.

It's a walker's spot, mainly. The paths are manageable rather than challenging, which means families with kids of reasonable fitness can manage a loop without drama. Birdwatchers come for the wildfowl, and you'll see folk casting lines from the bank if fishing's permitted - worth checking locally. The light can be exceptional on clear days, especially towards late afternoon when the moors shift colour.

There's no visitor centre or facilities that I'm aware of, so bring what you need. Allow a couple of hours if you want to do the full circuit without rushing. Best visited in spring or early autumn when the midges aren't quite so murderous.

If you're staying at Glen Dye Cabins or Royal Arch Riverside Park - both within five miles - Loch Saugh makes an easy morning sortie. It's not a day's destination on its own, but combined with walking in the Cairngorms foothills nearby, it fills a pleasant slot in a Highland break. Quiet, accessible, and genuinely local rather than tourist-worn.