Loch Scalpaidh

Loch Scalpaidh sits in proper remote Highland terrain between Kyle of Lochalsh and the deeper mountains inland. It's a freshwater loch - shallow in parts, dark and still in others - ringed by moorland rather than the dramatic peaks you might expect. This isn't a destination you'd drive two hours for on its own. But if you're based at Reraig Caravan & Camping on Skye, it's worth knowing about as a half-day detour for a walk and a bit of quiet.

The loch attracts walkers and, crucially, anglers who fish for trout here. There's no visitor infrastructure to speak of - no cafe, no car park with facilities. You're looking at pulling off the road and making your own way to the water's edge. The walk around it takes a couple of hours if you're steady, and the midges can be fierce depending on when you visit. Late spring and early autumn are your best bets.

Families with young children might find it a bit anticlimactic after the promise of Scottish scenery. Experienced walkers and anyone seriously into fishing will get more from it. It's free to access and there's no time limit - you're just moving through the landscape. The real value here is that it breaks up a Skye holiday without requiring much planning. Do it early morning for the best light and fewer insects. The loch itself is lovely on a clear day, but honest truth: the drive matters more than the destination.