Loch Shiel

The moment you turn towards Loch Shiel from Kyle, the water opens up before you like something from a postcard you didn't quite believe was real. This is proper Highland scenery - a long, narrow freshwater loch ringed by steep mountains that drop straight into the water. The real draw here is Glenfinnan Monument on the far shore, that iconic column you've probably seen in a hundred films, and yes, the views across the loch to it genuinely don't disappoint.

You can walk the shoreline easily enough, though the terrain gets rough if you venture far. Most people come for the view from the roadside lookout or spend an hour pottering about the visitor area near Glenfinnan. History buffs will get something out of it - this is where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in 1745 - but honestly, the setting itself is the main event. Kids will enjoy the walk down to the water's edge and spotting the monument, though they might lose interest after that.

Glenshiel Campsite is practically on the doorstep, less than half a mile away, which makes this an obvious stop if you're basing yourself there. It's free to look around, naturally. Go when the weather's decent because when clouds roll in off the water, you'll see precisely nothing. Allow an hour minimum if you're serious about exploring, though twenty minutes works fine if you're just grabbing the photo.