Loch Ullachie

The water at Loch Ullachie sits dark and still, ringed by heather and Scots pine that climb up towards the Cairngorms. It's the kind of place you stumble upon rather than rush to - a proper freshwater loch about three miles southwest of Ballater, quiet enough that you'll hear grouse calling across the moorland.

There's not much infrastructure here, which is precisely the point. You get a shoreline to wander, a chance to spot red squirrels if you're lucky, and the sort of big sky views that make you understand why people bother living in the Highlands. Birdwatchers do well - golden eagles and osprey pass through - and it's decent for a morning ramble if the midges aren't biting. The water itself is cold enough to deter casual swimmers, though locals do know the spots.

Family groups with young kids will find it a bit thin on the ground for sustained entertainment - there's no playground, café, or visitor centre. Walkers and nature types, though, will rate it highly. Allow an hour or two depending on how far you fancy going around the loch. Come early morning or late afternoon when the light's proper stunning and the water reflects the hills.

If you're staying at Ballater Caravan Park or Howe of Torbeg - both excellent spots - Loch Ullachie makes a perfect escape from the busier Cairngorms attractions. Free to visit, naturally. No fees, no fuss, no crowds.