Lochan a’ Bhlair

You'll find this little Highland loch tucked away in the hills south of Inverness - not the sort of place you stumble across by accident. Lochan a' Bhlair is a proper mountain pool, ringed by moorland and conifers, the kind of spot that rewards the short walk in with a genuine sense of having escaped somewhere. The water's dark and still most days, reflecting the surrounding slopes with that particular quality of light you get in the Scottish Highlands when the clouds break just right.

Walkers get the most from this place. It's not a destination in itself - you won't spend hours here - but rather a turning point on a longer route through the hills. The loch sits at a decent elevation, so the approach involves some proper climbing rather than a gentle stroll. That means it's best suited to people comfortable with a moderate hillwalk, not families with young kids in pushchairs or casual afternoon wanderers.

The real appeal is the remoteness. Few tourists make the effort, so you'll likely have the place to yourself, which changes how you experience it entirely. Bring a packed lunch and settle by the shore for twenty minutes - that's the move. If you're based at Loch Ness Shores or Loch Ness Glamping just down the road near Inverness, this makes a cracking half-day outing when the weather turns decent. Late spring through early autumn is your best bet - winter up here can be brutal and muddy.

Honestly, if you're after an easy accessible loch with facilities and views from the car park, look elsewhere. But if you want a quiet Highland landscape and don't mind earning it, this one delivers.