Lochan a' Choire

The loch sits tucked into moorland south of Newtonmore, and it's one of those places that rewards a bit of effort to reach. You're looking at a small, dark-watered mountain lake surrounded by heather-covered slopes - the sort of spot that feels genuinely remote even though it's only a short drive from the main village.

Getting here involves a decent walk from the car park, maybe thirty minutes or so depending on which approach you take, and the terrain's not particularly gentle. But that's rather the point. The views across to the Monadhliath mountains are proper views, the kind where you can actually hear the wind and the water and not much else. On a clear day it's worth the trek. On a misty one it's eerie in the best possible way.

Walkers will absolutely get the most from this. It's not a casual stroll, and families with small children might find it a slog. If you're based at Laggan Glamping nearby, you're perfectly positioned to tick it off as part of a longer day in the hills - pair it with other high moorland walks in the area and you've got yourself a proper Highland adventure.

There's no facilities to speak of, so bring water and something to eat. Go early to avoid what little crowds there are. The loch itself isn't swimmable in any practical sense, but as a destination for walkers who want solitude and good views, it delivers.