Lochan Beoil Chathaiche

The walk to Lochan Beoil Chathaiche takes you into proper Highland terrain, and it's worth every step. This small mountain loch sits high up near Pitlochry, surrounded by the kind of scenery that makes you understand why people move to Perthshire and never leave. The water is dark, clear, and deeply quiet - no crowds, no noise, just the sound of wind through heather and the occasional golden eagle if you're lucky.

Getting here means a decent hill walk of around ninety minutes from the nearest road, so this isn't a five-minute stop. You'll need proper boots and a bit of fitness, but walkers will absolutely love it. The views back down towards Pitlochry and across the valleys are the kind that make the climb feel worthwhile. Families with younger kids might find it a bit much, unless they're the outdoor type already.

Timing-wise, allow a full morning or afternoon. There's no visitor centre or facilities, so bring water and a snack. Summer's your best bet - the midges can be vicious in June and July, but September offers clearer skies and fewer bugs. Winter's too dodgy underfoot unless you know what you're doing.

If you're based at Parkdean Resorts Tummel Valley or Glengoulandie nearby, this makes a proper adventure day out. It's the kind of walk that separates the holidaymakers from the hill walkers, and that's exactly why it's worth doing.