Lochan Caorainn

A small, still loch tucked into the Highland landscape near Sutherland - the sort of place you stumble upon rather than plan for. Lochan Caorainn is modest by Scottish standards, but that's precisely why it works. The water sits quiet and reflective, ringed by moorland and low hills, with barely another soul around on most days.

This is walkers' territory, pure and simple. If you're staying at Clachtoll Beach Campsite and fancy a break from coastal scenery, the loch makes a decent afternoon expedition. The approach is straightforward enough, though you'll want decent boots - the ground gets boggy in patches. Reckon on a couple of hours if you're taking your time and actually looking at the landscape rather than just ticking it off.

The appeal isn't dramatic. There's no café, no visitor centre, no interpretive boards telling you what you're supposed to think. It's just water, sky, and moorland doing what they've done for centuries. Families with very young children might find it a bit underwhelming - there's nothing to actually do once you arrive except stand about and look at it. But for anyone seeking genuine quiet, or walkers building a longer route through the area, it's worth the detour. Go early morning if you can. The light hits the water differently then, and you'll have it entirely to yourself.