Lochan Clachaidh

A small, dark loch tucked into the moorland south of Durness, Lochan Clachaidh is the sort of place you stumble upon rather than actively seek out - which is precisely why it's worth the detour. The water sits remarkably still most days, reflecting the surrounding heather and low hills like black glass. There's something properly atmospheric about it, especially when the cloud sits low.

This is walker territory first and foremost. The loch isn't signposted, so you'll need decent map-reading skills or a good GPS app, but that keeps the crowds away. The surrounding moorland offers endless options for circular walks, and the views back towards Ben Hope and Ben Loyal to the north are genuinely fine. It's the kind of place where you can be completely alone for hours.

If you're after trout fishing, locals reckon it can be decent in the right conditions - worth checking locally before you go. Swimming is technically possible if you're hardy, though the water stays bitterly cold even in summer.

Allow 2-3 hours if you're making a proper walk of it. There's no facilities, so bring what you need. Durness itself is only 15 minutes away, and if you're staying at nearby Sango Sands Oasis, this becomes an easy morning venture. Best visited in clearer weather - cloud and mist have their charm, but the views warrant decent visibility.