Lochan Coire na Poite

High up in the Highlands above Strathcarron, this small mountain loch sits in a proper wild setting - steep slopes rising up on three sides, the water dark and cold-looking even on decent days. Getting here isn't a casual stroll; you're looking at a decent hill walk of around two hours each way from the glen floor, which sorts out the serious hikers from the casual wanderers pretty quickly.

What you get for the effort is solitude and real mountain atmosphere. The loch itself is modest in size - you're not talking about Loch Ness here - but the cirque of rock around it makes for dramatic surroundings. Photographers will find angles worth the scramble. In winter it can look properly alpine, which catches folk off guard in the Scottish Highlands.

This is walkers' territory, not a family day-out spot unless your kids are properly equipped and genuinely keen. There's no facilities, no café, no visitor centre. You turn up, you walk, you sit and look at mountains. That's the appeal.

If you're based at Shieldaig Camping & Cabins - a solid five-star spot five or so miles away - this makes a cracking full-day excursion. Pair it with exploring Glen Torridon's other peaks and you've got proper mountaineering territory. Allow half a day minimum if you're just visiting the loch; a full day if you're making a proper mountain day of it. Spring through autumn is best; winter requires mountain experience.