Lochan Dubh nan Cailleach

The walk down to Lochan Dubh nan Cailleach is the sort that catches you off guard - suddenly you're staring at a proper dark loch tucked into the Highland landscape near Gairloch, and it feels like you've stumbled somewhere nobody else knows about. The water's almost black, reflecting the hills above it, and on a still day the whole thing has this brooding, quiet quality that makes you want to sit down and just look for a bit.

It's not a massive attraction - there's no visitor centre or café, no crowds jostling for angles. You park up and walk in, and the loch itself is the point. The name means the old woman's dark loch, and there's something about the place that feels old in a way that's hard to put your finger on. The moorland around it is open and windswept, so dress for that.

This is really one for walkers and photographers who enjoy the journey as much as the destination. If you're after something where you can just point and snap, you might find the lack of facilities bit underwhelming. But if you want to properly explore the Gairloch area beyond the obvious seaside bits, this works well - it's a decent half-day venture that doesn't feel touristy. The nearby Sands Caravan & Camping site is only a few miles away, which makes it a natural add-on if you're basing yourself there for a week.

Timing-wise, give yourself two to three hours including the walk. Go in decent weather when you can actually see the hills properly.