Lochan Eòin Mhic Alastair

There's a proper small loch tucked into the Highland landscape near Ballachulish that most tourists miss entirely - Lochan Eòin Mhic Alastair. It's the kind of water that rewards a bit of exploring, especially if you're already in the area for a longer Highland break.

The loch itself is modest in size but genuinely atmospheric. You get clear views across to the mountains, and on a calm day the reflections are sharp enough to make you stop walking and just look for a minute. There's minimal development around it - no cafes, no visitor centre, no crowds. Just water, hills, and the occasional bit of scrambling if you fancy getting closer to the shoreline.

Walkers will get the most from this one. It's accessible enough for families with decent fitness, though there's no obvious marked path, so you'll need to read the landscape a bit. An hour or so is realistic if you're not pushing hard. Bring a camera and patience.

If you're staying at Invercoe Caravan & Motorhome Park near Ballachulish - and it's a solid base for the area - this sits roughly 6.5 miles away. It slots nicely into a day that includes other Highland exploring rather than being a destination in itself. There's no admission charge because there's nothing to charge for. Go early morning or late afternoon when the light's better and the midges have other ideas. Winter's quieter too, though shorter daylight means you'll want to plan accordingly.