Lochan na Craoibhe-beithe

The water at Lochan na Craoibhe-beithe sits so still on a calm day that you can't tell where the loch ends and the sky begins. It's a proper small affair - nothing like the tourist circus of Loch Ness just down the road - which is precisely why it's worth the drive from Inverness.

This is a walker's spot, really. The loch itself is the destination, surrounded by Highland hills that give you decent views without requiring scrambling gear or a military-grade fitness level. You'll find locals fishing here, which tells you the water's healthy and the place hasn't been loved to death by Instagram. Bring binoculars if you're into birds - herons patrol the shallows and you might spot something rarer if you're patient.

There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of - it's just you, the water, and the landscape. That's the appeal, frankly. Allow an hour to walk the shoreline properly, longer if you want to sit and properly soak in the quietness. Best visited when the midges aren't out in force, so spring through early autumn works best.

If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Loch Ness Shores is brilliant and genuinely close - this makes an excellent half-day outing to escape the busier attractions. It's free to visit and requires only sensible footwear. Don't expect facilities or crowds, and you'll have a genuinely peaceful morning.