Lochan Suie Dhu

The water here is genuinely black - not a poetic exaggeration, but actual dark peat-stained water that sits like a mirror on still days. Lochan Suie Dhu is a small highland loch near Kyle, the sort of place you'd stumble upon while exploring rather than specifically plan for, though it's worth knowing about if you're in the area.

It's basically a quiet spot for walking and photography. The loch itself isn't huge - you can circuit it without much fuss - but the landscape around it is properly wild highland stuff. If you're staying at Glenshiel Campsite nearby, this makes an easy afternoon wander. The peat-dark water creates moody reflections, especially when clouds roll in, which they do often up here.

There's not much in terms of facilities or structured attractions. No café, no visitor centre, no admission charge as far as I can tell. Just you, the loch, and the hills. That's either exactly what you want or a bit thin if you've got restless kids in tow. Adults who like a proper walk and some decent photography will get more from it than families looking for activities.

Best visited on a clear day if you can manage it - the reflection of the sky makes it less imposing than its name suggests. On a grey afternoon, mind, it lives up to the 'black loch' billing rather dramatically. Allow a couple of hours if you're making a morning of it, less if you're just doing a quick stop.