Lochan Uaine

The water here is an almost unnatural shade of jade green - so vivid you half wonder if someone's doctored the photos. Lochan Uaine, a small but striking loch in the Highlands near Tain, sits in moorland that feels properly remote even though you're not miles from civilization. It's the colour that does it. Iron oxide in the water apparently, though honestly the geology matters less than standing there on a still day watching it gleam like liquid emerald.

There's not much in the way of facilities or formal attractions - this is a spot for walkers and landscape photographers rather than anyone after a busy afternoon out. The walk in takes about twenty minutes from the car park, across rough moorland with decent views. It's a straightforward trudge, nothing technical, but wear proper boots because bog is bog.

Historically it's linked to local folklore around a green-clad fairy, the sort of tale that gets attached to unusual-looking places. Worth knowing if you're into that sort of thing, though the real draw is simply the colour and the solitude. Bring a camera. Bring a thermos. Don't expect crowds.

If you're staying at Dornoch Firth Caravan Park just down the road, this makes a cracking morning walk - leaves you plenty of time for other bits around Tain. It's not a full-day destination, but as a detour on a Highland trip it's well worth the drive. Best in calm weather when the water's glass-like and that green really sings.