Lock nam Fiodhag

The water here is dark and still, stretching between steep hillsides in a way that makes you feel properly remote even though Beauly is only a short drive away. Loch nam Fiodhag sits deep in the Highlands, and it's the kind of place where you come for the walk rather than any facilities - there aren't any, really. You'll find parking spots dotted around, and locals fish from the shore, but this is genuinely quiet water.

The loch works best for walkers and photographers. The surrounding hills give you decent views without demanding serious mountaineering, and on a clear day the reflections are worth bringing a camera for. It's not crowded, which counts for something. Some people will find that peaceful; others might wonder why they're standing at a very nice but ultimately empty Scottish loch when they could be elsewhere.

There's no entry fee and no fixed hours - you just turn up. Allow an hour to potter about, longer if you're walking the perimeter. It pairs reasonably well with Cannich Woodland Camping and Caravan Park five miles down the road if you're basing yourself in the area. That said, Loch nam Fiodhag isn't a destination in itself. It's a pleasant stopover during a Highland tour, somewhere to stretch your legs and breathe in the cold air. If you're collecting Scottish lochs, fine. If you're short on time, the better-known waters near Beauly probably deserve the visit more.