Plockton

You'll round a bend on the A87 and suddenly there it is - a perfect postcard village sprawling along the loch with palm trees doing their best to convince you that you're somewhere continental. That's Plockton for you. The pastel-coloured cottages line the waterfront in a way that feels almost too neat, like someone rearranged Scotland specially for the cameras. Except it's real, and it's genuinely lovely to walk around.

The thing about Plockton is it's small enough to see properly in two or three hours. There's no grand attraction as such - it's the place itself that's the draw. You stroll the harbourside, poke around the handful of cafes and galleries, maybe grab a pint at the local pub. The walking is gentle and flat, which means families with younger kids won't struggle, though teenagers might find it a bit sleepy unless they're into the whole Instagram angle.

What sells Plockton is the setting. The Highland mountains rise up behind, the loch stretches out front, and you get proper Highland scenery without the effort of a six-hour walk. It's the sort of place that feels special without being crowded - pop in off-season and you'll have it almost to yourself.

If you're staying at Reraig Caravan & Camping just down the road near Kyle of Lochalsh, Plockton makes an easy day trip. Skip the midday rush and go late afternoon when the light softens. You'll see why the telly crews love it here.