River Pattack

The Pattack isn't really a lake at all - it's a river that's been dammed to create a long, narrow reservoir tucked into the Highlands near Newtonmore. You'll find it surrounded by proper wild landscape, the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think.

Walking the shoreline is the main draw. The path follows the water quite closely in places, with the Monadhliath mountains rising up on either side. It's not dramatic in the obvious way - more intimate and moody than that. On a grey day, which is honest, you get the full weight of the Scottish wilderness. On a clear one, you can trace the ridgelines for miles. Most people allow two to three hours for a decent walk, though you can manage a shorter loop if time's tight.

This suits walkers far more than families with young children. There's no café, no visitor centre, no facilities to speak of - just you, the water, and the hills. That's precisely why it works. You won't find crowds, even in peak season. Fishing is popular here too, though you'll need to check permissions locally.

If you're staying at Laggan Glamping & Caravan Site six miles away, the Pattack makes an excellent afternoon outing. Pair it with a walk in the Cairngorms or a visit to Ruthven Barracks nearby - it slots nicely into a proper Highlands itinerary without feeling like a tourist tick-box. Access is free and unrestricted, though there's nowhere to park except a small lay-by, which fills quickly on weekends.