Spey Dam Reservoir

The Spey Dam holds back one of the Highlands' largest reservoirs, creating a proper focal point for the landscape around Newtonmore. It's a functional thing - built for hydroelectric power - but that doesn't diminish the appeal of the water itself, which stretches out with genuine grandeur against the hills.

The reservoir works brilliantly if you're after a walk with actual views rather than just trudging through moorland. The shoreline paths are accessible enough for families, though the terrain varies. On a clear day the reflections are worth the trip alone. Bring decent shoes though - it's boggy in places, and the weather can turn fast up here.

This is very much a spot for people who like their landscapes honest and unfussy. It's not trying to be anything other than what it is - a big body of water in the Highlands. That directness is rather refreshing. You won't find a cafe or visitor centre, and that's part of the charm. Come for an hour's walk, or make it a half-day circuit if the weather holds.

Stay at Laggan Glamping nearby - only four miles away - and you've got the perfect base for exploring this stretch of the Spey Valley. The dam sits right within reach of serious Highland walking country, so treat it as one piece of a bigger exploration rather than a standalone destination. Best visited when it's not raining sideways, which in the Highlands means you'll have limited window.