St John's Loch

The water at St John's Loch sits absolutely still most days, which makes it eerily beautiful - you can see right across to the far banks and the hills beyond without a ripple breaking the surface. It's a proper freshwater loch in the far north, near Thurso, and honestly it's the kind of place you stumble upon rather than plan a special trip for, though I'd argue that's part of its charm.

What you get here is straightforward: a quiet stretch of water, moorland all around, and the kind of silence you don't often find anywhere. There's no café, no visitor centre, no "experience" - just the loch itself. It's decent for a walk along the banks if you're after something peaceful, and the light up here in summer is extraordinary, staying bright until nearly midnight. Bring binoculars if you're into birdwatching; I spotted several species I couldn't quite identify from a distance.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's not a tourist honeypot, so you won't queue or fight crowds. Families with young kids might find it a bit dull after twenty minutes unless they're keen on nature spotting. The nearest proper base is Thurso itself, which is about as far north as you can get on the mainland, and Little Croft Highlands campsite sits just 2.5 miles away - a solid spot for a night or two if you're exploring the far north.

Best visited on a clear day. Go in summer for the light and milder conditions; winter up here is bleak, though that might appeal to some.