Uaimh an Òir

You're looking at a proper cave system tucked into the Highland landscape near Gairloch, though calling it Uaimh an Òir - the Cave of Gold - sets expectations that reality doesn't quite match. The cave itself is modest, a short walk from the roadside, and the real appeal is the journey rather than some grand underground cathedral. Locals reckon the name comes from the glint of mica in the rock face, which is a touch of magic when the light catches it right.

This is walkers' territory, not a groomed tourist spot. There's no visitor centre, no gift shop, no marked entrance fee that I could find - you just turn up and explore. The cave mouth opens to a reasonable chamber, but don't expect miles of passages. It's a twenty-minute ramble from the nearest pull-in, so bring proper footwear. Kids aged eight and up might find it interesting; younger ones could struggle with the muddy approach and uneven ground.

Worth the detour if you're camping at Sands Caravan & Camping, which sits just 3.4 miles away and makes an easy base for exploring this stretch of the Highlands. Pair it with a coastal walk around Gairloch itself or a visit to nearby Inverewe Garden if the weather turns. Go in dry conditions - wet rock is slippy and the approach becomes a bog. Spring and autumn are best; summer sees midges that'll drive you round the bend, and winter can make access tricky. Allow an hour door-to-door and you'll have done it justice.