Lake Falls

The walk down to Lake Falls from the Highland slopes is short but steep, and you'll know about your calves on the way back up. The falls themselves are modest - nothing like the thundering cascades you'd find further north - but there's something appealing about their quietness. Water drops into a dark pool surrounded by rough moorland, the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think.

This is one for walkers rather than casual visitors. You won't spend hours here unless you're the type to sit by water with a flask and a book. The nearest settlement is Strathcarron, a tiny place that's more a checkpoint than a destination, so you're really coming to Lake Falls as part of a bigger day out in the Highlands. It works perfectly if you're based at Shieldaig Camping & Cabins, just two miles away - adds a proper walk to your afternoon without needing a full expedition.

Admission is free, obviously. Allow thirty minutes to reach the falls and back unless you're dawdling or taking photographs. Best visited when water levels are decent, so avoid midsummer drought. Families with older kids will manage it fine; younger ones might find the walk tedious for the payoff. Real Highland fans will appreciate it more than casual tourists expecting postcard drama. Go if you're properly exploring the area, not as a quick roadside stop.