Loch a' Bhealaich Mòr

The loch sits in proper remote territory above Strathcarron, which means you'll need to commit to the drive and likely a decent walk to reach it. Once you're there, though, it's the kind of place that makes you understand why people move to the Highlands and never leave. The water's dark and still most days, surrounded by rough moorland that rolls up to serious mountains - it feels genuinely isolated in a way that's becoming rare.

There's no visitor centre or facilities. You're essentially looking at a walk-in loch experience. Most people approach from the south near Shieldaig, and the going gets steep and boggy depending on the route you take. Allow a solid couple of hours each way if you're not regularly walking rough terrain. It's free, obviously, because there's nothing there to charge for.

This works best for walkers rather than families with small children - the paths aren't maintained and it's not a case of turning up and walking along a nice track. You'll want proper boots and weather that isn't actively trying to kill you. That said, if you're staying at Shieldaig Camping & Cabins down the road, it's worth the effort as a proper Highland objective. The views across to the mountains genuinely justify the effort.

Go early in the day and check the weather forecast. If there's low cloud, you won't see much beyond the next ridge, and the whole experience becomes a slog rather than a treat.