Loch Dubh

A proper dark loch sitting in the heart of the Highlands, Loch Dubh lives up to its name - the water's deep and moody, reflecting whatever sky decides to show up that day. It's the kind of place you come to for the walk rather than the destination itself, though once you're there, the stillness gets under your skin. The loch is accessible from Newtonmore, which sits just a few miles south, making it a straightforward outing if you're based at one of the nearby campsites like Laggan Glamping or Shieldaig Camping & Cabins.

Walkers will get the most from this one. There's no visitor centre, no cafe, no facilities to speak of - just you, the water, and the Highland landscape. The walk in takes between forty minutes and an hour depending on which approach you take, and it's worth doing properly rather than rushing. Bring binoculars if you're into birds; the loch attracts them in decent numbers.

It's free to visit and open year-round, though honestly, spring and early autumn hit differently here than the soggier months. Winter can be magnificent if you don't mind the cold and shortened daylight. Families with younger kids might find the walk a bit long without much to do once you arrive, but teenagers who enjoy moody scenery and a bit of solitude will find it brilliant. If you're camping in the area and want a half-day walk that feels genuinely wild without requiring full mountaineering kit, Loch Dubh delivers. Don't expect thrills - expect quiet.