Loch nan Lann

There's a decent little loch about a mile and a half from Inverness that most visitors completely bypass, which is exactly why it's worth a look. Loch nan Lann is small - you can walk round it in under an hour if you're not stopping - but on a clear day the water reflects the surrounding hills properly well, and you get proper views across the landscape without the crowds you'd fight at Loch Ness.

The walk itself is straightforward enough, though it can get boggy depending on rainfall. It's the sort of place where you might spot a red squirrel if you're lucky, and birdwatchers seem to rate it. Families with younger kids might find it a bit limited - there's no café, no visitor centre, none of that - but if you're camping at one of the nearby parks and want a proper walk that doesn't eat up half the day, this does the job.

Inverness is close enough that you could easily fit this in as a morning before heading to bigger attractions, or combine it with Loch Ness proper if you're staying at Loch Ness Holiday Park or Inver Coille. The water is cold - I mean actually eye-watering cold - so swimming is only for the committed. Best visited in spring or autumn when the midges are less of a nightmare. Free to access, and there's no formal opening times. Worth an hour of your time if you're in the area, though don't expect it to be the highlight of your trip.