Loch nan Nighean

The walk to Loch nan Nighean takes you into proper Highland scenery without the crowds you'd get at Loch Tummel or Loch Rannoch. It's a small loch, honest - don't expect vast vistas - but that's partly why it works. The water sits quiet among the trees, and on a decent day the reflections are genuinely good.

You'll need sturdy boots and a bit of time. The approach from Pitlochry isn't a casual stroll, but it's not mountaineering either. Most people allow two to three hours for the round trip depending on fitness and how long you linger. The loch itself rewards walkers more than casual visitors - if you're the type who drives to a car park and expects a view, this won't be your thing. But if you like getting away from the main tourist routes in Perthshire, it delivers.

It's genuinely free, and there are no barriers or opening hours to worry about. Families with older kids who can manage the walk will find it peaceful. Photographers come for the light on the water, especially in autumn. Summer can be midgier, so time your visit accordingly.

Stay at one of the nearby parks - River Tilt, Blair Castle Caravan, or Faskally Woods are all within a few miles - and combine this with walks around Pitlochry's better-known lochs and the Pass of Killiecrankie. It's the sort of place that makes a caravan holiday in Tayside feel less touristy.