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You’ll pass this loch if you visit Inverewe Gardens (see Inverewe Gardens) . Wonderfully situated among imposing mountains, Loch Maree is a revered fishing loch by a nature reserve. Red deer occasionally swim out to the group of wooded islands in the centre and make temporary homes there.

The rival to Loch Ness, Loch Morar is Scotland’s deepest loch (over 300 m/1,000 ft), and has long had its own legend of a monster – Morag (apparently identical to Nessie). Morar is easy to get to but little visited because its shores are largely inaccessible to cars, which makes it all the more delightful for walking. Nearby are spectacular beaches – the White Sands of Morar.

Probably Scotland’s most charismatic loch, this deep body of water is a major draw because of the scenic splendour of the Great Glen, Urquhart Castle and the as-yet-unexplained sightings of monster Nessie (see Loch Ness and the Great Glen) .

The hidden treasure at the end of an utterly magical walk, Loch Skeen is a tiny loch high up in moorland hills. The walk to it climbs steeply alongside the spectacular Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall (note that it’s dangerous to leave the path en route). The visitor centre, situated near the falls, has a CCTV on a peregrine falcon nest.

A magnificent sea loch that is reminiscent of a Norwegian fjord. The wall of red sandstone mountains to its north attracts hill walkers by the score, and from the summits you can see all the way from Cape Wrath to Ardnamurchan. A lovely one-way walk takes you from Diabeg to Inveralligin, with a series of refreshing lochans (small lochs) in which to swim if the weather’s hot.

An enchanting loch within a forest, in a very much overlooked corner of Scotland, characterized by its stunning wilderness. The loch is bordered by walks, which form part of the long-distance Southern Upland Way (see Southern Upland Way) . At the eastern end there’s a memorial to King Robert the Bruce.

The Logan boasts the greatest number of exotic species growing outdoors in Scotland. The southern hemisphere is particularly well represented and the palm trees and gunnera have grown to almost jungle proportions. Apart from the climate, there’s a South Pacific feel to the place. It’s usually much quieter than other gardens, too.

With almost as much fresh water as land, North Uist is one of Scotland’s hallowed trout fishing areas. Each season sees superb specimens caught from both bank and boat. Ghillies (guides-cum-gamekeepers) are available to show you the best spots and to advise on bait.