The Highlands

Imagine Scotland at its most wildly beautiful, and you'll picture The Highlands in all their rugged, breath-taking glory. Covering around 30,000 square kilometres, there's plenty of expansive Highland scenery to get lost in, and it covers just about every natural wonder you can think of - along with some truly extraordinary places to stay.

Steeped in myth and legend, this is the historic setting where weathered mountains meet conifer-and-castle-studded woodland, rippling lochs, and a winding, windswept coastline that time seems barely to have touched.

Head for Cairngorms National Park - twice the size of the Lake District - and embark on a tour of nature that will lead you through enchanting forest paths galore (the towering mountains are hit with climbers and skiiers, too!) While you're there, spend some downtime in Aviemore, a year-round holiday resort that's packed with natural delights.

Of course, no time spent in The Highlands would be complete without a monster-spotting expedition to the vast Loch Ness... though if you prefer something more relaxed, you could make your way to the Moray Coast and watch the playful dolphins instead.

Discover the mysteries of Glencoe, the other-worldly setting for many a blockbuster movie, or if you're in the mood for a challenge, travel to the North West to climb the mighty Ben Nevis, an ancient giant that was once an active volcano.

Whatever you decide to do with your time in The Highlands, you're all but guaranteed friendly hospitality with your welcome wee dram, along with some of the freshest seafood you'll ever eat.

What could be better than indulging in some of that unmistakable Highland spirit?