Bagging Munros

On the eastern shore of stunning Loch Lomond, the country’s most southerly – and popular – Munro soars to a height of 3,176ft. There’s a good path which rises gradually to the summit from where you have spectacular views of the loch. Directions here.

The highest mountain in Britain, ‘The Ben’ is a challenging but rewarding Munro ‘to bag’.

Just northwest of Inverness this is a straightforward Munro for beginners to bag with spellbinding views of the Highlands from the summit. Directions here.

Where to go and what to see on a road trip around Scotland’s famous NC500 – a 5-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Lucy Gillmore.

Where to go and what to see in the Scottish Highlands to get the most from your trip – a 10-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Lucy Gillmore.

Magnificent mountain scenery slashed by silvery lochs and peppered with brooding castles: all laden with rich Scottish heritage, history and tradition.

Lucy’s summary of typical foods, ingredients and flavours to try in the Scottish Highlands – and some of the best ‘foodie’ experiences,

Scotland is known as the birthplace of golf and is renowned for exceptional golf courses, rich tradition and unsurpassed golfing history.

A spectacular road trip around the far-flung north coast of Scotland – spellbinding landscapes, ancient castles, occasional whisky distillery, and rich Scottish heritage.

Sail through Scotland’s mesmerising Highlands along the dramatic Caledonian Canal, taking in spectacular landscapes, craggy castles, whisky distilleries and glassy lochs, as well as the islands and waterways of the Inner Hebrides.

This 18th-century coastal fortress, still a working barracks, overlook the Moray Firth built after the Battle of Culloden to house the British army. You can wander around the complex, dipping into the regimental museum, checking out the historical tableaux depicting soldiers’ lives and climbing up onto the canon-peppered battlements.

A place of pilgrimage for Shakespeare scholars (Macbeth was the Thane of Cawdor), this ancient fortress complete with drawbridge, turrets and towers dates back to the 14th century and is furnished with rare Flemish tapestries, oil paintings and fine antiques. The walled gardens peppered with contemporary sculptures are also a highlight.

This former medieval fortress, on the shore of the loch, once was the home of Scotland’s Grant Clan. Built in the 13th century, it was subsequently destroyed by the English in 1692 following the crushing of the Jacobite Rebellion at Culloden. You can watch a film of its history in the visitor centre.

Hike up to the 165-feet high Falls of Foyers to see a famous optical illusion. Stare at the water then flick your eyes sideways to see the rock wall move upwards. The waterfall feeds into Loch Ness.