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The Gatliff Hebridean Hostels Trust has restored two old black-houses (cottages blackened inside by peat smoke) to make this hostel, overlooking the Sound of Harris. Berneray is Prince Charles’s favourite island: its west coast is one long beach. Great walks and birdlife.

Thatched cottage providing primitive accommodation in the most stunning situation. Just four hops to the beach (see Berneray Youth Hostel) .

As a young blacksmith, Macmillan saw a child riding a hobby-horse and decided to make one of his own. He experimented with pedals and cranks, and in 1840 built the first bicycle, which he immediately rode from Dumfriesshire to Glasgow – a journey of two days.

Only 5 minutes away from the city centre and beachfront attractions, this family run guest house oozes “quality”, both in terms of décor and the delicious cuisine that is carefully prepared.

A bright white castle, impressive in terms of size, location and contents (the Bonnie Prince left his gloves and pipe here, (see Blair Castle) ).

As if elephants, rhinos, zebras, giraffes, lions, meercats and ring-tailed lemurs weren’t enough, you can also see your first lechwe (unless, of course, you’re already au fait with these African antelopes). Beyond the animal life, this is also a terrific play centre, with a giant Astraglide, a Flying Fox and pedalos for getting to Chimpanzee Island.

A Georgian mansion set amid gardens and woodland, this is not just a hotel but also a retreat. Sauna, spa, gym and a full range of beauty treatments, including Ayurvedic remedies. Good healthy food, too.

Chef Richard Leparoux has chosen the remotest corner to set up his restaurant. Well worth the trek to find dazzling French-Scottish dishes in an old RAF base with picturesque surrounds.