traveldk.com

A west coast phenomenon, these much-vaunted gardens are worth travelling a long way to see. The sheer richness and variety of plant life growing in what many consider to be a cold wilderness is a tribute to a plant enthusiast’s vision, hard work, nature’s bountifulness and warm Atlantic winds (see Inverewe Gardens) .

A city in name but a bustling town by nature, Inverness is redeemed from the blight of its shamefully dull modern architecture by the majestic red sandstone castle (now the court house), fine old houses and the beauty of the River Ness. Inverness Museum and Art Gallery invites “hands on the Highland Heritage” (but you have to leave the artifacts behind), and the Aquadome is a fun-packed swimming centre. The Islands Walk is sublimely peaceful.

Iona is a sparkling island of white sand beaches with an active crofting community. Visitors come in their hundreds daily in summer to visit the famous restored abbey (avoid 10am–4pm for a chance of peace). It was here that Columba came in 563 to establish a missionary centre (see St Columba Founds a Monastery on Iona) . Staffa contains Scotland’s greatest natural wonder: Fingal’s Cave, formed by thousands of basalt “organ pipes”, which inspired Mendelssohn to compose his famous Hebrides Overture .

A thriving island with eight distilleries producing peaty malts. Bowmore, the island’s capital, has an unusual circular church, designed to deprive the devil of corners to hide in! And Britain’s most impressive 8th-century Celtic cross can be found at Kildalton. More than 250 species of birds have been recorded on Islay’s varied landscapes.

Although geographically one island, the northern half is called Lewis and the southern half, Harris. Together, they are world-famous for producing tweed. One thing you absolutely must see in Lewis is the spectacular 4,500-year-old stone circle of Calanish, which resonates with a deep sense of spirituality. Arnol has an engaging traditional “black-house” (blackened by smoke) and Carloway a fine stone fort. Harris is more mountainous. Drive the “Golden Road” for the best scenery, and stop at Luskentyre beach, where you could imagine you were in Australia.

This outstanding warren of underground (but roofless) chambers represents not one period of settlement but at least five. The oval-shaped houses are Bronze Age; the Iron Age added the broch (see Mousa Broch, Shetland) and wheelhouses; the Picts established their own dwellings; the Vikings erected long houses, and a farm was created in medieval times. You can’t beat a good building site and this one, close to the soaring bird-cliffs of Sumburgh head, is exceptional.

The wildest and least visited of the Hebridean islands. Overrun by red deer and dominated by its central hills, the Paps, Jura has been little affected by modernity: a single road links the ferry port and the main settlement, Craig-house. If you revel in solitude, the walks are tremendous.

The family estate of the Earls of Glasgow doubles as an adventure park. The surprise-packed Secret Forest gets the best vote, and kids go berserk on the Marine Assault Course and soft play area. Spectacular displays of falconry and well-organized pony treks.

The capital of Orkney is an endearing town of twisted streets, ancient buildings and the constant comings and goings of ferries. Most striking of all is the enormous red and yellow St Magnus’s Cathedral, built in the 12th century and still going strong. Nearby are the ruins of the bishop’s and earl’s palaces. The town museum is excellent, and many shops sell an extensive range of Orcadian jewellery.