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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.

16 April, 1746 – the last battle to take place on British soil and defeat for Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites (see Moments in History) . The slaughter by the “Bloody Butcher’s” (the Duke of Cumberland’s) Hanoverian army was quick and brutal. The battlefield is gradually being restored to its appearance at the time of the bloodshed. To walk here among the graves of the clans is still a peculiarly emotional experience. The story is well told and illustrated in the visitor centre.

Ice Age glaciers gouged out a deep trench along a split in the land mass of Scotland, and the resulting valley is known today as the Great Glen. Loch Ness is its cause célèbre , with arresting views, the mystery of its reclusive monster and the evocative ruins of Urquhart Castle. Do not eschew a visit to the great loch! (see Loch Ness and the Great Glen)

Britain’s highest mountain is 1,343m (4,406 ft) high and makes a great walk under good conditions (see Ben Nevis) . But the peak is frequently shrouded in mist, and the drive up Glen Nevis offers a more reliable reward, taking you to a lovely waterfall. Fort William lies below the mountain and is a major shopping town with plenty of attractions (see Fort William) . Its West Highland Museum has many Jacobite relics, and Treasures of the Earth exhibits glittering heaps of gems.

A rugged mountain range gathered into gorgeous scenery through which the twisting main road seems to creep submissively. A favourite skiing, mountaineering and walking area, and infamous for the terrible 1692 massacre of clan MacDonald (see Glencoe) .

Another memorial to the Jacobite uprising led by Bonnie Prince Charlie (see Moments in History) , this time on the site where his campaign began. Here, a visitor centre explains the history. The monument is impressive, but the chief attraction is getting here – the scenery en route is stunning. Take time to marvel at the nearby viaduct (featured in the Harry Potter film) and wait for a passing steam train – even better, be in a passing steam train.

This peninsula – with its rugged mountains, pretty villages and what is one of the most delightful roads in the country, ending in a parade of white sand – is as lyrical in nature as it is in name. Acharacle is a famed den of musicians (try the hall or Glenuig Inn), while Glenmore is home to a Natural History Centre with a “living building”. Wild deer sometimes graze on its roof. From Kilchoan you can catch a ferry to Tobermory on Mull.

No one manages to drive past this castle without leaping for their camera. Small, beautiful and magical, the restored 13th-century fortress of clan Macrae stands on an island in magnificent scenery on the road to Skye (see Eilean Donan Castle) .

Just when you think mountains can’t get any better, you come to Torridon! Flanked by a long sea loch, the red sandstone buttresses of Beinn Alligin, Ben Dearg, Liathach (the highest, (see Liathach)) and Beinn Eighe rise up into arresting outlines. From Little Diabaig you can walk a delightful coastal path to Alligin Shuas, or to Craig (see Sunset from Craig Youth Hostel) . The National Trust runs an informative Countryside Centre with nearby herds of red deer and Highland cattle.

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) .