The Scottish Highlands may cover a huge area, but the population is the lowest of anywhere in Britain . The wild, dramatic, landscape, full of towering peaks, loch's, tree-lined glens, and raging white water rivers, is without doubt the most impressive in the UK . It's surrounded by the equally wild and dangerous coastline, which is a haven for bird life, and a sailor's nightmare.

Loch Ness is the largest and best known of all the lochs, deep and dark, holding more water than all other lakes in Britain combined. The legend of the monster, whether based on truth or not, does no harm to the tourist industry, but don't restrict yourself to this one area. Loch Ness is just one waterway in a line that stretches from coast to coast along the geological fault line of the Great Glen.

Take a trip on the spectacular West Highland Railway, or join a boat trip from Gairloch to seek out whales, porpoises, seals, and dolphins.

Careful planning is essential if you plan to tour alone, as although distances may not appear to be great, roads are winding and slow, and can be subject to closures in bad weather.