Wester Ross

Wester Ross is a feathery-outlined part of the Northwest Highlands of Scotland, sandwiched by the Isle of Skye and Invernes-shire. A wonderfully remote area, the forested Kintail mountains, deep sea lochs and steep glens present a scene of beautiful isolation. However, just a 15-minute drive takes you to the Isle of Skye to sample some of its cultural pleasures. Distilleries introduce new disciples and the well-acquainted to whisky, and cosy pubs and artisan shops hint at a thriving community. Many do come to Wester Ross to lose themselves in boundless scenery. Walks mean circling shimmering lochs that reflect craggy mountains into sharply-sided glens, where ruinous castles come from the pages of fairytale. Even a drive will take you through the hairpin bends of North Coast 500 to reach the UK’s most remote peninsula: Belach na Ba.

Although temperatures rarely reach the moderate highs of its southern counterparts, time spent on the beach, coastline and sand dunes is rewarded with sightings of puffins, dolphins and seals. And when the sun breaks out from behind a cloud - there’s no where like it on earth.