The Scottish Highlands offer some of the most spectacular and breathtaking scenery in Britain. This is one of the world's last great wildernesses, covering most of the north of mainland Scotland, the Highlands are divided by the Great Glen which runs from Inverness in the north down to Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis - Britain's highest mountain. Along this valley runs a series of lochs, including Loch Ness, all linked by the Caledonian Canal. There are some magnificent walks but these can be very demanding, as the weather here can change dramatically in minutes, a danger to all who come unprepared. Inverness, the capital city of the Highlands has all the High Street names if you need any essentials. It also has it’s own airport with direct links to several of the major cites in England as well as all the islands in the region. You can visit the Cairngorms - Britain's highest mountain range where skiers and snowboarders are well catered for during the snowing season, whilst the Cairngorm chairlift provides an opportunity for the non skiers to reach the highest peaks without effort. During the summer months a regular visitor is the Osprey particularly in the Boat of Garten area. There are many whisky distilleries throughout the highlands with visitor centres to give you an insight on how this wonderful drink is produced and maybe even a free sample. Skye has two mainland ferry connections: from Mallaig and Glenelg, although the latter is during the summer only as well as the controversial Skye Bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh which the tolls have now been removed. In Lochalsh you will find one of the most photographed castles in the whole of Scotland Eilean Donan Castle. In Skye you will find the Cullins mountain range but these are mostly for the more seasoned climbers. Plockton is an attractive village, on the sheltered east-facing shore on Loch Carron. (This was the location of the British television series Hamish Macbeth.) There is so much spectacular scenery and wildlife to mention you really need to visit the Highlands & Islands to appreciate the splendour of the area Visit John o’Groats and along the coast to Dunnet Head, the most northern point of the mainland where you can view Orkney. From Ullapool you can take a cruise to the Summer Isles or go whale spotting from Gairloch. At the southern end of the Great Glen you will find Fort William, you can visit Ben Nevis Britain’s highest mountain. There are many outdoor activities in this area, including walking, climbing, cycling, mountain biking, trekking, golf, fishing and a whole range of water-sports Other places of interest National Trust for Scotland's visitor centre at Culloden Fort George Europe's best preserved 18th-century fort Highland Wineries at Moniack Castle Talisker Distillery, the only one on Skye The Giant Angus MacAskill Museum Wick Heritage Museum Northlands Viking Centre The Black Isle Wildlife and Country Park Scottish Natural Heritage's Beinn Eighe Nature reserve visitor centre by Loch Maree Dalwhinnie the Scotland's highest distillery Cairngorm Reindeer Centre here visitors can see the UK's only reindeer herd in their natural habitat Strathspey Steam Railway