Best day in the Highlands

1 INVERNESS

The ideal base for exploring the Highlands. Nestled on the banks of the River Ness at the head of the Great Glen, this compact city is easy to get around and you are never far from the rugged and stunning scenery of the Highlands. Nearby you can also re-live one of Scotland’s most famous battles at the new National Trust for Scotland Culloden Visitor Centre, marvel at the spectacle of the Highland Games, tour spectacular Loch Ness and relax in some excellent restaurants and late-night venues. Inverness is an ideal centre for touring, with plenty to see and do all around.

2 MORAY FIRTH DOLPHINS

The Moray Firth plays host to the North Sea’s only resident group of bottlenose dolphins. A number of boat trips departing from Nairn, Inverness or Cromarty can take you out to view them. The Moray Firth Wildlife Centre also boasts an exhibition about the dolphins and the other local wildlife, such as seals, otters, osprey and wildfowl.

3 NAIRN

Charming traditional seaside resort, boasting a beach and two championship golf courses on its doorstep. Nearby is Fort George, Europe’s best preserved 18th-century military fortification. Cawdor Castle is also close at hand and makes for an entertaining visit, a family residence for six centuries and filled with fascinating artefacts. Overall, the Nairn area offers key historical sites in Scotland’s story, plus a gentle landscape with excellent beaches and a good range of things to do.

4 LOCH INSH

As well as fishing on Loch Insh you can try your hand at sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, skiing on the dry ski slope, archery and mountain biking at this award-winning four-star visitor attraction. There are also three children’s adventure areas, a 3km lochside and forest trail and a shingle beach. Equipment hire and help is available from friendly and experienced instructors.

5 BOOTS N PADDLES

Situated near Inverness, this outdoor adventure activity company’s offers include canoeing, archery, climbing, abseiling, hillwalking, orienteering, mountaineering, winter outdoor skills, mountain biking, gorge walking, canyoning and “weaseling”, where you wriggle through tunnels. It offers a range of canoe trips on both lochs and rivers and trips can be tailored to meet individual needs, making them ideal for family and other groups.

• www.visitscotland.com/perfectday or 0845 22 55 121.