Best of the Great Glen

1: INVERNESS

So much to offer – the fast-flowing River Ness, the castle and the majestic peaks of the Black Isle. If you want to find out about the history of the Highlands, Inverness Museum is well worth a visit. For entertainment the Eden Court Theatre is hard to beat with choices as wide-ranging as dance, cinema and theatre. The city also has an excellent range of accommodation, shops and restaurants to suit all pockets. Also, from experience, this is the best place to start the Great Glen Way to avoid surprisingly steep climbs.

2: DRUMNADROCHIT

Said to be the best place to see Nessie. For the real story of the Loch Ness Monster, visit the official Loch Ness Monster exhibition, a great place to find out about the natural history of the loch. To find the best and most famous viewpoint of Loch Ness itself, go to Castle Urquhart with its excellent interpretive centre. As for the best time to see Nessie, according to the most reliable sources it is just before the tourist season, so arrive early to avoid the crowds!

3: FORT AUGUSTUS

Great place to go on a boat trip on Loch Ness.The abbey here is now fully open to the public. Well worth seeing is the marvel of the rising lock gates on the canal – and the British Waterways Boards interpretive centre. Wonderful on a summer day.

4: ARBRIACHAN

Away from the crowd and best accessed via the Great Glen Way. If you are fit and enjoy walking, start early from Inverness, climb past the award-winning SNH headquarters and walk on past the Moray Firth and enjoy the sense of peace and beauty. Arbriachan is a good place to stop if you want a break along the way. Excellent views of Loch Ness and Castle Urquhart are a reward for this 22-mile walk.

5: FORT WILLIAM

The end of the Great Glen Way and the West Highland Way at the foot of Ben Nevis. Try the fish restaurant on the harbour and enjoy the scenery. Well worth seeing are the remains of the fort that also mark the end of the Great Glen Way.