NORTHERN HIGHLANDS

Encompassing a broad swath of Scotland stretching from Inverness all the way north to Thurso, Scotland's spectacular Northern Highlands is separated from the rest of the country by the "Great Glen", Glen More. This ancient fault line was used to create the remarkable Caledonian Canal extending from the west coast to the east, from Loch Linnhe to the Moray Firth. While much of this mountainous region is uninhabited - and therefore excellent for hiking and biking adventures - it does boast many lovely small towns and villages. One of the pretties is the tiny coastal town of Dornoch, noted for its cathedral and castle ruins. At the top end is John o'Groats overlooking the Pentland Firth with what's probably the most photographed signpost anywhere.