Beauly

The A862 curves through Glen Strathfarrar with barely a whisper of traffic, revealing why this corner of the Highlands feels so wonderfully untouched. Beauly sits at the confluence of three glens, where the River Beauly meanders towards the Moray Firth through farmland that's been worked for centuries.

Most visitors whizz past on their way to Loch Ness, but that's their loss. The town has a proper Highland market square feel - all stone buildings and unhurried pace. St Mary's Eskadale stands as a reminder of the area's monastic past, while the surrounding hills offer walks that range from gentle riverside strolls to proper Highland peaks like Càrn a' Bhodaich.

Glen Strathfarrar stretches westward into some of Scotland's most remote country. Access is controlled - you'll need to check at the gate - but the reward is lochs like Loch Neaty and Loch a' Bhron reflecting ancient Scots pines. Archaeological enthusiasts will appreciate Dun Fionn and the broch site at Dun Coille Struy, remnants of Iron Age settlements that chose these strategic positions for good reason.

Inverness lies just 12 miles east, making Beauly surprisingly accessible despite its rural feel. The drive takes you past Abriachan Gardens, worth a stop for their terraced hillside setting above Loch Ness. For a more unusual memorial, the Bambi Memorial marks a poignant piece of local history.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. You're positioned to explore three different glens, yet close enough to Inverness for supplies or a proper meal out. The Loch Ness glamping options put you right in monster-hunting territory, though honestly, the real magic lies in the quieter lochs scattered through these hills.