Inverness

Highland capital might sound grand, but Inverness keeps its feet firmly on the ground. The River Ness flows right through the heart of things, while Culloden Battlefield sits just a few miles east - a sobering reminder of Scotland's turbulent past.

Wandering the compact city centre, you'll stumble across King Duncan's Well tucked away near the castle, though most visitors make a beeline for Loch Ness instead. Fair enough. The monster might be elusive, but the scenery along the loch's dark waters never disappoints. Highland Garden offers a peaceful escape when the tourist crowds get a bit much.

Venture beyond the city and the landscape opens up properly. The Cairngorms loom to the south, while the Black Isle peninsula stretches north across the Beauly Firth. High Wood provides decent walking without the crowds you'll find at more famous Highland spots.

Getting here couldn't be easier - the A9 runs straight through, and there's a proper train station with direct services from Edinburgh and Glasgow. Takes about three and a half hours from the central belt, though the scenery makes the journey part of the holiday.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. You're close enough to nip into Inverness for supplies or a proper meal, but far enough out to feel like you're actually in the Highlands. Loch Ness glamping spots put you right on the water's edge, while sites near Beauly give you easy access to both the coast and the mountains. The Gruffalo gallery might keep the kids happy on a rainy afternoon, but honestly, you'll want to spend most of your time outdoors up here.