Isle of Skye, Scotland
The largest of the Inner Hebrides really is a world apart from the British mainland yet one accessible without any of the crowds or queues of airports. A world-class destination for walkers, hikers and climbers, it includes interesting scrambles and challenging climbs on its Trotternish and Cuillin ridges, while the Cuillin Range embraces 12 Munros (peaks above 3000ft/914m). A much-loved outing is to the Fairy Pools tumbling down from the Cuillin Mountains in a series of waterfalls, one with an underwater arch that is sometimes visible.
Skye is also a superb place for wildlife spotting, from white tailed sea eagles, otters, seals, whales and dolphins to red deer. History abounds here too, with must-sees including the castles of the MacDonald and MacLeod clans.