Hill & Glen

Scotland is a beautiful country. From the highlands to the lowlands it has an elegance and landscape like nowhere else in world. Mother Nature has protected much of Scottish wild life from the sometimes harsh touch of civilisation, by wrapping it in a challenging climate. The weather however does add to the experience. For those looking for a challenge in their hillwalking and outdoor activities, Scotland can provide it by the bucket load. For others wanting a more relaxing, comfortable walks and experiences, there is still plenty to see and do. Many businesses offer tours through the most breath-taking scenery in the world, boating trips can take you on amazing journeys leaving you with memories for a lifetime.

The Ilse of Skye

If you’re looking for a view at paradise, to walk over some of the most beautiful scenery in the world and to breathe the freshest air - then you’re looking for The Isle of Skye. From friendly family walks along the spectacular coastline to the most challenging and dramatic scrambles in the Cuillin Mountains, the island can provide fantastic experiences for everyone.

Ben Nevis

The highest mountain in the United Kingdom, it is located at the western end of the Grampian Mountains in the Lochaber area of the Scottish Highlands, close to the town of Fort William. The name originates from the Celtic ‘Beinn Nibheis'. It attracts an approximate 100,000 visitors a year, around three-quarters of these are made using the well-constructed Pony Track from Glen Nevis on the south side of the mountain. For climbers and mountaineers the main attraction lies in the 700 metre (2,300 ft) high cliffs of the north face. Among the highest cliffs in the United Kingdom, they harbour some classic scrambles and rock climbs of all difficulties, and are one of the principal locations in the UK for ice climbing. The summit is 1,344 metres (4,409 ft) above sea level and features the ruins of an observatory which was permanently staffed between 1883 and 1904. The meteorological data that was collected during this period is still important for understanding Scottish mountain weather to this day.

The West Highland Way

The first official walk in Scotland, the West Highland Way takes you on a fascinating journey from Milngavie to Fort William on a total distance of 154km (96 miles). The path runs from the outskirts of Glasgow to the foot of Ben Nevis, passing through Mugdock Country Park, following the beautiful shores of Loch Lomand, passing Ben Lomand and then through Glen Falloch and Stathfillan. The journey then brings you on another crossing, over Rannoch Moor, where you pass Buachaille Etive Mor and onwards to the head of Glencoe. You then climb what’s called The Devil’s Staircase, after which the route descends to sea level to cross the River Leven at the head of Loch Leven before entering Lairigmor and Glen Nevis.

Loch Lomaond

The largest freshwater lake in Scotland, Loch Lomand was recently voted Britain’s 6th natural wonder. A huge 39km long (24 miles) and between 1.21km (0.75 miles) and 8km (5 miles) wide, it has an average depth of 37m (121 feet) and a maximum depth of 190m (620 feet). Its surface area is 71km2 (27 sq. miles) and has a volume of 2.6km3 (0.62 cu. miles). Compared to the other lakes in Britain, it is the largest by surface area and second in volume to Loch Ness. Loch Lomond is now part of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

Loch Ness

A large, deep, freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands stretching for approximately 37 km (23 miles) southwest of Inverness. The surface area is 15.8 m (52 feet) above sea level. Loch Ness is best known for its elusive inhabitant, the legendary Loch Ness Monster, also known as "Nessie". It is joined at the southern end by the River Oic. At the northern end, the Bona Narrows opens out into Loch Dochfour, which feed the River Ness and a further section of canal to Inverness. It is one of a many interconnected, murky bodies of water in Scotland. Loch Ness is the second largest Scottish loch by surface area at 56.4 km2 (21.8 sq. miles) after Loch Lomond, and due to its great depth it is the largest by volume. Its deepest point is 230 m (755 feet). It contains more fresh water than all lakes in England and Wales combined, and is the largest body of water on the Great Glen Fault, which runs from Inverness in the north to Fort William in the south.