Much of this landscape owes its characteristically bare and rugged appearance to the foundation of ancient rock - one of the oldest in the world - called Lewisian gneiss by geologists, On this rock stand individual peaks such as Suilven, Quinag or Canisp - each isolated from its neighbour and each with its own unique profile, adding, for road tourers, an ever changing interest to the near horizon. This area has become Scotland's first Geopark.

Communities here are generally small, with only Lochinver, Kinlochbervie and Durness of any size. The Assynt Visitor Centre at Lochinver sets the scene for the geology and wildlife of the area and has CCTV cameras on a local Heronry. Consequent to the wildness and grandeur of the area, most (though not all) the places of interest are natural features, such as the Inverkirkaig Falls, south of Lochinver, or the Inchnadamph caves on the limestones of the Traligill Burn - an especially popular spot for botanists.

Further north, cruises from the pier at Kylesku will take you west for a view of the Eas a' Chuil Aluinn, the highest waterfall in the UK, or east to Kerrachar Garden (accessible only by sea). Maryck Memories of Childhood, a toy and doll exhibition is also nearby.

Continuing north, the island of Handa is a nature reserve, with spectacular seabird colonies (boat from Tarbet). Another popular excursion (4 miles [6.5km] on foot) is to Sandwood Bay, the longest sandy beach on the north-west coast, with magnificent seascapes and a reputation for being haunted.

Another option is to reach the far north-west point: Cape Wrath. This involves crossing the Kyle of Durness on a small passenger-ferry, then travelling by mini-bus. The Clo Mor cliffs, between the Kyle and the cape, are the highest on the Scottish mainland (over 780ft [240m]). From Durness (visitor centre), there are other excursions: to Smoo Cave and also to Faraid Head, noted for its puffins.

This is superb country for walkers - including Scotland's most northerly Munro, Ben Hope. The wild places here are also rewarding for birdwatchers, while anglers have a huge choice of hill lochs, some seldom visited. Overall, no matter your interest, from Suilven to Ben Hope, it is the mountain landscapes which will make the biggest impression.