By walking, and getting out into countryside, the sheer variety of the Highlands' terrain can be appreciated. For some this means whole-day routes into testing places - which is why hill areas like Glencoe attract serious walkers and climbers. For even more demanding high-level days, some head for the Cuillin Hills of Skye, others for the roadless rugged lands of Knoydart or the mountain wilderness north-west of Loch Maree in Wester Ross.

Again and again, it is the sheer variety of terrain which will draw you back: the red sandstone, quartzite-topped Torridons; the ancient eroded peaks north of Ullapool, which rise from a plinth of rock said to be the oldest on Earth; the 'big bens' around Glen Affric or the tundra-like plateau of the high Cairngorms in the new National Park - these are just a few of the names which will call out to those who wish to encounter the austere beauty of upland Scotland.

But the appeal of wild places can be found at low level as well and enjoyed by walkers, say, in the old pine forests around Rothiemurchus near Aviemore, or by the long open reaches of the sandy coast by Nairn, where the trees grow almost to the water's edge. There are walks out to coastal features such as the Stacks of Duncansby by John o Groats, or the sea-stack called the Old Man of Stoer near Lochinver in the north-west. On a gentler note, many villages are also surrounded by excellent path networks - in Strathspey, around Dingwall and Strathpeffer or on the Black Isle to name a few - though these are just a very few examples from a huge choice.

The area also offers a choice of long-distance footpaths, with the West Highland Way through Lochaber, the Speyside Way approaching the foothills of the Cairngorms and the Great Glen Way running coast to coast.

From discovering deserted crofting villages, now half-hidden in the forests, or taking an evening coastal stroll to watch otters hunt the tide-line, all the way to 'ticking off' all of Scotland's 'Munros' - the 284 summits of 3000ft (914m) or over - you can enjoy the Highland landscape whatever your age, fitness or footwear preference!

Or if you prefer something a bit more adventurous see our climbing & mountaineering page

You can also search our database for walking holiday companies in the Highlands.