Enjoy the oasis of calm and quiet at Pollok Country Park. With immaculate manicured gardens, wide fields, a peaceful river and even Highland cows and Clydesdale horses, it's the perfect place to enjoy the countryside - you'd never guess the city centre was just 15 minutes away.

Walk up to McCaig's Tower, built in 1897 to provide work for local stonemasons and as a monument to the McCaig family. You can enjoy views out to sea from the top, and back at ground level, visit the lovely gardens within.

Marvel at stunning seascapes and wildlife; keep your eyes open for otters, seals, dolphins and porpoises as you explore the Ross of Mull on a wildlife tour.

Several boat tours operate from Tobermory and you can visit the isles of Staffa (for Fingal's Cave) and Treshnish, spotting whales, dolphins and basking sharks on the way.

Within easy reach of Fort William, Ben Nevis is the UK's highest peak. Take a full day to climb to the top of the mountain or walk half an hour up the hill to the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre for one of their shorter and more sedate suggested walks. You can also explore the area by mountain bike on a selection of dedicated trails.

Discover the history of the region at the West Highlands Museum. The collection contains artefacts relating to such luminaries as Bonnie Prince Charlie, and plenty of information about the Jacobite cause and campaign.

Explore the amazing landscape around you on foot or by bike – Fort William is known as the Outdoor Capital of Scotland for good reason. There are plenty of walks nearby that will take in the best sites of the town and the surrounding countryside. We recommend the walk to Inverlochy Castle and the Old Fort, or the Cow Hill circuit for beautiful views across Glen Nevis and Loch Linnhe. There are walks for all ability levels, many with starting points accessible on local bus routes.

The Culloden Battlefield is where the 1745 Jacobite Rising came to a tragic end. You can learn all about the battle from both the government and Jacobite perspectives in the museum, as well as see key markers of the battle on the field outside.

From Inverness, head out on foot to the ancient fort of Craig Phadrig for beautiful views of the Beauly Firth.

Housed in the old Gaelic Church, Leakey's Bookshop – Scotland's largest secondhand bookshop – is a paradise for book lovers (and Harry Potter fans). With over 100,000 books, old maps and rare prints, you can easily lose a few hours exploring the nooks and crannies in this Inverness gem.