Getting there

Planes

Fly to Inverness (www.invernessairport.com). For domestic flights | we like the BMI Baby service (www.bmibaby.com) from Heathrow. But there are lots of other options | including easyJet (www.easyjet.com) | BA (www.ba.com) and Ryanair (www.ryanair.com).

Trains

There are frequent trains to Inverness – both direct and via Perth – from Edinburgh and Glasgow; journeys take three to four hours. From London Euston, you can also take the 20-hour Caledonian Sleeper (www.firstscotrail.com).

Automobiles

A car is crucial for exploring the Highlands. Focus (+44 (0)1463 236684; www.focusvehiclerental.co.uk) rents out everything from Ford Kas (from £23 a day) to Porsche Boxsters (from £60 a day) via an assortment of 4x4s (advisable for fishing/shooting types who are heading off the beaten track). Do be careful on those single-track roads | and resolve to enjoy the scenery at a slow | savourable pace.