Here you are less than a mile from the sea, at the end of a no-through road, 4 miles north of Kyle of Lochalsh (with shops, hotels and bridge to Skye).

You are in that gorgeous stretch of Scotland's north-west coast between Loch Alsh to the south and the mountains of Torridon to the north. The area offers wonderful walking, sea kayaking, sailing, fishing and seal watching trips.

There are also excellent opportunities for exploring such famous places as Eilean Donan Castle, Applecross, Ullapool and the gardens at Inverewe. Fort William and Inverness are also within striking distance.

No visit here would be complete without at least one day on the Isle of Skye, now so easily reached via the toll-free bridge. Once on this captivating island, the difficulty is choosing where to go. Climbers and serious walkers will doubtless make straight for the Cuillins, which can be reached in about 45 minutes. Where the road branches at Sligachan, there is the choice of continuing north to the ‘capital’ Portree, to view the Old Man of Storr and further amazing rock formations at the Kilt Rock and the Quiraing, or bearing left to Dunvegan, with its Castle, gardens and the Coral Beaches.

Alternatively, you could head south from Broadford down the Sleat peninsula, known as ‘the garden of Skye’ to the Clan Donald Centre at Armadale, or cross the peninsula to Toskavaig, for idyllic picnics and some of the best views of the Cuillins.

Back on the mainland, there is more great walking among the Five Sisters of Kintail, which overlook Loch Duich. Or you could go riding at the stables at Shiel Bridge. A fine evening out in Plockton is equally to be recommended - perhaps a peaceful stroll along the palm-lined street, watching the yachts in the bay, followed by dinner at one of the several excellent restaurants there.

For a day trip, you can head north west to Lochcarron and then over the spectacular (and not for the faint hearted) Pass of the Cattle to Applecross village, for lunch at the famous Applecross Inn or the Walled Garden followed by an afternoon on the beach.