The Best of Western and Northern Scotland

Many people who love wild places and mountains say that Western and Northern Scotland is the best of Scotland, Britain and indeed is one of the finest parts of the whole of Europe.

In the western part of Scotland there are deep lochs, snow covered mountains and misty glens. It is here that you will find the Isle of Sky, Ben Nevis and Loch Lomond.

Often referred to as the Northwest Highlands the northern area is the area beyond the Great Glen, the fault line separating this rugged, remote and beautiful part of Scotland from the rest of the country.

It has to be said though these parts of Scotland do take a bit of effort to reach due to the fact that they are so far north.

When visiting here give yourself plenty of time as it is easy to under estimate the size of the region.

Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond is the first taster of Britain's northern reaches that you will find and is a mere 20 miles from Glasgow.

Of course because of its close proximity to Glasgow Loch Lomond is terribly popular with tourists.

Do not be disappointed when you first set eyes on the lake (some are), take a boat out or explore the forest paths along the east side and you will find what all the fuss is about. You cannot fail to be charmed by the epic scenery of this area.

Loch Lomond actually forms the western half of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National park (www.lochlomond-trossachs.org).

The main gateway for the park of Loch Lomond Shores (www.lochlomondshores.com) is at Balloch. At Loch Lomond Shores you will find a huge car park, information, wi-fi, audio-visual entertainment and a retail complex.

Opening hours - 9.30am - 5.30pm April- Sept & 10am - 5.30pm Oct _ March.

If you want to explore further than you need to choose the eastern shore of the lake. The road itself goes to Rowardennan and from there you can walk the West Highland Way along the shore, which will take you through glorious woodland. If you wish you can walk all the way to Fort William.

Oban

Oban is the harbor town to visit if you are wanting to visit the islands off of Scotland's west coast, such as Mull. The bay here is a delight.

The Information Center can be found at Argyll Square and is open 9am-5.50am Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm Sun Apr-Oct & 10am-5pm Mon-Sat, noon-4pm Nov-Mar.

As with any ferry town Oban has its share of B&Bs. If you need accommodation in Oban then you may wish to try the places listed below:

The Jeremy Inglis Hostel - This hostel is in fact part hostel and part B&B and is priced fairly. You will find the Jeremy Inglis Hostel at 21 Airds Crescent.

Oban Backpackers (www.scotlandstophostels.com)-This is a sociable hostel with plenty of room including a huge lounge. Another bonus the Oban backpackers has wi-fi.

This hostel is located on Breadalban Street.

Maridon House - Located in Dunuaran Road the Maridon House charges great prices for attractive rooms with some having sea and harbor views.

You can catch a Citylink bus to Oban from Glasgow daily.

Isle of Mull

The Isle of Mull is just a short ferry trip and is the place to visit if you are a wildlife enthusiast or should you be a hill walker then you can tackle Ben More.

You will board the ferry at Oban and get off at Craignure, which is on the eastern coast of the Isle of Mull.

Most of the residents of the isle of Mull live in the north in the pretty town of Tobermory. In Tobermory you will find many eating and sleeping options.

Below is a list of some good budget accommodations:

TobermorySYHA Hostel (www.syha.org.uk) - This hostel in located in a creeky waterfront building on Main Street.

Failte Guest House (www.failteguesthouse.com) - This B&B is located along the waterfront on Main Street.

Mishnish Hotel - This is the place to go for good people, good food and good beer. Located on Main Street the Mishnish hotel severs lunch and dinner and has a bar that stays open until 1am during the week and 2am at weekends.

Once you have arrived on the Isle of Mull you can get around using the Bowman's Coaches (www.bowmanstours.co.uk).

Or the fittest amongst us can go to the legendary Archibald Brown &Son and hire a bicycle.

Fort William

Fort William sits on the bank of Loch Linnhe and is towered over by magnificent mountains. So should be picturesque but unfortunately Fort William is spoiled by an ugly by-pass and a depressing row of shops along the main street.

The good news is you will only use Fort William as a jumping off point. Fort William has been called the 'Outdoor Capital of the UK' for a very good reason, there is plenty to do in the surrounding area. For instance you could take a hike up Ben Nevis and visit the highest point in Britain or go to the Nevis range for skiing or mountain biking.

Getting around Fort William is no hardship with buses trundling between the bus station, Glen Nevis, SYHA and the Nevis Range.

Or you could hire a bicycle from Off-Beat Bikes.

Listed below are some sleeping options:

Fort William Backpackers (www.scotlands-top-hostels.com) -Situated on Alma Road this hostel is close to the train and bus stations.

Ben Nevis Inn (www.ben-nevis-inn.co.uk) - Located under a fantastic little pub at the trailhead of Ben Nevis.

Bank Street Lodge (www.bankstreetlodge.co.uk) - clean and tidy rooms are on offer here at this no nonsense guest -house situated on Bank Street.

Glen Nevis SYHA Hostel (www.syha.org) - This hostel is two and half miles out of town nestled at the foot of Glen Nevis.

You can get to Fort William from Edinburgh by a Citylink coach. They run daily or by train from Glasgow.

Isle of Skye

This Scotland's largest island and can never be a disappointment. The beauty and magic of this place cannot even be spoiled by its typical drizzle and mist. At this point I should tell you that Skye is named for the Norse word 'cloud'.

The capital of Skye is Portree and this is where you will find the largest choices for eating and sleeping.

Check out the list below for ideas of where to stay:

Bayfield Backpackers - You will have wi-fi here as well as some great views. No frills but functional.

Bayview House (www.bayviewhouse.co.uk) - Comfortable, great price and wi-fi.

Braeside B&B (www.braesideportree.co.uk) - This B&B at Stormy Hill serves up a great breakfast.

Ben Tianavig (www.ben-tianavaig.co.uk) - Located at 5 Bosville Terrace you will enjoy fantastic views and friendly hosts.

Most people who visit the Isle of Skye arrive across the bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh on the mainland.

Citylink run buses to Portree daily from Glasgow and Inverness.

Once on the Isle of Skye buy a Roverbus ticket and you will have travel that is unlimited for one/three days but Sundays the service can be rather scant.

Again for the fit amongst us you can also hire bicycles brome Fairwinds at Elgol Road in Broadford or Island Cycles at The Green in Portree.

Inverness

Inverness is by far the region's largest settlement and an important center for visitors as well as Highlanders.

On of the great delights of Inverness is the River Ness and this is the place to go for a romantic stroll.

Inverness Castle may well not be as grand as some in Scotland but its rosy walls are just wonderful to see at sunset.

Needless to say there are a good many choices for sleeping here and below I have highlighted a few:

Bazpackers Backpackers - Located at 4 Culduthel Road this hostel is cozy with a log fire and a relaxed vibe plus you can also enjoy wi-fi.

Inverness SYHA Hostel (www.syha.org) - This is one of the SYHA's best hostels. It is spacious with excellent facilities.

Hornbeam - This B&B can be found at 12A Lovat Road and is homely and friendly.

Ivybank Guest House (www.ivybankgiuesthouse.com) - Situated at 28 Old Edinburgh Road this guest- house is a heritage- listed Georgian building that just flows over with character.

You can reach Inverness by national Express Coaches from London or Citylink Coaches from Edinburgh and Glasgow.

John O'Groats

John O'Groats is mainland Britain's most northeasterly point and deserves to be an epic location. But I am afraid it is a car park that is surrounded by tourist shops.

The only real interest here is the ferries that go to Orkney and the signpost that lets you know that it is the end point of the 874 mile trek from Lands End.

Source: Europe on a Shoestring - The Lonely Planet