The Great Glen

Friday, midday

Check into Rokeby Manor ( doubles from £ 100, https:// blacksheephotels. com/), a tastefully refurbished old dame reclining just inland from Loch Oich. Hardwoods, original floors and period touches abound.

12: 30pm

Ease along to Fort Augustus for a hearty lunch at the Lock Inn. It overlooks the flurry of Thomas Telford locks that connect Kytra with Loch Ness.

2pm

Check out those Caledonian Canal locks, remarkably sturdy and graceful creations, each 180ft long and 40ft wide, capable of lifting or lowering vessels of all sizes 40ft. It’s still very much in use.

4pm

Amble down to the shores of Loch Ness and make a cursory attempt to spot the monster – you never know – before recovering with a coffee at the lochside Boathouse. Snare a window table and you won’t need to pay for a boat trip.

7pm

Back at Rokeby dinner is in Emily’s Byre, a charmingly rustic restaurant housed in the old cow byre. Their Scottish- Indian fusion menu features a divine daal and kedgeree spiced with Scottish salmon.

Saturday, 9am

Get wet with Active Highs. They offer a flotilla of watersports, including canoeing on Loch Oich. Paddle down to the romantic ruin of Invergarry Castle – think Urquhart without the tourists.

1: 30pm

Stay on the water with lunch on the Eagle, a surreally converted Dutch barge. Opening times are as eccentric as the décor, but if you get in you won’t forget your visit.

2: 30pm

Take a hike on the Great Glen Way, which handily snakes off west nearby in search of Fort William. Highland massifs glower above as the sun sparkles off Loch Lochy.

7pm

Settle into the Old Pines, a wee oasis nestled in seven acres of craggy Scots Pines. Fine Scottish produce – treated with the respect it deserves – stars.

Sunday, 9am

Savour a life- affirming stroll along the banks of the River Garry, or catch a game of shinty at the pitch opposite the hotel.

Robin Mckelvie

A car or a bike is the best way to explore the Great Glen. Tourist information www. visitscotland. com