Getting the flavour of…

The Scottish coast by camper van The North Coast 500 is billed as the Scottish equivalent of the famous Route 66 across the US and, indeed, it has the “epic, once-in-alifetime” quality of the world’s greatest road trips. To get the most out of it, try doing this 500-mile loop of the country’s far north in a camper van, says Helen Ochyra in The Times: it’s an exceptionally flexible and relaxing way to travel. Leaving Inverness, head west for the mountains of Torridon and Suilven, stopping to climb a couple (Beinn Eighe is as spectacular as any). On the north coast, the cone-shaped rock stacks of Duncansby are a highlight; on the east, the beautiful gardens at Dunrobin Castle are a must-see; and there’s “fantastic” local seafood to enjoy along the way. Highland Campervans (01667-493976, www.highlandcampervans.com) has seven days’ van hire from £695. Sounding out ancient Sardinia Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda is among the Mediterranean’s most fashionable spots, with its “supermodel-draped” resorts and Michelin-starred restaurants. But this Italian island also has another side, says Dana Facaros in The Sunday Times – a world of wild, mountain landscapes, and millenniaold monuments that seems more “rugged” and “primeval” than anywhere on the mainland. Base yourself in the “beguiling” city of Oristano, for easy access to the Sinis Peninsula, with its white beaches, flamingofilled lagoons and Phoenician ruins. The town is also close to Su Nuraxi, the site of the grandest of the island’s nuraghi – mysterious stone towers that are the world’s tallest megalithic constructions bar the pyramids. Just Sardinia (01202-484858, www.justsardinia.co.uk) has villas for rent across the island.

Walking with wallabies Eight miles off the south coast of Australia, and a 30-minute flight from Adelaide, Kangaroo Island has long been a sanctuary for endangered animals, with few of the invasive species that threaten them on the mainland. On the island’s new Wilderness Trail – a 38-mile path with “excellent” campsites – you’ll find yourself “almost tripping over” koalas, echidnas, goannas and the rest, says Emma John in The Guardian. Taking in limestone cliffs, wild beaches and miles of bush, the whole trail can be done in five days, during which you’re likely to pass very few other people. The Cape du Couedic Lighthouse offers very simple accommodation, but is close to a nearby colony of fur seals whose high jinks make for great entertainment. The trail costs $161pp (£92) for independent walkers, including park fees, camping, parking and map (www. kangarooislandwildernesstrail.sa.gov.au).