Argyll & Bute

Come to this Inner Hebridean island for untamed Scottish scenery. George Orwell lived here on and off for years and it's where he finished writing his novel, 1984. The island is best known for its whisky, though. Take a distillery tour, then enjoy a dram or two of single malt in the local pub, next door…which is also the only hotel on the island.

It's possible to bring a car on the ferry but, with just one main road along the 30 mile length, most places are accessible only on foot. This is a walkers' paradise. You are sure to spot red deer, which outnumber locals by around 30 to 1. There are large birds too, including golden eagles. The west coast has incredible beaches, seals aplenty and, if you're lucky, otters.

Dotted around the island are iron age forts and ancient standing stones. The three ‘Paps' mountains are a good climb (Paps is an old Norse word for breasts and they were named so due to their conical shape!). From the summits are incredible view over neighbouring islands and the Mull of Kintyre.