SWAP The Alps FOR Torridon

Yeah, Chamonix, Zermatt and Interlaken are nice. But if you’re into spiky, sculpted mountains and sparkling lakes, come here, to the crinkliest edge of north-west Scotland, because they do them pretty well here too. The spires and ridges of Liathach, Beinn Alligin and Beinn Eighe are able stand-ins for Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn and the Eiger, while there are sea-lochs and upland lochans aplenty where you can paddle, swim or just daydream by the shore. In summer, any of those big peaks makes an exhilarating climb for experienced hillwalkers, but there are scores of lower-level walks to enjoy too. Try the loop from Aird Mhor on the edge of Loch Torridon to the Falls of Balgy, or the coastal walk from Lower Diabaig to Redpoint. And we’d wager that the welcome at the Bo and Muc Bar at The Torridon Hotel is warmer than any glühwein.