Carn Iar Island

You'll need a boat to reach Carn Iar Island, which sits off the coast near Ullapool - and that's rather the point of it. This isn't a casual stroll-up attraction; it's a proper expedition for anyone genuinely interested in remote Highland landscapes and what the Scottish islands are actually about.

The island itself is a windswept rocky outcrop with views that stretch across the Minch towards the Outer Hebrides. On a clear day it's genuinely arresting. On a grey day - which is most days - it has that bleak, austere quality that some people find magical and others find slightly depressing. Fair warning: there's not much to "do" once you're there in the conventional sense. No facilities, no interpretation boards, no café. Just you, the rocks, the sea, and whatever history or solitude you're chasing.

Walkers and landscape photographers get the most from it. Kids might enjoy the boat journey more than the island itself, depending on their age and tolerance for wind. It's the kind of place that appeals to people who want to say they've been somewhere difficult to reach rather than somewhere with things to do.

The nearest town, Ullapool, makes a solid base for a Highland holiday. Port a Bhaigh Campsite is only 6 kilometres away and rated highly - good spot to rest between explorations. Allow a full half-day for the trip including the boat ride, which isn't guaranteed in rough weather. Winter crossings are touch and go. Summer's your safest bet, though you'll share the sea with other determined visitors.