http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12998
Glen Affric has been referred to by those in the know as Scotland's most beautiful glen. It stretches for many miles upriver from the village of Cannich, becoming progressively wilder and more desolate. There are beautiful lochs, mountains and waterfalls, but it is the pinewoods that make this glen so special. You might think you've seen one forest, you've seen them all - but this is different. It is one of the largest remnants of the original ancient Caledonian Forest that once covered Scotland, and walking amongst the trees, it has a really special atmosphere and beauty. Look out for plentiful, incredibly cute red squirrels, pine martens and other wildlife.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12998 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12997
At the foot of the glen is Loch Torridon, a great fjord, where the landscape is softened by ancient pinewoods.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12997 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12977 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12977 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12890 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12890 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12807 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12807 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12802 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12802 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12759
The walk, by the way, was pretty good but frustratingly, a lot of the walking route followed the same path as the cycle route and I felt that we wouldn't have lost much, and would have got to Inverness a lot quicker, if we'd been on bikes.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12759 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12758
Superb accommodation with magnificent views. A perfect base for touring the magnificent northern Highlands of Scotland. Even a sauna to unwind in after a day out walking, cycling, fishing, climbing, sailing or just relaxing in the tranquility of this wonderful spot.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12758 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12757 landmarktrust.org.uk) has loads of terrific properties in the highlands. Avoid Christmas and the summer school holidays and they're a bargain.

We stayed in baronial splendour in Gargunnock House for £70 per head a night, lived like a Laird and enjoyed trips out to the Trossachs. It's Highlands-lite but great fun.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12757 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12756 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12756 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12754
Add the drive from Ullapool by Loch Assynt and it's the best day trip in Scotland.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12754 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12750
I stood there and thought if I’m ever going to get married I’m doing it round here. I did.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12750 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12749 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12749 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12748 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12748 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12747 seafari.co.uk) from Mallaig into Loch Hourn (Loch Hell!). It can’t dock anywhere so you just leap off onto shoreline rocks. Hike up Ladhar Bheinn, arguably the finest mountain on the mainland, with staggering views over the “rough bounds”. Descend southwards to Inverie and hit the legendary and often riotous Old Forge for a heather ale and a smokehouse platter. Anyone who sneers at Scottish food hasn’t eaten here. Had one of the best weekends of my life here. Dorms at the nearby Bunkhouse, £14 per person.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12747 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12746
We did it on a clear summer’s night and stood speechless on a peak, able to see up past Ben Nevis and right out to the Hebrides, mountains everywhere and us above them. A pint in the Clachaig Inn afterwards is compulsory.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12746 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12745
We took a boat to Eigg and got followed by a whale that stuck its head out of the water to see us better. The next day we caught 12 mackerel while boating in the sound and had them with mussels bought from a local fisherman. Just ask in the pub.

Also: you must go roamin’ in the gloamin’ on the Old Man of Storr, further north.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12745 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12744
The decking, set to look out over Loch Slapin, is perfect for lounging about and admiring the
Cuillin mountain range - what an outlook, especially with a dram or two.

The walk to the shore is recommended. We saw an otter and, to the delight of our teenage girls, you can actually get a signal on your mobile if you scramble to the top of the castle ruins!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12744 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12741 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12741 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12740 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12740