Skye remains magnificent, even after so many people have said it. Getting there via the A87 is a blast (motorcycle heaven, alas literally on occasion). Pop over the hill to Glenelg (via stunning views of the five sisters mountains) on the way for a fine bar lunch in the local inn (sit out and enjoy the views). There is a ferry crossing from here to Skye in the summer months.

Traverse Skye (up the right hand and over to Uig), and take the ferry to Harris. Harris is a joy to behold; arrive by bicycle and head south after taking in the beaches on the west of Harris itself. Get the right weather and it is wonderful; I say this having travelled from the north of Japan to the south of Chile and too many points in between to recall; South Africa and the Rockies match the Scottish Highlands for sheer natural beauty, but in neither can you venture out on a clear night in midsummer to catch the elusive haggis.

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Avoid John O’Groats and most other stuff east of Tongue, unless you have to seek refuge from hellish weather (always possible, any time), in which case use Dornoch as a base for touring.

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Best beaches are Oldshoremore (sublime) out west from Kinlochbervie and the incomparable Sandwood bay if you have the energy for the hike. Please leave both as you found them.

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Ullapool is now touristy but still charming: small, compact, good bookshop, plenty of places to eat/drink; an ideal base.

From there head north to Lochinver via the coast road and again north to Scourie via the coast road (Drumbeg etc).

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Late May early June to avoid the worst of the midges (do not underestimate the blighters).

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