Edinburgh and the Highlands of Scotland

Edinburgh is a cultural, historic city and a great place from which to explore the Highlands of Scotland.The main events in Edinburgh are the festivals which take place every year between July and September. Ranging from film and comedy to books and theatre they draw crowds from all over the world. But outside of the festival season there is still plenty to keep visitors entertained. With several art galleries, prominent museums, theatres and a vibrant night life you won't be bored.From Edinburgh you can hire a car and venture off into the Highlands. Journey into the rugged Grampian mountains, the Northwest Highlands and the Great Glen that divides them.

The Caledonian canal which stretches from the east coast to the west is a magnificent piece of engineering. Apart from the three lochs it encorporates the canal is entirely man made. Loch Ness is the most famous and largest of these lochs being 25 miles long, 1.5 miles wide and 812ft deep! The actual canal is a mere 14ft deep.Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles at 4,409 ft(1,344 metres) high and is at the western end of the Grampian Mountains. It boasts some of the highest cliff faces in the UK but has walking routes for all levels of walkers. The views from the mountain are spectacular and well worth the effort!Have you been to the Highlands of Scotland? What are your favourite places?