For military history buffs, a stop at Fort George is a must. Its setting alone, standing guard on a point jutting into the Moray Firth, is glorious. Constructed following the battle of Culloden, you will see why this spot was so strategic for the suppressing the Highlanders. It is a colossal fortress, built with massive earthworks, ditches, bastions and drawbridges, and at today's prices would cost over 1 billion pounds to build-a testament more to the fears of the victors than to any practical purpose. Ft. George is considered one of Europe's finest historic military forts-be sure and tour the regimental museum of the Queen's Own Highlanders and don't miss the reconstructed 18th century barracks.

Directions from Culloden House to Ft. George: Turn left at the Barn church, following road to the end and its junction with the A96. Turn right onto the A96, heading south towards Nairn and Aberdeen. Just before Nairn turn left onto the B9006. Follow the B9006 to land's end.

Brodie Castle

Castle lovers will not want to miss the battlemented Brodie Castle, parts of which date back to the16th century. It is known for its pretty parkland setting and its fine collection of paintings, porcelain, 19th century furnishings and family memorabilia. Located in Forres, Moray, Tel: (0)1309 641371. Operated by the National Trust and open April through September and on October weekends.

Also in Forres is the Dallas Dhu whiskey distillery, a time-capsule preserved late Victorian distillery (GBP 2.50, Tel: (0)1-340-810204).

Directions from Culloden House or Ft. George to Brodie Castle: Turn left at the Barn church, following road to the end and the junction with the A96. Turn right onto the A96, heading south towards Nairn and Aberdeen. Brodie Castle is located off the A96, 4 l/2 miles west of Forres, midway between Nairn and Elgin.

or Speyside Whiskey Trail

Throughout the Highlands the water runs pure and the national drink of Scotland is made with the loving care of a mother with her newborn. You can visit the world's most famous Scotch whiskey distilleries, see how this celebrated liquor is created and then enjoy a sample or two. Distilleries offer tours of their facilities, usually have a visitor centre and allow you to purchase their outstanding products. You can spend several hours, or just pop in for a taste.

Directions from Culloden House to the Spey Valley Whiskey Trail: Turn left at the Barn church, following road to the end and the junction with the A96. Turn right onto the A96, heading south towards Nairn and Aberdeen. Exit the A96 at Elgin, heading south on the A941 to Rothes.

Here, in the heart of the luscious Spey Valley is your first distilleries, Glen Grant with its delightful Victorian garden (open daily mid-March to 30 October, Tel: (0)1542 783318). Just a few miles further south at Dufftown is Glenfiddich, still owned and operated by the Grant family and the only chateau-bottled malt whisky made in the Highlands (open year-round, except winter weekends, Tel: (0)1-340-20373).

If you are a serious Scotch aficionado then you must next head for the hills to visit Glenfarclas and Glenlivet distilleries. Backtrack just a couple miles up the A941 to the A95 heading southwest. First you will come to the Glenfarclas Distillery (Open year-round, except winter weekends, Tel: (0)1807 500257). Then, if you haven't imbibed too much in the tasting rooms, go back to the main road, the A95, a few miles further southwest to the B9008 and to Glenlivet (open daily mid-march to 30 October, Tel: (0)1-542 -83220).

You will find distilleries tucked away in many corners of the Highlands. Enjoy!