The south-west coast of Mull has some of the best icing-sugar coves in Britain, yet few people know about them.

 Giant Fingal’s Cave on Staffa island is an awe-inspiring amphitheatre of towering basalt columns into which you can jump and dive.

 Sanna Bay is the western-most point of the British mainland and its white-sand beach overlooks the isles of Eigg and Rum.

 The famous beach scenes in the film, Local Hero were shot here, at Morar.

 Delve into Spar Cave on Skye’s coast to find the deep Mermaid Pool.

 The coral beaches near the Isle of Skye’s fairy castle are made from the twisted shapes of petrified algae.

 This waterfall at remote Applecross cascades through plunge pools into the sea.

 Swim overlooking ‘Anthrax Island’ – Gruinard Island – now safe and decontaminated.

 At Luskentyre, the Outer Hebrides’ most famous stretch of white sands, the water glows azure blue even on overcast days.

 A four-mile walk leads to Sandwood Bay with its giant stack. Many make the pilgrimage to this, Scotland’s wildest beach, though other stunning beaches lie nearer.

 Looking out towards the arctic on the far north coast, Smoo Cave is a large sea cavern with a range of dramatic coastal arches and pools.

 Papa Stour off Shetland has sea-cave tunnels that stretch under the island, from one side to the other.

 Visit the ruined church in the Sands of Forvie – all that remains of this ‘cursed’ village. The rest still lies buried after a nine-day sandstorm.