The crossroads of the north at Lairg, or An Luirg, on Loch Shin have been an important meeting place for centuries; Neolithic people, Gaels and Vikings have left their marks and names here. This weekend explores the heritage of one of the oldest communities in Scotland.

Ready for a long weekend in Speyside? Brooding hills, heather moorland and peaty rivers tell the story of a simple drink that became a worldwide phenomenon. Discover the history of uisige beatha, water of life, or whisky, Scotland’s signature tipple.

Take the train this weekend for an unforgettable journey through scenic Scottish landscape. Moody mountains, soggy bog, ancient forests and outstanding feats of engineering are all part of this magnificent trip.

This weekend in the north east of Scotland combines the remote Angus glens with a sprinkling of the South Pole and a handful of pixie dust; discover the wild landscape of Glen Clova, Glen Doll and Glen Prosen, beloved by Captain Scott, and rekindle childhood magic in Kirriemuir, birthplace of Sir JM Barrie, author of Peter Pan.

Scottish gold is among the purest in the world and in the late eighteenth century there was high demand for flakes and nuggets of the precious metal found in the burns and rivers of the Lowther Hills. Known as ‘God’s Treasure House’, the Southern Uplands were also mined for rich deposits of lead, zinc, copper and silver. This weekend is a treasure hunt, exploring the rich heritage of Leadhills, Wanlockhead and Sanquhar.

There’s magic in the heavens above the Galloway Hills of southwest Scotland. Far from the artificial light pollution of our densely populated cities a stargazing weekend in the UK’s first Dark Sky Park is awe-inspiring and life affirming.

When Hadrian commissioned a mighty structure of 80 Roman miles along the northern frontier of the Roman empire little did he know that his project, instigated around AD122, would be declared a World Heritage Site (WHS) in 1987 due its the outstanding universal importance to mankind. To explore the full extent of the Emperor’s wall, forts, milecastles and turrets in a couple of days is impossible. This weekend of history and culture in outstanding natural landscape should whet the appetite for more.

Nestling between the Pennines to the east and the Lake District to the west is the heavenly Eden valley, discover just a pocket of this unspoiled paradise and it’s likely to whet your appetite for more.

A weekend at a traditional western Lake District country show is a great escape, with the bonus of a stupendous waterfall, crazy Romans, friendly country pubs, and breathtaking walks on low and high fells. Even if your boots weren’t made for walking, this is a weekend to savour.

Need an escape route? Then this weekend is for you. Take to the hills of the North York Moors National Park where remote Bransdale will refresh your spirit.

Welcome to the good life in West Yorkshire. Discover a vibrant community, breathtaking countryside, colourful independent shops, and a dynamic arts scene; all part of a bohemian weekend in the Pennines.

The Ribble Valley promises enchantment in outstanding scenery, discover characterful Clitheroe, charming villages in the Forest of Bowland and Pendle Hill renowned for the witch trails of 1612 when ten men and women from the Forest of Pendle were hanged for the murder by witchcraft of seventeen people.

This walking weekend follows a circular route of eleven miles around Lathkil dale, a most beautiful yet little known limestone valley. Lovely Lathkil is one of five dales that make up the Derbyshire Dales National Nature Reserve and this memorable ramble on good paths follows the crystal clear river through uplifting scenery.

Multum in Parvo, or Much in Little, is the boast of England’s smallest county Rutland and it is not wrong; great weekend pursuits on and around the reservoir-cum-playground of Rutland Water include miles of traffic free cycling and the finest still water fly fishing in Europe.

In late summer, when the hills are clothed with a thick shawl of deep purple heather, the unspoiled countryside of the Shropshire borders is especially wonderful. Make base camp near the market town of Church Stretton to discover the heights of the Long Mynd and Stiperstones, dramatic highland landscape that inspired thrilling tales by writers Malcolm Saville 1901-1982 and Mary Webb 1881- 1927.

Easily reached by rail and road, the elegant Georgian market town of Pershore on the River Avon is cosseted by rolling hills, ancient woodlands and fruit orchards bearing plums, apples and pears. Follow riverside walks and country cycling routes to pretty villages and characterful inns for a great weekend in Worcestershire.

The watery delights of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads, Britain’s largest nationally protected wetland, promise a fascinating weekend whether you are afloat or not. Extraordinary habitats and abundant wildlife make the slow moving tidal waterways a pleasure to explore.

Take it easy this weekend. Discover the youthful River Thames and meander by boat on foot, or by road from the medieval market town of Lechlade to a nationally important nature reserve on floodplain meadows near the hamlet of Chimney. Enjoy traditional country pubs, a wild swimming pool and the inspirational country retreat of Arts and Crafts guru William Morris who believed that ‘not on one strand are all life’s jewels strung.’

There’s something quintessentially English about the Surrey Hills just thirty miles from London. EM Forster referred to it in his Edwardian comedy of manners A Room with a View. While holidaying in Florence Miss Lavish and Miss Honeychurch are keen to impress their English social connections upon each other; that both have smart connections in the Surrey Hills delights them and seals their friendship. EM Forster lived in Surrey for over forty years and was passionate about the landscape of wooded hills, open heath land, chalk downs and valleys. This weekend is an invitation to explore unexpected tranquillity and outstanding art in countryside close to the capital city.

Remember when your parents forbade you from drawing on the walls of the family home? Well, this inspirational weekend in Sussex shows what happens when grown ups allow their painterly imaginations to fly all over the walls, furniture and garden. One visit to Charleston farmhouse, the country retreat of Bloomsbury Group artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, and you may be inclined to get your paint box out.

Springtime is golden around the village of Long Crichel at the edge of Cranborne Chase in Dorset. The luminous bloom of acre upon acre of oilseed rape is extraordinary; King Midas would be right at home. While yellow fields illuminate the landscape, arable farms also grow barley for malt, peas for racing pigeons and wheat for bread.

Take a ride or walk over an astonishing piece of Victorian engineering this weekend and explore ancient woodlands where a deep ravine conceals an elegant waterfall and a favourite Victorian beauty spot.

This weekend explores the Caernafonshire mountain landscape beloved by Kate Roberts, quarryman’s daughter, Plaid Cymru nationalist, journalist and Queen of Welsh literature. Regarded as the most distinguished twentieth century writer of prose in Welsh, her stories of slate quarrying communities are critically acclaimed. She is often described as the Welsh Chekhov

There is an especially remote Welsh landscape in the Cambrain Mountains that inspires me. It is the wilderness of Elenydd, between Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons, where few people venture. Largely undisturbed, this challenging and lonely hideaway is a place to be respected and explored with care.

Escape to Y Myndd Du, or the Black Mountain, a remote landscape between the valleys of the Twyi, or Towy, and Tawe rivers. Rolling up and downhill, deep lanes criss cross the countryside. Without a map you’ll soon be lost. Here the majestic red kite is king and the sight of these graceful hunters patrolling their wild territory is inspirational. See them soar high above roaming mountain ponies and glide effortlessly over the ruins of dramatic Welsh castles.

It’s time for delicious food, stylish accommodation and inspired retail therapy in Narberth, the creative capital of west Wales. Relax, unwind and indulge.