As Scotland is the home of golf, in Ross-shire as with most parts of Scotland, golf is a popular pastime. With a great number and variety of courses within easy reach, you do not have to travel far to find the first 18 hole challenge. Located in Muir of Ord (8 miles west) the course is a typical heathland moorland course. The course boasts many interesting holes including a 219yd par 3 that if you miss the green you are in a wood, heather or a bunker, making it a testing days play. The spa village of Strathpeffer (5 miles from Dingwall) provides the golfer with another challenging and most enjoyable 18 holes as well as stunning views of the area.

For the golfer who enjoys sea air when playing, Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club provides you with just that. This links course was squeezed onto the peninsula of Chanonry Point by James Braid and plays to par 71 with the standard scratch score of 69.

Although there are many other fine courses in the area, Nairn and Nairn Dunbar; Loch Ness and Torvean in Inverness to name but a few, no visit to the North would be complete without a visit to the Championship course at Royal Dornoch. There are handicap limits, 24 for the men and 35 for ladies, and certificates must be produced. However there is another 18-hole course, Struie, at Dornoch which does not require a handicap but does provide a challenge.

With over 30 excellent courses in the Highlands there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy challenging golf and stunning scenery, so don't forget your clubs when packing the car!