If you love rugged nature, windswept deserted beaches, stunning aquamarine sea, vast moorlands, dark, hiking among giants and ominous mountains rising from the misty isles then the Hebridean islands are a must for you.
Unfortunately isle of Skye becomes a nightmare in summer months. Completely clogged by visitors and vehicles. Finding parking in popular places is a nightmare. Try to visit outside the peak summer holidays and you'll see the unparalleled beauty. I have visited many places and Skye remains one of the most dramatic places.
Once you have explored Skye, if you want to experience more drama , minus the crowd then hop on a ferry and travel to Outer Hebrides islands. Here you'll find beaches which can put Caribbean beaches to shame ( of course only crazy folks would dream of swimming without a wetsuit).
We travelled to north of Scotland in late August/September last year. Flew into Inverness, hired a car, drove along Loch Ness all the way to Skye. Rented a wonderfully secluded cottage at the far north Trotternish peninsula. Hiked to our heart's delight ( if you have not hiked Quiraing then you have no idea what you are missing out ) and then hopped on a ferry to land at Tarbert at Isle of Harris. Stayed at a comfy cottage at the remote Bernera village, drove to many places and then caught the ferry back from the modern and well stocked town of Stornoway to Ullapool in Scotland. Drove the wonderful NC 500 road and flew back from Inverness.
It is a photographer's heaven. The light far up north is truly bewitching.