Tom Shepherd combines two iconic Irish coastal routes for a journey filled with breathtaking wildlife spots, dreamy scenic stops and a taste of adventure

Take a road trip around Scotland’s ‘misty isle’ for volcanic rock formations, wild swimming at the Fairy Pools and warming drams of cask whisky.

Owned by a quirky whisky-distillery, Ardbeg Hotel is the perfect starting point for exploring the Hebridean island of Islay and tasting a wee dram of celebrated single malt

BRITISH BREAK MINI GUIDE

Based in an elegantly refurbished farm-building hotel, Fiona Gibson discovers fine fare and a sea-dwelling surprise on the intriguing Black Isle in Scotland

From island-hopping in southerly Okinawa to farm experiences in rural Aomori and skiing in far northern Hokkaido, this diverse archipelago offers intriguing local culture, ancient history and epic wilderness experiences around every corner — and deeper exploration reaps huge rewards