Finding happiness in the Scottish Highlands

Want to be happy and make the most of your time on Earth? Visit the Scottish Highlands. That's what The Rough Guide to Happiness advises. Among the places the travel book recommends for the traveller in search of bliss is the "Scotland of the ceilidh and the clan". According to the guide, walking through Scottish Highlands and experiencing "the majesty of its natural landscape" reminds us of our "innate rapport with the planet". All this helps work up a healthy hunger for the good things in life: companionship, food and, yes, whisky.

DRINKING Some of the world's finest whisky, including The Glenlivet and Glenfiddich, is made in the north-eastern Highlands around Moray and Strathspey. The Spirit of Speyside Festival from 1 to 10 May is a must for aficionados and the programme offers whisky tastings, tours of local distilleries, talks about the elixir's heritage and traditional Scottish music.

WALKING Outdoors, in the eastern Highlands, the Aviemore Walking and Mountain Festival takes place from 9 to 16 May in the magnificent Cairngorms National Park. Along with walking, there's mountain biking, kayaking, white water rafting, rock climbing and canyoning.

TALKING "Wherever I wander, wherever I rove / The hills of the Highlands for ever I love." Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns, wrote My Heart's in the Highlands in 1787, and you can listen to it being read here by His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales. Throughout this year, Scots are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of Burns, and whether you're a Scot or not, like Prince Charles, you're invited to attend his Homecoming 2009 party.

From Argyll to the Isle of Skye, Scotland has golf, sailing, wildlife and fun for all the family. For more information: VisitScotland.com