From the Alps to the Highlands - Our best destinations for a mountain break

The French Alps are one of Europe’s most iconic mountain destinations, where soaring peaks meet picturesque villages and world-class outdoor experiences. Whether you’re drawn by snow-covered slopes in winter or wildflower-filled meadows in summer, this region offers a perfect balance of adrenaline and relaxation. Think long lunches on sunny terraces, crisp mountain air and endless views across dramatic valleys.

The infrastructure here is excellent too, making it easy to explore while still feeling immersed in nature. From Chamonix’s rugged charm to the serenity of Annecy’s lakeside setting, the French Alps deliver both high-energy adventure and peaceful alpine escape.

Best for: Skiing, alpine hiking, and classic European mountain scenery

• Hit the slopes: Visit world-famous resorts like Chamonix, Méribel and Val d’Isère, where vast ski areas, reliable snow conditions and lively après-ski scenes make for an unforgettable winter experience. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, there’s terrain to suit every level.

• Hike alpine trails: Explore high mountain paths with sweeping views of Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks. In summer, these trails wind through wildflower meadows, past glacial rivers and up to panoramic viewpoints that feel truly expansive.

• Swim in Lake Annecy: Cool off in one of Europe’s cleanest and most picturesque lakes, surrounded by mountains. Its clear turquoise water and relaxed lakeside towns make it perfect for a slower-paced day in between adventures.

• Ride cable cars: Take scenic lifts high into the mountains without the effort of climbing. These cable cars open up incredible viewpoints and access to higher-altitude walks, making the landscape more accessible to everyone.

• Enjoy alpine cuisine: Settle into cosy mountain restaurants and enjoy hearty dishes like fondue and raclette. After a day outdoors, there’s nothing better than warming up with rich, comforting food and local wine.

• Winter (December to March): This is peak season for skiing and snowboarding, with reliable snowfall and fully open resorts. The mountains take on a magical atmosphere, with snow-covered villages and festive energy throughout.

• Summer (June to September): Ideal for hiking, cycling and exploring the outdoors, with long, warm days and clear trails. Lakes become a focal point, offering opportunities to swim, paddle or simply relax by the water.

• Shoulder seasons: Spring and autumn bring quieter villages, fewer tourists and better value stays. While some lifts and facilities may be closed, it’s a great time for peaceful walks and soaking up the scenery without the crowds.

The Scottish Highlands feel vast, wild and quietly powerful. This is a landscape shaped by time and weather, where mist rolls across glens and mountains rise from deep lochs. It’s less about polished resorts and more about raw beauty and solitude.

Here, you’ll find winding roads, remote trails and a sense of escape that’s hard to match elsewhere in the UK. Whether you’re climbing Ben Nevis, exploring the Isle of Skye or simply soaking in the stillness, the Highlands offer a slower, more reflective kind of mountain break. It’s a place where the scenery doesn’t just impress, it lingers.

Best for: Remote landscapes, dramatic scenery and peaceful escapes

• Climb Ben Nevis: Take on the UK’s highest peak for a rewarding challenge and far-reaching views across the Highlands. Whether you follow the well-trodden Mountain Track or opt for a more demanding route, reaching the summit is a memorable experience.

• Explore Glencoe: Wander through one of Scotland’s most dramatic valleys, where steep mountains rise on either side and the atmosphere feels both cinematic and deeply peaceful. It’s perfect for walking, photography and simply soaking in the scenery.

• Visit the Isle of Skye: Discover rugged coastlines, jagged peaks and iconic landmarks like the Old Man of Storr. Skye offers a mix of mountain and coastal landscapes, making it one of the most visually striking places in the UK.

• Take scenic drives: Follow routes like the North Coast 500, where winding roads reveal ever-changing views of mountains, lochs and coastline. It’s one of the best ways to experience the scale and beauty of the Highlands at your own pace.

• Spot wildlife: Keep an eye out for red deer roaming the hills, golden eagles soaring overhead and seals along the coast. The Highlands are rich in wildlife, adding another layer to the sense of immersion in nature.

• Spring (April to June): A great time to visit for fresh, blooming landscapes and fewer midges. The weather is often crisp and clear, making it ideal for walking and exploring.

• Summer (June to August): Longer daylight hours mean more time to explore, with trails fully accessible and landscapes at their greenest. It’s the most popular time to visit, so expect busier hotspots.

• Autumn (September to October): The Highlands glow with rich autumn colours, and the crowds begin to thin. Cooler temperatures and quieter routes make it a particularly atmospheric time for a mountain break.

The Swiss Alps offer a more refined mountain experience, where precision meets natural beauty. Everything feels carefully curated, from immaculate hiking trails to charming alpine villages. But beyond the polish lies a landscape just as dramatic as anywhere else in Europe.

Snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes and lush valleys create a picture-perfect setting that feels almost unreal. Destinations like Zermatt and Interlaken provide easy access to adventure, while scenic train journeys make exploring effortless. Whether you’re hiking, skiing or simply taking in the views, the Swiss Alps combine comfort and awe in equal measure.

Best for: Scenic train journeys, luxury alpine stays and year-round beauty

• Ride the Glacier Express: Take one of the world’s most scenic train journeys, winding through deep valleys, over dramatic viaducts and past snow-capped peaks. It’s a relaxed, panoramic way to experience the scale and beauty of the Swiss Alps.

• Visit Zermatt: Head to this charming, car-free mountain village for iconic views of the Matterhorn. Whether you’re skiing, hiking or simply exploring the streets, the setting feels both picturesque and immersive.

• Hike alpine trails: Follow Switzerland’s impeccably maintained network of trails, which lead through lush valleys, across mountain passes and up to breathtaking viewpoints. Routes are clearly marked, making it easy to explore at your own pace.

• Paraglide over Interlaken: Experience the mountains from above with a tandem paragliding flight over lakes and peaks. It’s an unforgettable way to take in the landscape from a completely different perspective.

• Relax by alpine lakes: Spend time by crystal-clear lakes like Lake Lucerne and Lake Geneva, where mountain backdrops meet calm waters. These spots are perfect for swimming, boat trips or simply unwinding by the shore.

• Winter (December to March): Ideal for skiing and snow sports, with resorts in full swing and villages taking on a cosy, festive atmosphere. Snow-covered landscapes add to the sense of magic.

• Summer (June to September): Perfect for hiking, cycling and outdoor adventures, with warm temperatures and clear mountain trails. Lakes also become a focal point for relaxation and water activities.

• Year-round: Scenic train journeys and mountain views are accessible throughout the year, making Switzerland a destination that offers something special in every season.

The Dolomites in northern Italy offer a mountain landscape unlike any other. Their pale, jagged peaks glow pink at sunrise and sunset, creating a constantly shifting palette of colour and light. This UNESCO-listed region blends dramatic scenery with Italian culture, meaning you can spend your mornings hiking high ridges and your afternoons enjoying espresso in a mountain hut.

The terrain is varied, from gentle alpine meadows to challenging via ferrata routes. There’s also a strong sense of tradition here, with Tyrolean influences shaping the food, architecture and atmosphere. It’s a destination that feels both wild and welcoming.

Best for: Dramatic landscapes, photography and food-led mountain breaks

• Hike iconic routes: Take on famous trails like Tre Cime di Lavaredo, where dramatic limestone peaks rise sharply against the sky. These well-loved routes combine accessible paths with some of the most striking mountain scenery in Europe.

• Try via ferrata: Add a sense of adventure by tackling protected climbing routes that use cables and ladders to guide you along exposed rock faces. It’s an exhilarating way to experience the mountains from a different angle, even without technical climbing skills.

• Cycle mountain passes: Ride winding roads through high-altitude passes featured in the Giro d’Italia. Expect challenging climbs rewarded with sweeping views, making it a favourite for keen cyclists.

• Stay in rifugios: Spend a night in traditional mountain huts, where simple comforts and incredible surroundings create a memorable alpine experience. Evenings are all about hearty food, warm atmospheres and watching the light fade over the peaks.

• Enjoy local cuisine: Discover a unique blend of Italian and Austrian influences, from fresh pasta dishes to rich, mountain-style comfort food. Meals often feel like part of the experience, especially when enjoyed with panoramic views.

• Summer (June to September): The best time for hiking and exploring, with clear trails, open rifugios and long daylight hours. The mountains are at their most accessible and vibrant.

• Autumn (September to October): A quieter, more atmospheric season, with fewer visitors and soft golden light across the peaks. It’s ideal for photography and more peaceful walks.

• Winter (December to March): Ski season transforms the Dolomites into a snow-covered playground, with access to the vast Dolomiti Superski area and beautifully maintained pistes.

Scandinavia’s mountains offer a different kind of escape. Less crowded and more expansive, these landscapes feel truly untamed. From Norway’s dramatic fjords and steep peaks to Sweden’s vast wilderness and Arctic tundra, this is a region defined by space and silence. The light here is constantly changing, with long summer days and dark, atmospheric winters. Outdoor experiences are at the heart of everything, whether it’s hiking, kayaking or simply sitting by a fire under the northern lights. It’s a place to disconnect, slow down and experience nature on its own terms.

Best for: Wilderness, unique light and off-the-beaten-track adventures

• Explore Norwegian fjords: Discover iconic fjords like Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, where steep cliffs rise dramatically from deep blue waters. Whether viewed from above or at sea level, these landscapes feel vast, powerful and completely immersive.

• Hike in national parks: Head into wilderness areas like Jotunheimen, home to some of Scandinavia’s highest peaks. Trails range from gentle valley walks to more demanding hikes, all set against a backdrop of glaciers, lakes and rugged terrain.

• See the Northern Lights: Visit during winter for a chance to witness the aurora borealis dancing across the night sky. In remote areas with little light pollution, the experience feels especially vivid and unforgettable.

• Kayak through fjords: Paddle through calm, reflective waters for a unique perspective on the landscape. Moving quietly between towering cliffs gives a real sense of scale and connection to nature.

• Stay in remote cabins: Experience true solitude by staying in a secluded cabin surrounded by mountains, forests or fjords. With minimal distractions, it’s a chance to slow down and fully take in your surroundings.

• Summer (June to August): Ideal for hiking and outdoor exploration, with long daylight hours and milder temperatures. The extended light means more time to experience the landscape at a relaxed pace.

• Winter (November to March): A magical time for snow-covered scenery, skiing and the Northern Lights. Days are shorter, but the atmosphere is deeply atmospheric and unique.

• Autumn and spring: These shoulder seasons bring fewer crowds and changing landscapes, from autumn colours to the fresh renewal of spring. It’s a quieter, more reflective time to visit.