lots of chambered cairns just outside of Inverness pretty much on the route Knockfarrel hill fort with red kites , after Garve there's very little except scenery . Corrieshalloch gorge and falls of Glomach are reccomended though splendid in any weather , easily accessed wee car park etc .

It's slightly the other way [you're in a car though] but if you've not been to the amazing Clava Cairns, it's a real must, It seems to be one of the favourite places of a lot of people [me included] and does seem to be the center of that whole Clava cairn culture.

Many thanks for the pointers all, will make notes and do some research before setting off. On this occasion (as a one off) have agreed to fly up to Inverness - flight gets in midday, after picking up hire car will have the afternoon and evening to make our way to the B&B in Ullapool so we probably wouldn't want to venture too far in the opposite direction. Would love to visit Clava Cairns if it is do-able. Roy,do love gardens so maybe a visit to Inverue on the return journey as flight back is late afternoon (is that the same place as Inverewe Garden).

I do sort of regret not arranging to stay on the mainland for a few days after the week on Lewis but have perishing pets to thinks about - will not be replacing them when they wear out.

not megalithic exactly, but there is a vitrified fort (Craig Phadraig NH640452) in the hillside above Inverness

20-odd miles out of Inverness on the A835 to Ullapool you will pass by the Rogie Falls on the Black Water river. This is one of the very few, well known places in Scotland where the casual visitor can see salmon attempting to leap up a waterfall. If you have yet to see the salmon leaping then this could be your best opportunity and my advise is that you should take it.

Go and see the Clava Cairns first.