Take me there: Sweden's Weather Islands

Sweden's lobster season kicks off next month, heralding a six-week celebration of all things crustacean. From 24 September to 4 November, hotels and restaurants along the country's wild west coast will be offering Shellfish Journey packages. The Väderöarnas guesthouse in the beautiful and sparsely populated Weather Islands is giving guests the chance to indulge their love affair with lobster on a two-night package which includes a fishing trip, a cooking class and a three-course lobster feast, as well as plenty of time for kayaking or lounging in a hot tub by the sea (+46 525 32001; vaderoana.com; £722pp).

Jo's travel clinic: Alpine walking



The dilemma My friend and I, both in our late 50s, are fit and love hiking. We'd like to tackle some high-level walks in the Alps next spring yet we are fond of our home comforts and don't want to rough it in mountain refuges. I think a group holiday might be too regimented but we don't feel confident enough to set this up on our own. What can you suggest? Marion, by email

Collett's Mountain Holidays is a family-run tour operator specialising in walking holidays in the Alta Badia, one of the most spectacular valleys in the Italian Dolomites (colletts.co.uk). Stay at one of its four hosted chalets and you can dip in and out of a weekly programme of guided walks of varying difficulty, ranging from gentle strolls through Alpine meadows to more challenging high-mountain routes.

All of the walks are optional and free of charge, so you can choose to have a rest day at the chalet or consult the local walk organisers about setting off on your own. A sociable three-course meal with other guests is provided every evening. A seven-night full-board stay at the charming Chalet Bracun in Corvara costs from £645pp. Flights to Venice are not included.

Three of the best Scottish hideaways



Shore Cottages, Caithness A new Landmark Trust restoration of two traditional fishermen's cottages, sleeping two or six. From £186 a week (landmarktrust.org.uk)

Herston Hall, Orkney A stylishly converted mission hall on Widewall Bay, South Ronaldsay, one of Orkney's 60 islands. Sleeps two. From £295 (unique-cottages.co.uk)

Hillview Cottage, Tighnabruaich Swap TV and Wi-Fi for log fires and views on to the ocean at this simple retreat. Sleeps five. From £355 (holidaylettings.co.uk)