|
|
Sightseeing & Accommodation north of Inverness
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
North of Inverness is the peninsula known for some reason as The Black Isle (it is neither black nor an island). Here are some of the local places of interest:
Fairburn Conference and Activity Centre offers multi-activities including archery, paintball, Lazertag, aerial runway, tree climbing, abseiling, ropes course, canoeing, raft building, mountain biking, orienteering, etc. Full day or half day sessions. Weekend packages for families, couples and groups with full board, accommodation and activities. Residential School Activity Weeks. Accommodation in ensuite bedrooms or bunk bed facilities for residential groups. Also available for birthday parties, team building, weddings, etc. Located 2 miles from Marybank and 6 miles west of Muir of Ord. Tel: 01997 433397.
Wildwoodz Paintball Park is 2 miles down the Fortrose/Cromarty A832 road from the Tore Roundabout. Tel: 01381 622220.
AVOCH (13 miles from Inverness)
Grave of Sir Alexander MacKenzie. Explorer of the North West Territories of Canada, he gave his name to the MacKenzie River. Born in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, he came to Avoch when he retired and was buried in the old churchyard in 1820. Heritage exhibition.
Dolphin Trips Avoch provide daily boat trips in the summer from Avoch harbour. Telephone 01381 622383 or 07779 833951.CHANONRY POINT
Famous place for spotting the Moray Firth dolphins from the shore. On the opposite side of the firth is the historic military base of Fort George.FORTROSE (14 miles from Inverness)
Red sandstone houses, ruined cathedral, golf course. If you go over to the lighthouse, you will see the plaque which commemorates the burning at the stake of the Brahan Seer, famous for his prophecies in the 1700s.
The Fortrose and Rosemarkie Community Council web site has more local info.The Anderson in Union Street offers good food and drink in the restaurant and bar, and accommodation in 9 guest rooms. Tel: 01381 620 236.
Also try the Eilean Dubh restaurant in High Street.Celia Ffitch-Stewart is a fully insured driver-guide with Mercedes limousine for your tailor-made guided tour. Based in Fortrose, near Inverness. She offers half day, full day or extended tours. Airport collection (Edinburgh, Aberdeen or Inverness). Services can include itinerary planning and accommodation reservations. Meet your clan chief, trace your roots, stay in a castle, tour the distilleries. Member of HOSTGA (Highlands of Scotland Tour Guide Association).
Black Isle Quad Biking and Broomhill Riding Centre can be found at Broomhill Farm outside Fortrose. Tel: 01381 620214.
ROSEMARKIE (15 miles from Inverness)
Groam House Museum has an excellent collection of Pictish carved stones, some of which date from the 8th century. You can make rubbings of Pictish symbols, play the reconstructed harp, watch the video about the Picts in Ross-shire, browse through the photo collection, leave the kids to watch a cartoon and visit the gift shop. Open from May to October, Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 2pm to 4.30pm. From October through to May, the museum is only open on Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm to 4pm. Tel: 01381 620 961.
Fossils can be found along the coast here.CROMARTY (23 miles from Inverness)
An 18th century fishing port which got somewhat left behind by the Industrial Revolution. It is the best preserved 18th century village in the Highlands. As such it has many old buildings, including Hugh Miller's thatched cottage built in 1711 and now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. When visiting, explore the town with headphones and a tape (English, French, German).The award-winning museum at the Cromarty Courthouse is not to be missed. You come face to face with animated figures that you can control (the first of their kind in Scotland). Why not join the jury and dress in 18th century costume? The Courtroom is open daily from 10am to 5pm from April to October and by appointment the rest of the year. Tel: 01381 600 418. Since this is an old building (it was built in 1773), disabled access is limited.
The lighthouse was built by an uncle of Robert Louis Stevenson in 1846. Near here, a car ferry to Nigg operates during the summer. Nigg Old Church contains an interesting 8th century Pictish cross-slab.
EcoVentures offer trips in a high speed RIB to see bottlenose dolphins, seals, whales, etc. in the Cromarty Firth. Maximum 12 passengers. Bookings can be made through The Dolphin Centre (including shop) at the Harbour Workshop, Victoria Place, Cromarty (by the harbour). Telephone 01381 600323.
The Cromarty - Nigg ferry service is on the 'Cromarty Rose' which can take 50 passengers and 2 cars. Operates daily from end May - end October. Evening cruises are available on Wednesdays and Fridays in July and August. To check times and prices, telephone 01381 610269.
Mountain Biking Highlands & Islands (based in Bank Street, Cromarty) offers bike hire, repairs, customised routes, guiding, etc. Tel: 01381 600386 / 07780 940 342. Ideal for mountain biking at nearby Learnie Red Rock.
For local information, check out Cromarty Live which includes details of local events.
Also visit the Cromarty Image Library and the interactive tour of Virtual Cromarty.Local accommodation includes Gisborne B&B which was originally the Cromarty Cottage Hospital. Tel: 01381600376.
An energetic scramble over the rocks to the east of Cromarty will take you to the Drooping or Dripping Cave, so called because of the stalactites formed on its roof. Local legends speak of a mermaid being seen outside the cave.
Based nearby, Albannach offer relaxed holidays to see wildlife and history in the Scottish Highlands. Tailor-made tours for private groups. Driver-guide with 25 years experience. Contact Sandy Mitchell (tel: 01381 621 851).
The Moray Firth Trail is an interesting network of footpaths and trails which includes walks near Cromarty, Avoch, Rosemarkie, Dingwall, Strathpeffer, Tain and many other places.
|
MONIACK CASTLE - HIGHLAND WINERIES
If you take the A862 road north from Inverness and head for Beauly, you will see the signs to Moniack Castle, near Kirkhill. They produce preserves and sauces, country wines and liqueurs - all made from local produce. Tours every 20 minutes. Free tastings. Shop. It is open daily in the summer 11am to 5pm, and Monday - Saturday 11am to 4pm over the winter. Tel: 01463 831 283 / fax: 01463 831 419. Web site: www.moniackcastle.co.uk |
|
BEAULY (on the main road 12 miles north-west of Inverness)
If approaching from Inverness, look for the House of Beauly (Made in Scotland) on Station Road. It has a good selection of clothing, gifts and foodstuffs (tel: 01463 782 821). Visitor centre with restaurant open daily.Car parking is available in the town centre which is often well decorated with floral displays in the summer months. The town has won awards in the Britain in Bloom contest on more than one occasion! The local Pipe Band plays in the Square on most Thursday evenings from mid-June to mid-September - look out for posters with the dates and times. Beauly has several hotels, B&Bs, etc. plus a campsite. There are several eating places, grocers, baker, butcher, gift shops, coffee shops, etc.
Corner on the Square is the new deli and eatery in Beauly. It specialises in Highland and Scottish products and has a great range of cheeses and cooked meats from local sources and continental suppliers. Phone 01463 783000.
Opposite the Bank of Scotland, take a peek in Campbells shop which sells tweeds, sweaters and gear for the fishing/hunting brigade.
The Beauly Highland Games are held in late June.Visit the ruins of Beauly Priory built by French monks in 1230 (now owned by Historic Scotland, admission charge of 1 pound for adults, 75 pence for concessions). Includes tombs of the Mackenzie family. See photos of the priory by Phil Wright.
The Beauly Centre was opened in 2002 in the old school. It includes a clan Fraser room, an old village shop, and various historic exhibits, plus local tourist information, Internet access, a gift shop and a book shop,
Hotels in Beauly include The Priory Hotel and the Lovat Arms - both in the village square.
Self catering near Beauly includes Willowburn cottage (4 stars, 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6) - ideal for fishing, golf or walking in Strathglass and Glen Affric.
Cnoc End B&B can be found in Croyard Road, Beauly. 2 ensuite bedrooms (1 double, 1 twin). Children welcome. Scottish Tourist Board 3 Stars. Contact Pat Fraser-Lee. Tel: 01463 782230 or email: patcnocend@aol.com
Highland Journeys, run by Nicola Fraser of Beauly, has a luxury 7-seater vehicle to take small groups on personally guided tours. Telephone 07778 499 307. Day trips depart from Inverness at 9am and last approx. 9-10 hours. There are several on offer including the Highland Glens Journey which visits Urquhart Castle - Glen Affric - Strath Glass - Beauly - Glen Ord distillery.
 Glen Affric © Corel |
From Beauly you can take the back road across country to visit Glen Affric and Strathglass (and also Drumnadrochit on Loch Ness).
Don't miss a detour into this beautiful scenic area around Cannich for walks by Loch Affric and Loch Mullardoch.
Plodda Falls can be found 3 miles from the village of Tomich - follow the waymarked walk.
|
GLEN ORD DISTILLERY
Located by Muir of Ord, between Beauly and Dingwall. Open:
January - March: Monday - Friday 11am - 3pm
April - June: Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm
July - September: Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm, also Saturday & Sunday 12noon - 4pm
October - December: Monday - Friday 11am - 3pm
Closed Christmas and New Year.
The last guided tour is 1 hour before closing time.
Shop, exhibition, guided tour (admission charge). Tel: 01463 872004.
Visit their web site.The Black Isle Show take place each August at Mannsfield Showground, Muir of Ord (tel: 01463 870870). This is the largest agricultural show in the North of Scotland. It attracts over 2,000 cattle, horse and sheep entries, more than 300 trade stands and over 25,000 visitors to the show each year. There is plenty to see and do, craft fair, food fair, 'On the Farm' exhibition for the kids, agricultural stands, vintage rally and sheep shearing. The next show will take place on 6 - 7 August 2008.
- Hillview Park B&B at the edge of Muir of Ord has 3 ensuite bedrooms. Contact Mrs Catherine Peterkin. Tel: 1463 870787.
- Chestnut Villa B&B offers luxury Bed & Breakfast accommodation in Muir of Ord. It has 3 ensuite bedrooms, including a family room for 4 people. Contact Mrs Mina Keir. Tel: 01463 870587.
- Big Sky Lodges are 2 substantial Scandinavian log cabins with 3 bedrooms offering 4 star self catering for up to 6 people. Situated on a croft 2 miles from Muir of Ord.
- The Dower House is a small historic hotel in Muir of Ord.
DINGWALL (11 miles north-west of Inverness)
Market town whose name originates from the Norse words "Thing vollr" or "Place of the Parliament". Attractions include the museum of local history, the memorial to novelist Neil Gunn and the monument to General Sir Hector MacDonald. Leisure centre, bowling club, tennis courts, campsite.
For a list of shops & restaurants in the main shopping streets of Dingwall, visit www.high.st/dingwall/
Local summer events include the Highland Traditional Music Festival in June and also the Highland Gathering on in July each year.The Highland Livestock Heritage Society has plans for a visitor centre and exhibition at Dingwall Mart.
Overlooking Dingwall is 12th century Tulloch Castle - now a hotel with restaurant (and ghost!).
Just over 3 miles south-west of Dingwall lies the site of the now demolished Brahan Castle (private estate).The Storehouse with restaurant and gift shop at Evanton (south of Dingwall) is open daily. Tel: 01349 830038.
Halfway between Dingwall and Strathpeffer, Fodderty Lodge offers a choice of self catering properties for 2, 4 and 6 people.
|
STRATHPEFFER (15 miles north-west of Inverness)
Made popular by the Victorians who came to 'take the waters' from the 5 wells, the town is now visited by tourists and has a variety of B&Bs and hotels, and several shops. The Strathpeffer Spa Shop is run by Lady Gilean Mackenzie in the square and features gifts, cards, local foodstuffs, arts & crafts, and spa products. You can ask her about the Clan Mackenzie. The shop also has a treatment room which offers holistic therapies such as Reiki and Reflexology. Closed Mondays. Tel: 01997 420 108. You can sample the sulphur waters in the original Pump Room which now includes a gift shop, exhibition, video and life size models. Open daily April - October. Donations welcome. Opposite is Maya - an authentic Belgian chocolate shop and cafe - a must for chocoholics (open Tuesday - Saturday, tel: 01997 420008). Overlooking the pretty town square, the original Spa Pavilion has been restored and is now used for functions, and includes its own restaurant (RedPoppy). |
|
 |
The other main visitor attraction is the Highland Museum of Childhood located in the old railway station. Cycle hire available from Square Wheels (Tel: 01997 421000). There is a Community centre with fitness room and golfers may enjoy the Strathpeffer golf course. Trout fishing available. Castle Leod is the seat of the chief of the Clan Mackenzie, the Earl of Cromartie. It can be seen from the roadside on the edge of Strathpeffer just after the Eagle Stone. For 2007, guided tours will be given on certain afternoons in June, July, August and September (booking required - tel: 01997 421264). Private tours of the castle are also available by appointment only (tel: 01997 421 264). You will see a strong contingent of Mackenzies at the Highland Games here on the second Saturday in August every year. For information about Mackenzie events in this area, click here. |
|
If you go in
the field off Nutwood Lane, you'll find the Pictish carved Eagle Stone. Although it has been slightly moved from its original position, it is thought that the stone may have marked the territorial boundary between the 'eagle people' (who later became the clan Munro) and the 'deer people' (who became the Mackenzies).
Nearby is Nutwood House which offers self catering for 4 people in the west wing. |  |
There are many local walks including one to Knock Farrel (an Iron-Age vitrified fort) and the modern Touchstone Maze (81 stones representing different types of rock from Scotland).
 |
CONTIN
Close to Contin are The Falls of Rogie - a waterfall with suspension bridge by the side of the road to Garve & Ullapool. There are several signposted forest walks here depending on which car park you reach first (whether you are driving from Inverness or from Ullapool). Picnic site and toilets. |
From here you can drive westwards across country to Ullapool & Wester Ross.
Alternatively you can head north through Strathpeffer & Dingwall towards Tain (see below) and Sutherland & Caithness.
DALMORE DISTILLERY
Dalmore distillery produces a refined Highland malt. The distillery is located half-way between Dingwall and Tain, just off the A9 and is on the shore of the Cromarty Firth overlooking the Black Isle. Visitors are very welcome. Drew Sinclair, the distillery manager, generally conducts each tour himself and as he has worked at the distillery for thirty-six years he knows The Dalmore intimately. The tours are by appointment and the maximum group size is twenty. To book a tour telephone the distillery direct at +44 (0) 1349 882362 or email drew.sinclair@whyteandmackay.co.uk.
Visit the Dalmore Distillery web site for more details.TAIN
Scotland's oldest royal burgh (with a charter dating from 1066) has many historic buildings including the acclaimed Tain Through Time Visitor Centre. In addition to the town's numerous shops and restaurants, other places to visit include Tain Silver and Tain Pottery.
Annual events include the Tain Gala and the Tain Highland Gathering.
For detailed local information visit the Tain community web site.
For a list of shops & restaurants in the main shopping street of Tain, visit www.high.st/tain/
While in the area, you may wish to visit Glenmorangie Distillery and Tain golf course (famously designed by Tom Morris).
Local accommodation includes Morangie B&B (3 stars) which has 3 rooms and is just 5 minutes walk from the town centre (tel: 01862 893855).PORTMAHOMACK (just to the east of Tain)
Archaeologists working here have discovered the first known Pictish monastery in the Highlands. Probably built in the 8th century, it may have housed 50 people. Over a hundred pieces of carved stone have been found. There is a carved stone featuring 4 clerics and 2 fighting lions, plus carvings of a cow, bull and calf. The team from the University of York have also uncovered items ranging from the 2nd to the 16th centuries. Beneath Tarbat Old Church in Portmahomack, over 400 skeletons have been found dating from the 7th century. Information about these is contained within the Tarbat Discovery Centre (telephone 01862 871 790). Opening times are as follows. From first Saturday in March to first Saturday in May 2pm - 5pm. From first Sunday in May to last Saturday in September 10am - 5pm. From last Sunday in September until 23 December 2pm - 5pm. Closed January & February. Admission charge: 3.50 for adults, 1 pound for 12-18 year olds. Children under 12, free. For detailed online info about the archaeology of this site, visit the pages by York University.For B&B accommodation, visit Wentworth House, a former manse set in 2 acres, situated on golf course next to the Pictish archaeological site and only 2 minutes from the beach. The web site has lots of local photos, information and links. Contact Monica Elliott (phone 01862 871897).
For self catering accommodation, try No 3 Tarrel Farm Cottages. Situated 2 miles from Portmahomack, the property overlooks the Dornoch and Moray Firths. It comprises 1 double bedroom, 1 triple bedroom, open plan living/dining area, kitchen, and can sleep up to 5 people.
External Links to Local Info
www.black-isle.info
Black Isle web directory
Alness.com
David Kratz's collection of local photos
Continue northwards to Dornoch on your journey into Sutherland & Caithness
|
Hotel Accommodation |
|
|
Contact: John and Evelyn Proudfoot
|
Conon Bridge Hotel
Former coaching inn originally built around 1780.
Choice of 12 bedrooms (standard or ensuite)
Meals are available in the bar, lounge bar and restaurant.
B&B prices from £30 per person per night.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Set in the quiet Victorian village of Strathpeffer.
Picturesque wooded grounds with a putting green.
Carefully renovated. 92 en-suite bedrooms
|
|
|
|
|
Tulloch Castle
|
Tulloch Castle Hotel
Tulloch Castle dates from the 12th century
Elegant candlelit restaurant. Whisky bar.
Choice of 20 en-suite bedrooms (single, double, twin),
|
|
|
|
Mansfield Castle Hotel
|
Mansfield Castle Hotel
Victorian castle set in 3.5 acre grounds in Tain. 4 star hotel accommodation. Magnificent oak panelling throughout. Spacious dining room with award-winning cuisine. Ideal for visiting Glenmorangie Distillery and Dornoch. 1 hour north of Inverness. Choice of 19 bedrooms with views over the castle grounds
|
|
Other local hotels include:
Local B&B Accommodation |
|
|
Mrs. Linda Watson
|
Carndaisy House
Friendly, family-run B&B with a warm Highland welcome.
Choice of 2 bedrooms:
B&B prices: £22 - £27.50 per person
|
|
|
|
|
Contact: Romay Garcia
Spanish and Portuguese spoken.
|
Netherton
Cosy Black Isle farmhouse with glorious views over the Cromarty Firth.
Choice of 4 bedrooms:
TV with DVD/VCR in all bedrooms.
Room prices (including self-service breakfast):
|
|
|
|
|
Mrs Cathie MacLennan
|
Roadside Croft
Genuine, friendly welcome at this family home.
Set on a working farm alongside the A835 road towards to Ullapool.
1 double bedroom with ensuite shower.
B&B prices: £25 per person
|
|
|
|
|
Mrs Mina Keir
|
Chestnut Villa
Friendly B&B half a mile from the centre of Muir of Ord village.
3 ensuite bedrooms:
Residents' lounge with TV.
B&B prices from £23.50 - £25 per person per night.
|
|
|
|
|
Mrs Catherine Peterkin
|
Hillview Park B&B
Spacious modern bungalow with lovely countryside views.
Scottish Tourist Board 4 Stars.
B&B prices £22 - £25 per person per night.
|
|
|
|
|
Olly and Brian Rawsthorne
|
Greenacre
Friendly B&B set in an acre of beautiful, landscaped gardens.
Tain 12 miles. Dingwall 13 miles. Dornoch 19 miles.
2 spacious bedrooms with double and single beds,
Pet care package from £5 per day
Crafts available including paintings, wall hangings, photos.
|
|
|
|
|
Pierre and Christiane Lebrun
|
Shenval B&B
Friendly B&B with French/Spanish speaking hosts
Situated in the quiet hamlet of Shenval surrounded by hills & forest.
3 bedrooms (1 twin & 2 double) overlooking the garden.
Dining room overlooks the organic garden
Organic home cooking a speciality with
B&B prices £22 per person (2 sharing)
|
|
|
|
|
Sue and Alistair Mann
|
Westward Bed & Breakfast
Traditionally built Highland home which retains
Scottish Tourist Board 3 Stars.
Guest lounge with TV & antique solid fuel stove.
B&B prices: £22.50 - £27.50 per person (2 sharing).
|
|
|
|
|
Jane and Ian Mure
|
Comar Lodge
High quality B&B accommodation in Glen Affric.
2 spacious bedrooms with river and hill views:
Mountain bikes available for hire.
Open May, July and August 2008.
|
Self Catering Accommodation
|
Contact: Martin & Carol Roff
|
Rowan Glen
Secluded bungalow set in 6 acres of grounds with woodland paths.
Located at Upper Braefindon on the Black Isle.
2 double bedrooms (1 ensuite), 1 twin bedroom, 1 family bathroom.
Prices £620 per week
|
||||
|
|
|||||
|
Willowburn Cottage
Contact Jim and Moira Finlayson
|
Willowburn Cottage
Spacious accommodation for 6 people.
Scottish Tourist Board 4 Stars.
Rental prices from £290 per week
|
||||
|
|
|||||
|
Contact Mrs Lynda Thomson
|
Kilcoy Chalets
5 high quality wooden holiday chalets (each sleeping 2).
Scottish Tourist Board 3 Stars.
Prices from £235 per week.
|
||||
|
|
|||||
Contact Janette Black
|
Mytice
Scandinavian chalet (sleeps 4 - 6 persons).
1 double room with balcony,
Prices from £250 - £550 per week.
|
||||
|
|
|||||
Contact: Linda Stewart Tel: +44 (0)131 448 2039 Email: blackwatercottage@btinternet.com |
Number 2 Blackwater Cottages
Located between Inverness and Ullapool
Sleep 6 people: 3 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms.
|
||||
|
|
|||||
Mrs Mary Davey Nutwood House Strathpeffer Ross-shire IV14 9DT Tel: +44 (0) 1997 421344 Email: davey.williams@virgin.net |
West Wing at Nutwood House
Self contained apartment for up to 4 adults in Victorian country house.
Ideal for touring. Less than 20 miles north of Inverness.
Accommodation: 1 double bedroom, 1 twin bedroom.
|
||||
|
|
|||||
Contact Peter & Michelle Jansen
|
Hillockhead Holiday Cottages
Choice of 7 properties with panoramic sea views of the Moray Firth.
4 individual cottages set in a 150 year old traditional steading
3 new high quality cottages in the Longhouse
Cottage facilities include washing machine, dryer, freezer, microwave,
|
||||
|
|
|||||
Contact: Maire Lee
|
Fodderty Lodge
Choice of 3 properties at Fodderty Lodge
Honeysuckle Cottage (4 Stars):
The Lodge Barn (3 Stars):
The East Wing Apartment (3 Stars):
All properties are furnished & equipped to a high standard.
|
||||
|
|
|||||
|
Contact Dr. E. Grant
|
The Murchison Wing
Newly renovated luxury accommodation
1 double bedroom with ensuite shower room
Prices from £250 - £425 per week
|
||||
|
|
|||||
|
Contact Lorraine Finnie
|
Riverside Chalets & Caravan Park
This tranquil park is situated in the village of Contin.
Fishing on the Blackwater River is free from the caravan park.
Choice of self catering chalets (sleeping 4 or 6 people)
Facilities for campers on the site include hot showers.
The park is adjacent to the local grocery shop and post office.
|
||||
|
|
|||||
|
Contact Phil Masheter
|
Aigas Holiday Houses
Family-run traditional Highland hill farm of 450 acres with cattle and sheep.
Choice of 5 properties: Scottish Tourist Board 2 - 3 -4 Stars.
Cuil Na Caillich (sleeps 5 + cot) 1 double, 1 twin, 1 single.
All the properties are stone built with slated roofs.
|
||||
|
|
|||||
|
Tomich Holidays
|
Tomich Holidays
Choice of 12 self catering properties on Guisachan Farm
5 courtyard cottages (each sleeps 4):
Dairy Cottage (sleeps 4):
6 wooden chalets (each sleeps 6-8):
All rental prices include bed linen, central heating, electricity.
|
||||
|
|
|||||
Booking Hotline: 0870 336 2827 |
Cottages in Ross-shire
Wide choice of self catering properties ranging from 2 to 5 bedrooms. Locations include Strathpeffer, Fortrose, Cromarty. Web site with virtual tours and instant online booking.
|
||||
|
|
|||||
|
|
Top of Page
Index
Contact
The Internet Guide to Scotland is produced
by Joanne Mackenzie-Winters © 1996-2008
Not to be reproduced without permission
www.scotland-info.co.uk and www.scotland-inverness.co.uk
Disclaimer
Last update: May 2008