Here in Easter Ross and The Black Isle....
Beauly Priory
To the south, some six miles away, is Muir of Ord, home of the Glen Ord Distillery. Makers of an excellent 12 year old Single Malt, they have a visitor centre open most of the year and guided tours are available.
At nearby Beauly are the ruins of the old Priory, and on the outskirts of this attractive town is the Made in Scotland Craft Shop. This may provide an opportunity to purchase a gift not available elsewhere.
Glen Affric
Spa Waters
Strathpeffer is a Victorian Spa town and the healing waters can still be tasted in the recently renovated Pump Room. There is also the Highland Museum of Childhood in the old station building. This is open from March to October and, with a tearoom next door, makes an interesting afternoon visit.
Unique Beauty
To the west of Strathpeffer is Strathconon, another wonderful Highland glen with its own unique beauty and recently the subject of a television series.
Northwest of Strathpeffer are the spectacular Rogie Falls, and a walk down into the ravine and across the suspension bridge can be a perfect way to round off the day.
Seal Colony
To the north-east beyond the Ardullie roundabout, on the main A9 trunk road, is an excellent viewpoint to see the local seal colony.
A further 4 1/2 miles to the north-east is Alness, a town which takes great pride in its appearance. Very recently it won the Britain in Bloom and Beautiful Scotland in Bloom competitions. On the outskirts of Alnessis the Dalmore Distillery which has a visitor centre and guided tours.
Tremendous History
Invergordon, just beyond Alness, is a town with a tremendous military history stretching back through two world wars and now a centre for oil-rig refurbishment and maintenance. It is also a major port of call for cruise liners.
Fine Single Malt
To the north-east is Tain and the Seaboard villages of Balintore and Portmahomack on the Fearn Peninsula. Just outside Tain is the Glenmorangie Distillery, makers of some of the finest single malt whiskies in the world. The visitor centre is open every weekday and guided tours are available.
Tain claims to be Scotland's oldest Royal Burgh with a charter that dates back to 1066. As the birthplace of St. Duthac, the town was an important destination for pilgrims, and St. Duthac's chapel and surrounding buildings are part of the 'Tain through Time' guided tour - well worth a visit.
Balintore is one of the driest and sunniest places in Britain, and offers pleasant walks along the foreshore. Boats are available in the harbour for charter which can be used for sea angling.
Coastal Walks
Portmahomack, on the other side of the Fearn Peninsula, attracts people who enjoy sailing and sailboarding. There are also wonderful coastal walks to Tarbat Ness where the lighthouse is the second highest in Britain.
The Black Isle, reached by crossing the Cromarty Firth by the bridge at Ardullie, or via the ferry from Nigg, has many places of interest. At Cromarty, The Courthouse, Parish Church and Hugh Miller's Cottage are just some of the places to visit in this historic and picturesque coastal village.
History of the Picts
Some 12 miles (19km) from Cromarty is Rosemarkie, a town with wonderful beaches and excellent coastal walks with views across the Moray Firth. The town also houses the Groam House Museum which provides a history of the ancient inhabitants of the north, the Picts. To the north of the town is a lovely inland walk up Fairy Glen on the banks of the local river.
Dolphin Viewpoint
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(photo by Richard Wilson)
Near Munlochy is the Black Isle Wildlife and Country Park, an ideal entertainment for all the family.
Warm Welcome
This is just a taste of the many places you can visit in the area and it is certain that the warm welcome you have received in Dingwall will be repeated in any of the places you choose to visit here, in Easter Ross and the Black Isle...
