Places nearby
Camore Woods (1 mile)
Forestry Commision woods with hut circles, orienteering course (for pack call 01408 634063), natural play area.
Skelbo Forest (4 miles)
The ideal place for a family walk to enjoy the view, look at the carvings and soak up the pleasant woodland atmosphere - or enjoy a picnic beside the pond.
Tain (8 miles)
Glenmorangie Distillery 01862 892477 The Glenmorangie Distillery tour gives you unparalleled access to the distillery and warehouses. With the help of an expert guide you will experience all stages of the whisky making process from mashing and fermenting to distilling and maturing - all culminating in a dram or two of your choice! Open nearly all year except the Christmas period. In the summer they're open 7 days a week.
Tain Golf Club 01862 892314 This Championship length links enjoys spectacular views over mountains and sea and benefits from a sheltered climate, which allows favourable golfing conditions for most of the year. With our 3rd hole rated as one of the best 18 links holes in Scotland and our 17th acknowledged as one of the top 18 holes designed by Old Tom Morris, we believe that Tain offers one of the finest settings and challenges for a round of golf. With our clubhouse offering an excellent selection of drinks and fine dining we are confident that you will want to return time and again.
Tain Museum 01862 894089 is home to an extensive and varied collection of objects, photographs and archives of local, regional and national significance. Because of the relatively limited exhibition space, only a small proportion of the collection is on display at any one time. Material not on display can be viewed on request, if adequate prior notice is given.
The Pilgrimage 01862 894089 is a modern visitor centre built in a 17th century schoolhouse in the churchyard. It tells the story of medieval pilgrimage to Tain in two colourful galleries using images and sound. There is a range of activities including dressing up and a CD tour of the town. The museum shop is in this building, which is on three floors with a wheelchair lift and a wheelchair accessible toilet.
The Collegiate Church of St Duthac 01862 894089 is one of the finest medieval buildings in the Highlands. Its atmospheric interior has many interesting features which help to unlock the story of its past. It was skilfully restored in the 19th century, when the stunning stained glass windows were installed.
Tain Hill Walk Easy walk with parking facilities, viewpoint and picnic areas. This walk, with a climb of 190 feet from the car park, offers a magnificent viewpoint of Pulpit Rock, and is well worth the climb. From the top there is an expansive panorama over the outer Dornoch Firth and Tarbat Ness. This is a pleasant and popular walk for families. It can be reached at the end of the road signposted 'Jubilee Drive' on the Tain bypass. The walk swings round the edge of an old quarry before passing through Scots Pine Woodland.
Aldie Burn Walk Easy walk with parking facilities, picnic areas, disabled access and cycle route. Easter Ross has a rich heritage of Pictish carved symbol stones. The symbols and scenes on these stones have provided the inspiration for the artwork along this forest walk. Look carefully and let your imagination run free. The all abilities section of the trail meanders through the pine, cypress and larch close to Aldie Burn before returning by the same route to the short loop. This area is home to the elusive capercaillie which thrives in mixed pinewood such as this one.
Fishing in Tain 01862 892171 There are opportunities for family fishing, Salmon and Sea Trout, Wild Brown Trout and activities for the more adventurous angler. Permits for various lochs, equipment and information is available from R Macleod in Tain
Edderton (9 miles)
Morangie Forest - Pleasant walk from Edderton Mains through Morangie Forest, returning to the Scotsburn public road
Dounie Hill Fort The monument comprises the remains of a simple fort, of probable late prehistoric date. This period known as the Iron Age is generally accepted to be between 800BC and 600AD. The monument is of national importance as a fine example of a small hilltop fortification, which has escaped antiquarian notice until recently. Its relatively simple form and lack of disturbance suggest it retains considerable potential to provide information about late prehistoric defensive settlement. This is of particular significance in this geographical area, which is often regarded as a “frontier” between hillfort building and broch building regions.
Edderton Old Church Built in 1743 on a much older religous site, it is quite unique in being little changed both internally and externally since the interior was re-modelled in 1794. Its significance has been recognised by Historic Scotland with the Church’s listing being revised in 1997 from Grade ‘B’ to Category ‘A’, i.e. to a building of national, or international importance. Within the graveyard stands the Edderton Pictish Cross Slab dating to the 9th century AD. It is made of sandstone, stands six feet three inches high, and is carved in high relief on both sides. The Church is open for viewing from April to September, between 2pm – 4pm on the first and third Saturday of each month.
Golspie (11 miles)
Dunrobin Castle 01408 633177 is the most northerly of Scotland's great houses and the largest in the Northern Highlands with 189 rooms. Dunrobin Castle is also one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300s, home to the Earls and later, the Dukes of Sutherland. Open between April and October.
Golspie Golf Club 01408 633266 offers one of the finest settings for a round of golf in the Highlands of Scotland with stunning views over the Dornoch Firth and the towering backdrop of Ben Bhraggie this is truly a Highland Gem. The Par 70 course offers a unique blend of seaside links, heath and parkland to suit golfers of all abilities. The Clubhouse offers a high standard of hospitality and service with ample car parking. Locker and changing facilities are available and the Golf Shop has a wide variety of merchandise and golfing essentials. The popular Fairway Restaurant upstairs in the clubhouse serves homemade soup, meals and snacks in the comfortable dining room overlooking the 18th green and Dornoch Firth beyond. A fully licensed bar is available.
Highland Wildcat Voted as “Best Destination in the UK” by MBR magazine (June‘08), Highland Wildcat offers trails for all abilities that link directly to Golspie village and its local services. Our reputation is built on the quality of purpose-built trail, particularly the black and red routes which have been constructed on the 1400’ Ben Bhraggie. At the top of this mountain is the massive monument to the 1st Duke of Sutherland; infamous for evicting occupiers of the lands of Sutherland at the time of “The Clearances” in the mid-1800s. This monument is a landmark that marks the highest point on the trails! From this point there is the longest singletrack descent in the UK at around 7000m trail leading directly to the Rhives car park (from where it started). The natural slab rock and sandstone aggregate provide all-weather surfaces for cycling although fair conditions usually prevail in this coastal margin of the Moray Firth.
Big Burn Walk This is Golspie's hidden gem: a spectacular short walk up a gorge criss-crossed by footbridges and ending in a waterfall. A really excellent circuit.
Loch Fleet and Balblair Wood A beautiful exploration of Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve, a haven for birds, deer and pine martens. This circular walk takes in the shoreline which has good mountain views and the scots pine and mixed woodland.
Little Ferry and Loch Fleet This walk explores the eastern part of the Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve. It has fine views, a spacious sandy beach, Scots pine woodland and great opportunities for bird-watching.
Orcadian Stone Exhibition 01408 633483 The collection of Highland rocks minerals and fossils spans three billion years of earth history, from the oldest rock in Europe to volcanic rocks extruded at the opening of the North Atlantic. A geological relief model and diorama illustrate local thrusting during the building of the Caledonian mountains. A good collection of fossil fish, plants and crustacea give a glimpse of Lake Orcadie which covered the north east Highlands four hundred million years ago.
Carn Liath Broch Carn Liath is a fine example of a broch – a type of fortification found only in Scotland. There are well over 500 of them across the country, the majority in northern and western Scotland and the islands. Brochs emerged in the Iron Age around 2,300 years ago. They stopped being built in the early centuries AD.
Why not take the train from Golspie to Brora and walk back along the coast and see the seals basking on the beach.
Bonar Bridge (13 miles)
Attractive village – gateway to the west. Café, Highland Restaurant of the Year, art shop. Forestry walks at Balblair woods with views across the Kyle of Sutherlnad to Carbisdale Castle. Mountain bike trails (01408 634063) with stunning views over the Kyle of Sutherland and out to the West, offering both a fun blue route for competent bikers and challenging black route for experienced riders.
Bonar Bridge, Ardgay Golf Club (01863 766 199) was opened on 29th of September 1904 by Mrs Carnegie of Skibo. Set in some of the most spectacular scenery in Sutherland with Rolling Hills, Purple Heather, Scots pine and views over Loch Migdale. The course has also been voted the most picturesque 9 hole course in Scotland. The Club has had several reincarnations in its history until the current layout was built in 1994 and opened in 1998. The course has something for everyone no matter what your ability. A recently completed practice facility with two nets, bunker and putting green offers you the chance to have a good warm up before taking on the course. Golf clubs and trolleys are available for hire. Lessons are also available but must be booked in advance. From March to September the Club offers catering seven days a week which is provided by Lowecroft Catering, a hearty bowl of soup and other hot and cold delights await after nine or eighteen holes.
Kildary (15 miles)
Lochanan nan Tunag This short walk visits the unpromising-sounding site of old gravel quarries. The loch however is very attractive and the walk is pleasant enough.
Balintore (16 miles)
Balintore to Rockfield Walk. A good linear walk along the coast between the pretty seaboard villages to Rockfield. Along the way there are impressively sculpted rocks along the shore, the remains of salmon fishing stations and cliffs used by nesting seabirds. The walk can easily be extended by 1.5 km to end in Portmahomack from where a bus can be caught to return to the start (check the timetable before starting out).
Brora (17 miles)
Brora Golf Club (01408 621417) With the exception of the short sixth, the outward nine holes follow the contour of Kintradwell Bay in the foreground, with a backdrop of the Sutherland foothills from Ben Bhraggie to the west, away to the Ord of Caithness in the north-east. The inward nine holes follow the fence line of the bordering croft land, with out of bounds to concentrate the mind. Of the two short holes, the delightful 13th, Snake, winds back towards the sea, whilst the 18th contains all the concerns of protecting a score against a bunkered green a two hundred yard carry away and under the scrutiny of the clubhouse windows.
Brora Heritage Centre (01408 622024) A Family attraction if ever there was one, Brora Heritage Centre is one minute's drive from the centre of the village. Ample parking space and parkland aplenty for picnics and energetic youngsters to make the most of our excellent East Coast weather. Inside the centre, (which has full disabled access and facilities), our local staff can guide you round the exhibits and hands-on children’s learning panels which illustrate the remarkable story of this lively village. For adults and children alike, we have a wide selection of exhibits on the local Whisky, Coal and Woollen industry as well as a fabulous display by our local Clyne Heritage Society. Open May – September. See website for exact opening times.
Highlands Unbridled (01408 622789) From pony trekking to working/horse-care holidays, there is something here for everyone. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced rider, there are rides to suit to make your horse riding dreams come true.
Clynelish Distillery (01408 623000) is located on the A9 at the popular coastal holiday town of Brora, Sutherland. With beautiful views of the North Sea and the hills to the north - where the Clynemilton burn runs over seams of gold in the rock. With this water, Clynelish distillery produces a fruity, waxy, slightly smoky single malt. Open all year round. See website for times.
Craic Pots of Brora Pat Ledwith set up Craic Pots of Brora in May 2007 in an outbuilding at her home by the sea in Brora. The word 'Craic', pronounced 'crack' , is gaelic used in both Ireland and Scotland to decribe a very convivial gathering with lots of talking and discussion! The wooden building is remembered by some of Brora's older residents as the surgery used by the local GP. It now houses a pottery workshop and small gallery showing hand-built stoneware created by Pat. Visitors are welcome by appointment through the contact form on the website.
Brakenside Crafts (01408 621775) is a small woodturning crook making business situated in the Highlands of Scotland just north of Brora where all items are handmade.
Nigg (17 miles)
North Sutor This bracing walk climbs from Nigg Ferry over the impressive cliffs forming one half of the gateway to the Cromarty Firth. There are good views of Cromarty and the chance to spot dolphins in the sea below.
Cromarty Ferry 01381 610 269 The only ferry service from the Black Isle, travelling between Cromarty and Nigg. The service includes a 50 passenger and 4 car ferry and is one of the smallest car ferries in Britain. The ferry crosses the entrance to the Cromarty Firth, one of the finest natural harbours in Europe and also an area rich in wildlife and world-famous for its dolphin population. Running from 25th May 2013 to the 30th September including Sundays, the service operates from 8:00 am to 6:15 pm, and until 7:15 pm in July and August, Monday to Saturday, and from 9:00 am on Sundays.
Shandwick (18 miles)
Tobar na Slainte This short coastal excursion visits an old healing well, passing excellent beaches along the way.
Pictish Trail
The Picts lived in north and east Scotland in the 3rd to 9th centuries AD. We know little of their history as very few written records survive, and none in the Pictish language. There are a few inscriptions however which suggest that they spoke a language closely related to both Welsh and Gaelic. The name first appears in Roman sources as Picti, meaning ‘the decorated or painted people’ - perhaps a reference to tattooing or war paint. However this may be the latinised form of an older name. In Gaelic the Picts are called Cruithne - the Welsh form of which has given us ‘Briton’ and ‘Britain’. They intermarried with the Irish Scotti and jointly raided Roman Britain. There were also extensive contacts with Anglo-Saxon Northumbria. Both these interactions can be seen in the art of the later carved stones. From the 9th century, Picts and Scots were both ruled by a single king - although by then, Shetland, Orkney, Caithness, Sutherland, and the Hebrides were all under Norwegian control. Dornoch, the route either goes across the Cromarty - Nigg car ferry (seasonal - to check timetable contact local tourist offices) or follows the coast road From around the Black Isle to Dingwall and Strathpeffer. All the sites have free parking available nearby unless otherwise indicated. Please contact The Highland Council Public Transport section (Tel: 01463 702695) for details of public transport services in the area.
Falls of Shin (between Bonar and Lairg 19 miles)
The water falls at Shin would be spectacular on their own, but the sight of leaping salmon makes them even more special and something not to be missed. Falls of Shin is recognised as being one of the best places in all of Scotland to watch leaping Atlantic Salmon, and the fish can be seen anytime between May and November, with the late summer months making this almost guaranteed.
Falls of Shin Walk This walk combines a visit to the falls with two short waymarked loops to make a short walk.
Carbisdale and Croick Church (19 & 24 miles)
Carbisdale Mountain Bike Trails (01408 634063) With excellent views over the inner Dornoch Firth and Bonar Bridge, a beautiful lochside picnic bench and secluded woodland scenery, the Carbisdale trails offer challenging cycling for competent mountain bike riders.
Croick Church email was built in 1827 on land donated by the Rosses of Balnagown and to the design of Thomas Telford, and formed part of a church extension programme initiated and financed by the Westminster Parliament. Previously there had been a Preaching Station in its locality and there are the remains of a Pictish broch within its glebe. The Church and its minister figured prominently in the Clearance of Glencalvie in 1845, a tragic event that is recorded in messages scratched on its east window. But today they play a happier role in continuing to provide a Christian witness in this remote Highland strath. To those able to travel to it we extend a warm welcome to join with us at the service held in the Church during the summer months. The Church itself is open throughout the year and annually attracts between two and three thousand visitors.
Lairg (21 miles)
Ferry Wood and the Ord This route is a combination of two short waymarked walks from the Ferrycroft Visitor Centre, an exhibition giving the chance to find out about the natural history of the area. The walks visit the shores of a loch, a hill-top viewpoint and some archaeological remains
Gunns Wood A short walk through natural woodland and plantation, with some limited views over Loch Shin. Can easily be walked from the centre of Lairg.
Ferrycroft Visitor Centre 01549 402160 Open April, May, June, September, October Monday - Sunday: 10.00 - 17.00
Old Hill Archeological Trail 01408 634063 Even if you are not interested in archaeology the trail is well worth a visit just to enjoy the magnificent views over Loch Shin into central Sutherland and the 3,000 foot high Ben Klibreck.
Portmahomack (22 miles)
Delightful fishing village across the firth. Archeological dig, pubs, cafés & restaurants. Golden sandy beach.
Tarbat Golf Club 01862 871222 is over 100 years old and celebrated it's centenary in 2009. It sits in the beautiful little seaside resort of Pormahomack. Only 10 minutes from the main A9 near Tain in Ross-Shire it is the only nine links course in the area. Overlooking the Dornoch and Moray Firths stunning views can be had whilst enjoying links golf at its best. It is an ideal complement to the better known courses of Tain and Dornoch at extremely reasonable rates. The Portmahomack area enjoys one of the lowest rainfalls in Scotland and it is common to watch showers in the distance over the firth pass by the area.
Tarbat Ness From the pier at Pormahomack this walk is more challenging but well worth the effort. The views are over the Dornoch Firth to the North. There are seabirds, seals and dolphins. The Tarbat Ness lighthouse is the second tallest in Britain but is now unmanned.
Tarbat Discovery Centre 01862 871351 is a Museum situated in an old church in the beautiful coastal village of Portmahomack, 42 miles North East of Inverness. Having been abandoned in 1946 the dilapidated building was saved from ruin in 1980, when it was purchased by the newly formed Tarbat Old Parish Church Preservation Trust.
Invergordon (22 miles)
Invergordon Golf Club 01349 852715 With a full eighteen holes this long parkland course is accessible and forgiving, offering an enjoyable game for golfers at all levels. You will always find it easy to book a tee and there is no need to pay in advance. There are changing facilities for men and women. Relax and enjoy a drink in our friendly club house after your round. We have a fully licensed bar with stunning views across the Cromarty firth. During the golf season light snacks & bar meals are available between 12 noon & 5pm.
Colliemore Horse Riding 01349 854900 is a 150 acre arable farm, owned by the Maclellan family since 2002, this working farm now boasts first class Equestrian Facilities with stabling, Indoor and Outdoor Arenas, Dressage and Show jumping grass Arenas, along with a Cross Country and JumpCross course.
Invergordon Leisure Centre 01349 853689 is a wet & dry facility which includes a large 4 court games hall, spinning room, squash courts, meeting room, crèche facilities and a fitness room fully equipped with cardiovascular, fixed resistance and free weight stations. There is a leisure pool with a flume, water features, steam room and spa pool. This facility provides a wide range of leisure experiences for individuals, families, visitors and the Invergordon community & surrounding area.
Stoneyfield Lochs 01349 852632 Fly fishing from 2 hours, or all day. All the necessary equipment is available.
Invergordon Museum 01349-852707 Open by request through the contact us page on the website or phone
Alness (25 miles)
Since 1839, The Dalmore distillery (01349 882 362) has been producing exceptional single malt whisky. Located on the shore of the Cromarty Firth in the spectacular Highlands of Scotland, the distillery continues to produce spirit that is revered by experts and connoisseurs alike.
Alness Golf Course (18 holes 01349 883877) is probably one of the "Best Kept Secrets of the Highlands". The Club offers a warm welcome to both beginners and seasoned players alike and is open to visitors all year round. The course is surrounded by natural beauty with the rolling hills of the Highlands to the north and scenic Cromarty Firth to the south. Alness Golf Club was established in 1904 and has seen many changes since that time. The most recent being the extension from a 9 to 18 hole course in 1997. The course offers a challenge to all types of golfer with no two holes alike.
Alness Heritage and Genealogy Centre (01349 883005) has two exhibition rooms with regularly changed items of local interest.
Averon Leisure Centre (01349 882287) is one of the largest leisure facilities in the Easter Ross offering leisure opportunities for every member of the family.
The distinctive hill top Fyrish Monument can be seen from the A9. Vitiors are rewarded with fine views from this easy woodland walk.
River Averon walk. A pleasant circuit taking in the golf course and the banks of the River Averon. The walk goes up the river to a good picnic spot and then returns on the other side which has some good views of the river but where care needs to be taken with young children because of the steep sides.
Rosehall (26 miles)
Rosehall Forest and Achness Falls This well set out forestry walk combines two marked trails and also takes in Achness waterfalls. There is a lovely log cabin with information at the start and lots of information boards including wildlife sounds which will keep children and adults interested for the whole walk.
Ravens Rock Gorge Hidden deep in a forest, Raven's Rock Gorge is a little known gem amidst the shorter walks of the area. The path crosses wooden boardwalks and steps as it explores the heavily wooded gorge floor.
Helmsdale (30 miles)
East coast fishing village. Timespan Museum. Collect your gold panning kit and try your luck at Kildonan! Follow the Strathnaver Trail.
Cromarty (45 miles by car, or 20 to ferry)
Charming & unique old fishing village with 18th century merchant houses, Court House museum, Hugh Miller’s house, tea room, Pizza Restaurant, pubs, pottery, antique shop, dolphin boat and much more. Ferry runs from Nigg June to September, 15 minute crossing quarter to & quarter past the hour from Nigg. (Park the car and go as foot passengers).
Ferry runs from 25th May 2013 to the 30th September including Sundays, the service operates from 8:00 am to 6:15 pm, and until 7:15 pm in July and August, Monday to Saturday, and from 9:00 am on Sundays.
Cromarty Courthouse Museum (01381 600418) This elegant Grade A listed former courthouse, built in 1773, now houses fascinating exhibitions about the historic town of Cromarty, which are FREE to visit. The courtroom scene has life-like figures and audio enactment to tell the story of a trial, the other rooms tell the history of Cromarty and each year there are special exhibitions and displays.
Cromarty Brewing Company (01381 600440) The Cromarty Brewing Co is a family run business consisting of Craig, Chap and Jenni Middleton. Craig, our fanatical brewer studied the science of brewing at Heriot Watt University and the art of beer making in the student accommodation and flat basements. After finishing the course with a 1st class degree he went on to do some work in breweries such as Odell's in Colorado and Cairngorm in Aviemore. It was during this time that he decided he wanted to get his own beers to market
Eco Ventures (01381 600323) Booking recommended to avoid disappointment. Join us and enjoy the unique thrill of exploring these waters aboard our custom built, wildlife watching RIB, Saorsa and let us share with you the scenery, wildlife and history that make this area so very special.
Learnie Red Rock Trails (01463 791575) 16km of trails for all skill levels, combined with some of the best views from any mountain bike trails, anywhere!
Udale Bay RSPB nature reserve
Cromarty coastal circuit and McFarquhar's Bed A lovely walk with plenty of good coastal views and varied interest. Can be very muddy in places and two gates have to be climbed at present (some barbed wire). There are two steep sections and care is needed with children because of the steep cliffs nearby.
Cromarty Path Network A path network to enable you to walk around cromarty and see all the main sights.
Hugh Miller's Cottage Here in this thatched cottage built c1698 by his great-grandfather was born Hugh Miller, on 10 October, 1802. Miller rose to international acclaim as a geologist, editor and writer. The furnished cottage contains an exhibition and video on his life and work. To the rear is a Scottish wild garden of colourful native plants, redesigned to reflect Millers own love of nature. A reading room has been opened, offering visitors the chance to browse at leisure among Millers works. New artworks on display include a tapestry, sculpture and silver medallion.
Chanonry Point, Black Isle (45 miles)
Good viewing point for Dolphins between Fortrose & Rosemarkie.
Handa Island (70 miles)
Bird Santuary off the west coast. Short boat trip from Tarbert. Puffins, guillemots, razorbills, great skuas. Spectacular cliffs where the birds nest. May-July best bird watching.
Ullapool (80 miles)
West coast fishing port with ferry to Strornoway. Range of craft shops, including Highland Stoneware pottery. Cafés, pubs & restaurants.