Activities & Links

This will give you some idea of the huge variety of things you may enjoy doing while you are staying with us. If you would like any further information, we are always on hand to help or offer suggestions if required.

Inverness
The Highland Capital of Inverness is also regarded as the Gateway to the Highlands. It is steeped in history and legend and The Loch Ness Monster is one of the legends to uncover. Inverness has a number of interesting specialist shops and a covered Victorian market where you can buy whisky, local crafts, knitwear or maybe a kilt! Flowing through the city, the River Ness with it’s wooded islands and Victorian bridges will draw you to walk along its banks. The city also boasts a range of excellent eating out experiences.

Castles
The Highlands is steeped in history and famous for its castles. As a romantic ruin, Urquhart Castle must be the envy of romantic ruins the world over. Overlooking Loch Ness, a visit to Urquhart Castle is an experience not to be missed. The imposing Brodie Castle, dating from the 16th century, Cawdor Castle, is regarded as the most romantic castle in the Highlands. The majestic Dunrobin Castle is the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses and dates back to the 1300s.

Gardens
Many of the castles listed above have spectacular gardens.
Scotland’s Garden Scheme runs throughout the summer, mainly on Sundays when local gardens of note are open to the public.

Cycling
The abundance of forestry tracks and quiet back roads on the Black Isle make all levels of cycling possible.

Golf
The many golf courses in the area include, Inverness Golf Club the Links Course in Nairn, the Champion Course at Royal Dornoch and just 10 minutes along the road is Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club. Castle Stuart Golf Course is the current host for the Scottish Open.

Fishing
River Ness has built a solid reputation for its fine catches of salmon, sea trout and brown trout while The River Spey is the most productive salmon river in Britain and there is also great fishing in the Conon and Beauly rivers nearby.

Walking
There is a wide range of fabulous walking in the area.  A walk from the house can be a gentle stroll along the quiet single-track road, which is lined with an abundance of wild flowers from primrose in the spring, to dog roses in June and wild raspberries later in the summer. The spectacular Cairngorm mountains, Torridon muntains and Monadhliath  mountains offer a stunning day out and perhaps the opportunity to bag a Munro or two.

There are so many lovely walks to be enjoyed all around the Black Isle at all times of the year.

Horse Riding / Trekking
The wonderful scenery and wildlife make this area first rate for trekking.  All standards are catered for and offer safe, quality riding along riverside, woodland and mountain trails.

Dolphin Watching
Boats leave Avoch harbour regularly to go out into the Moray Firth. As well as Bottlenose Dolphins you may see seals and porpoises. You can of course spend a relaxing hour two watching the dolphins from Chanonry Point.

Bird Watching
There are a wide variety of birds that come into the garden. As well as this, you may see, woodpeckers, red kites, herons, lapwings and curlews in the woods and fields around the house. There are also a number of  RSPB reserves in the area.

Whisky Distilleries
Eight of the most famous Scottish distilleries and one cooperage are an hour’s drive away.  Scotland’s Malt Whisky trail is famous for being the only malt whisky trail in the world and guides visitors into picturesque Speyside. The trail is about 70 miles (110km) long and weaves through some of Scotland’s most breathtaking countryside while taking in the traditional and distinctive distilleries.

Arts and Culture
One of the best equipped arts centres in the country, Eden Court ‘faces’ the city centre allowing visitors to enjoy the riverside setting.. This venue houses all types of performing arts from opera to popular music, concerts, ballet, modern dance, drama and films.

We are fortunate to have a number of excellent Art Galleries close by where both local artists and more famous artists exhibit their work.