Starting from Home Farm a pleasant day can be had on a circular tour of the Black Isle, taking in numerous attractions and sights. The main villages of Avoch, Munlochy, Fortrose, Rosemarkie  and Cromarty, all hold points of interest and are in close proximity to each other.  Noted for its rich farming land and gentle climate the Black Isle is famous for its barley  much of it used in whisky production

Here are some suggestions of things to do and see.

Avoch

A small fishing village located on the south shore.  Avoch is well known for its local boat trips to nearby Chanonry Point to see the bottlenosed dolphins, which can often be seen from this headland.

Nearby Rosehaugh  Estate provides many walks and views from the higher ground

Fortrose

This picturesque village has the extensive sandstone remains of its 13th century ruined cathedral.  Owing its existence to Bishop Robert a new cathedral of Ross was built in the mid 1200's.  Located to the south of the High Street the cathedral is easily accessible.

Rosemarkie

Just after and adjoining Fortrose is Rosemarkie, perhaps the most popular destination on the Black Isle.  Rosemarkie has much to offer the visitor, a Fairy glen, waterfalls, a golf course with superb views, a beach complete with rock pools and beach cafe, ideal for snacks after a long walk. Then there is Chanonry Point complete with its white lighthouse tower and throngs of visitors  with cameras and lenses galore, who come to see the pods of resident bottle nosed dolphins which frequently can be spotted close to the shore perusing their favourite snack of fresh "Scottish" salmon.

The Fairy Glen

Starting just behind the beach, this pleasant woodland walk is well signposted and has two attractive waterfalls.  The glen gets its name from a ceremony in which local children used to decorate one of its pools with spring flowers so that the fairies would keep the water supply pure.  Good spot for a picnic.

Rosemarkie Golf Course

This championship 18 hole link course offers spectacular views over the Moray Firth.  First established in 1888 the course was re-designed by James Baird in 1932.  Open every day of the year it welcomes golfers from around the world.  For those guests wishing to play on this course, or any of the other superb courses in the area, we are happy to assist in making the arrangements.

Rosemarkie Beach

This beautiful clean beach takes in the "Dolphin Mile" which extends from the beach cafe around the coast to the lighthouse at Chanonry Point.  Here there is a good chance of meeting our bottlenose dolphins, and the occasional common seal or otter.  Going in the other direction, the coastline becomes more dramatic with sandstone cliffs and  outcrops.

Groam House Museum

Located on Rosemarkie High Street, Groam House is an important centre for Pictish and Celtic art.  Its display features 15 carved Pictish stones which originated in the village. The mainstay of the display is the magnificent Rosemarkie cross-slab that is decorated with both Pictish symbols and Christian crosses.

Cromarty

This charming Black Isle Village conceals many attractions that visitors will enjoy discovering down its many streets and numerous alleys the village was the birthplace of famous 19th century geologist and social commentator Hugh Miller.  Today the Georgian villa "Miller House" is a museum which presents his work.  The 17th century Cromarty Courthouse Museum can be found in Church Street.  Entry is free and gives visitors a chance to see how trials of this period were conducted.

Wildlife watching

For those of you wanting to see bottlenose dolphins, harbor porpoise and sea birds "up close and personal" Eco-ventures located in the village of Cromarty offer excellent trips to see these magnificent sea mammals.

Udal Bay 

Located just outside the village of Jemmimaville this RSPB reserve has an impressive shore side hide, which offers some excellent birdwatching opportunities.  Best viewed an hour or so either side of high-tide.  Just let us know and we will get you the relevant tide times.