Fortrose and Rosemarkie

Fortrose and Rosemarkie are on the A832 on the south shore of the Black Isle. From Inverness, take A9 north and turn right onto A832 at the Tore roundabout, allow about 40 mins.
Stagecoach Highlands Bus 26 runs from Inverness via Munlochy and Avoch to Fortrose, taking 30 mins, hourly M-Sa 07:00-18:00. Alternate buses daily continue to Rosemarkie and Cromarty.

It's a 30 min walk between Fortrose, Rosemarkie and Chanonry Point.

• Chanonry Point

  address: end of Ness Rd, Fortrose IV10 8SD
  Pretty spot at the end of the Chanonry Ness. There's a working lighthouse, picnic area and views across the Moray Firth. It's also a popular spot for wildlife viewing and is considered one of the best places in the UK to view bottlenose dolphins.

• Fortrose Cathedral

  address: Cathedral Square
  First built around 1250 AD, the cathedral was the center of medieval Fortrose. Not all of the building remains now, but it still retains a measure of its impressive stature.

• Groam House Museum

  phone: +44 1381 620961
  address: High St, Rosemarkie IV10 8UF
  Local museum focusing on the Pictish and Celtic history and artifacts of the area. Has both exhibits and multimedia presentations.

• Dolphin Trips Avoch

  phone: +44 1381 622383
  address: Harbour Office Pierhead, Avoch IV9 8PT
  Small operator offering wildlife viewing trips on the Moray Firth, including otters, seals, porpoises and the main attraction — the bottlenose dolphins. Reviewers indicate the skipper is very knowledgeable and the small boat makes for good viewing. Trips are one hour and sailing times vary depending on weather, tides and demand.

• Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club

  phone: +44 1381 620529
  address: Ness Rd E, Fortrose IV10 8SE
  Founded in 1793, this links-style course is reputed to be the fifteenth oldest recorded golf club in the world. Its fast greens, tight fairways and strategically placed bunkers make for a challenging round, while its location on Chanonry Ness with the lighthouse and passing dolphins provide a nice setting.

• Rosemarkie Beach

  address: Marine Terrace, Rosemarkie
  Sandy beach that is popular with walkers and has views across to Fort George. The beach runs for a couple of miles to Chanonry Point.
• Fairy Glen is an RSPB reserve along the stream that flows out at Rosemarkie. Stroll the half-mile to the falls.

• The Cromarty Brewing Company

  phone: +44 1381 600440
  address: Davidston, Cromarty, IV11 8XD
  A family run brewery. Offers tours.

There's a Co-op in Fortrose and a Spar in Rosemarkie.

• Crofters Bistro

  phone: +44 1381 620844
  address: 11 Marine Terrace, Rosemarkie IV10 8UL
  Bistro close to the beach with a varied menu that includes meat, fish, a couple of curries, tapas and vegetarian options. There's also a sandwich menu if you're looking for a lighter meal. Eat inside or enjoy the view from the outdoor BBQ garden. The drink selection includes Scottish aged whiskies and local beer from Cromarty Brewing.

• The Eilean Dubh

  phone: +44 1381 620690
  address: 18 High St, Fortrose IV10 8SX
  Menu with locally-sourced meat and fish dishes, as well as some pasta and vegetarian choices.

• Rosemarkie Beach Cafe

  address: on the beach north of Mill St & Marine Terrace, Rosemarkie
  Community-run cafe on Rosemarkie Beach. Coffee, soup, burgers, home-baked goods and Italian ice cream. There's also a children's play area and tennis courts nearby.

• Union Tavern 29 High St Fortrose is open daily 10:00-23:00.

• The Anderson Hotel

  phone: +44 1381 620236
  address: Union St Fortrose IV10 8TD
  Nine room hotel above a restaurant and bar. The building was predominantly built in the mid-1800s and retains much of its character. The single and double rooms include ensuite bathrooms and TVs, and have some antique decor.

• Fortrose Bay Campsite

  phone: +44 1381 621927
  address: Wester Greengates, Fortrose IV10 8RX
  Campground next to a pebble beach on the western side of Chanonry Ness that accommodates tenters and camper vans. Electrical hookups are available and there are showers, two toilet blocks and a kitchen and laundry area. Reviewers indicate the views are excellent, the new shower block is clean and has ample space, but the wind off the water can be strong at times. Open April through the end of October.

• Dingwall is close to a nature reserve with red kites. The Glen Ord Distillery is in nearby Muir of Ord. Dingwall has trains between Inverness, Thurso and Kyle of Lochalsh.
• Strathpeffer is a spa village with hiking and mountain biking trails.
• Gairloch is a seaside resort on the west coast with beaches, plenty of fine scenery and close to the Inverewe Gardens.