Inverness to the Black Isle

FORTROSE CATHEDRAL

This is an attractive ruined cathedral made of red sandstone. It dates from the 1300s and is set in pleasant grounds, with nice buildings in the surrounding streets. You can be pretty sure of some nice photos here.

CHANONRY POINT

The point is around half an hour walk from Fortrose, either along the pleasant path along by the firth or through the golf course.

In this beautiful setting there is a lighthouse, beach and views across the Moray Firth to Fort George, which is a working and historic military fort.

You are likely to find it very busy as it is a popular spot for dolphin watching. They are most likely to appear in the hours after low tide - see Fortrose tide times. We have seen them performing amazing displays.

ROSEMARKIE BEACH

This long sandy beach is popular for paddling, swimming and walking. It is possible to walk all the way to Chanonry Point in Fortrose, which takes about 30 minutes. The views are wonderful across the bay.

FAIRY GLEN NATURE RESERVE

This RSPB reserve is a tranquil, steep sided wooded glen with a footpath leading along the stream and up to two waterfalls.

GROAM HOUSE MUSEUM

The museum's most important collection is its Pictish sculpted stones, connected with the village's early Christian monastery. It also has material about Black Isle history and celtic art.

CROMARTY BEACHES

There are two pleasant long sandy beaches, a charming small harbour and a lighthouse. You may also see people from the community rowing club out in their beautiful wooden boat.

The lighthouse was decommissioned in 2006 and is now a Field Station for the University of Aberdeen. The lighthouse lens is on display in the Cromarty Courthouse Museum (see below).

HUGH MILLER'S BIRTHPLACE COTTAGE AND MUSEUM

Hugh Miller was an influential local 19th century geologist and writer. You can visit the thatched cottage where he was born and the next door Georgian house which is now a museum. Outside there are also two pleasant gardens including a sundial carved by Millar.

It is run by the National Trust for Scotland, and has regular themed exhibitions and activities in the thatched cottage - we enjoyed visiting for Floral Fantasy when all the rooms were decorated with crafted flowers.

COURTHOUSE MUSEUM

Next door to Hugh Miller's museum house is the old Courthouse which is also a museum. As the name suggests, this grand building dating from 1773 was once the courthouse and jail.

Today you can find out about its history as a courthouse, including observing a mock case and exploring the cells. It also has exhibitions about the local area including its history as a seaport and home to a notable rope factory.

There is even a small cinema in a converted cell, showing a short film about life in Cromarty in the 1950s and 60s. It is an interesting place to spend an hour or two.

CHURCHES

Cromarty has four churches, only one of which is still in use and three of them you can visit.

East Church on Church Street is no longer in use but is open to visitors and has recently been refurbished. Along the road is St Regulus Church which is still in use and open for visitors. 

Up the hill behind Church Street is the now roofless Gaelic Chapel which was in use for Gaelic services from 1783 to 1918, and for Roman Catholic Polish forces during World War II. It is possible to visit and see how it is gradually being taken over by nature.

Cromarty West Church closed in 2023 and is not possible to visit.

ECOVENTURES BOAT TRIPS

Offers two hour wildlife watching trips on a RIB out into the Moray Firth. If you're lucky you may see dolphins as well as other sealife and birdlife.

You will also have lovely scenery and good views of Cromarty as well as Nigg on the opposite shore.

THE SOUTH SUTOR

Situated above the town is this hill with impressive views over to its neighbour North Sutor on the opposite shore, down over Cromarty and beyond to Invergordon in one direction and out to sea in the other direction. The circular walk is around 4 miles in total and is really pleasant.

You will pass coastal views, woods and fields, the attractive converted arts venue The Stables (spot the unicorn!), the historic St Regulus Burial Ground with a scary crypt, an interesting old servants' tunnel leading to Cromarty House (not open to visitors), and the bowling club.

CROMARTY ARTS TRUST

The Trust has two venues in Cromarty, the Old Brewery which often has workshops, exhibitions and events on.

The Stables is a short walk up the hill towards the South Sutor and has a gallery, studios and open air events. Check out their website to see if there's anything on while you're in town.

CROMARTY CINEMA

This small 35 seater community cinema opened in 2020. It shows a mix of main releases, children's movies and independent films. It is very popular and often sells out so try to book in advance!

CROMARTY - NIGG FERRY

During the summer months it is possible to catch the small ferry across to Nigg. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for up-to-date sailing information.

Sometimes weather or tide conditions mean they stop running during the day, so take enough money for a taxi in case you get stranded, or you can walk the 7 miles to Fearn train station.

The Nigg area is dominated by industrial activity, however, there is a sandy beach and some nice walks.

Page last updated 12 October 2025