Easter Ross and Cromarty

Easter Ross and Cromarty boast a captivating blend of rugged Highland landscapes and serene coastal beauty. From the spectacular waterfalls of Rogie Falls where you can spot salmon leaping, to the peaceful sandy stretches of the Seaboard villages, the region offers diverse natural attractions. Visitors can explore ancient woodlands, follow the winding paths of old drovers’ roads, and witness magnificent views from hilltops like Tain Hill. The area is also a haven for wildlife, with opportunities to see red kites, ospreys, and even dolphins in the firths. This mix of dramatic scenery and abundant nature makes it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Some images here to give you a taster !

Natural Attractions and Scenic Spots

• Rogie Falls: A series of impressive waterfalls on the Blackwater River, famous for salmon leaping during late summer and autumn.
• The Seaboard Villages: A trio of picturesque fishing villages—Hilton, Balintore, and Shandwick—with beautiful sandy beaches and coastal walks.
• Tain Hill: Offers panoramic views over the Dornoch Firth and beyond from the summit, accessible via a circular trail through mixed pine woodland.
• Tarbat Ness Lighthouse: A striking, red-and-white striped lighthouse offering dramatic coastal views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
• Cromarty Firth: A beautiful firth known for its marine life, including seals, and a great place to spot bottlenose dolphins.
• Fairy Glen, Rosemarkie: A magical woodland walk with a winding footpath, leading to a small waterfall and abundant wildlife.
• Udale Bay: A significant RSPB reserve and a winter home for thousands of migrating waders and wildfowl.
• Morrich More: A vast area of sand dunes, salt marsh, and flats, important for a variety of birds and other wildlife.
• Aldie Burn: A peaceful woodland area with trails that meander past wildlife ponds and a flowing burn.
• The Million Dollar View: A spectacular viewpoint from the Struie Hill, providing a breathtaking vista across the Dornoch Firth.

Historic Sites and Ruins

• Knockfarrel: The remains of a vitrified Iron Age fort, offering an insight into ancient fortifications and commanding ridge-top views.
• Pictish Trail: A trail connecting key sites with carved Pictish stones, including those at Shandwick and Nigg.
• Tain Through Time: Located in the medieval Collegiate Church, this museum tells the history of Tain, Scotland’s oldest Royal Burgh.
• Fearn Abbey: A historic church known as “The Lamp of the North,” with a rich past linked to the Clan Ross.
• Fortrose Cathedral: The ruined remains of a 13th-century cathedral, once the seat of the medieval Scottish diocese of Ross.
• Clachan Biorach Cairn: The site of a Neolithic chambered cairn, providing a glimpse into the prehistoric occupation of the area.
• Hugh Miller’s Cottage: The birthplace of the renowned geologist and writer, a furnished 18th-century cottage maintained by the National Trust for Scotland.
• Old Military Road at Little Garve: A stretch of a historic military road, with an arched stone bridge built by Wade’s successor.
• Tarbat Discovery Centre: Housed in a restored church, this center showcases the history of a major Pictish monastery at Portmahomack.
• Cromarty Courthouse Museum: A Grade A-listed building that offers a fascinating look at 18th-century Highland justice and local life.

Museums and Cultural Sites

• Tain & District Museum and Clan Ross Centre: An independent, volunteer-run museum that preserves and interprets the history of Easter Ross.
• Groam House Museum, Rosemarkie: A renowned Pictish center showcasing a remarkable collection of intricately carved stones from the early Christian period.
• Cromarty Courthouse Museum: Provides an immersive experience of local history, including a mock courtroom trial and a converted prison cell cinema.
• Gairloch Museum: Situated in a converted nuclear bunker, it offers galleries on the history, culture, and natural heritage of Wester Ross.
• Seaboard Centre: A community hub in Balintore, providing information on the local area and its rich fishing heritage.
• Hugh Miller’s Cottage and Museum: The birthplace of a famous stonemason and geologist, preserved as a museum by the National Trust for Scotland.
• The Picture House, Cromarty: A historic building that serves as a community cinema, preserving the cultural heritage of the area.
• St Duthac Book & Arts Festival: A cultural event celebrating local arts and literature, held in the historic town of Tain.
• Fèis Rois: An organization promoting Gaelic music and culture through events and educational programs across the region.
• Clan Ross Centre, Tain: Explores the history and genealogy of the Clan Ross, with exhibits on their past and present.

Any Other Notable Experiences

• Whisky Tasting: The region is home to world-renowned distilleries like Glenmorangie, offering tours and tastings.
• Dolphin and Wildlife Watching: Take a boat trip from Cromarty or simply watch from Chanonry Point for a chance to see bottlenose dolphins.
• North Coast 500 (NC500): Easter Ross is a key part of this famous scenic route, offering diverse landscapes and attractions.
• The Seaboard Sculpture Trail: A short trail featuring five sculptures, including the iconic Mermaid of the North, celebrating local legends and traditions.
• Hiking Ben Wyvis: A challenging but rewarding ascent of the region’s highest mountain, offering spectacular panoramic views from the summit.
• Churches Trail: Follow a guided tour of the most interesting churches and burial grounds around the firths of Easter Ross.
• Cromarty Ferry: A small car ferry that provides a scenic crossing of the Cromarty Firth between Cromarty and Nigg.
• Explore Historic Cromarty: Walk the narrow, winding streets of this beautifully preserved 18th-century town, full of charm and history.
• Seafood Dining: Enjoy the fresh, local seafood available in the coastal villages and towns.
• Fishing and Angling: The numerous lochs and rivers in the area offer excellent opportunities for wild salmon and brown trout fishing.