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Day Trip To The North

Route 4: Outward route
Take the A96 Nairn to Inverness , A9 across the Kessock Bridge , turn off the A9 on to the A832 to visit the Black Isle communities of Munlochy, Rosemarkie and Cromarty.

Visit:
Black Isle Wildlife Park on the B9161 near Munlochy.

Black Isle Brewery and Visitor Centre - Real ale being brewed as you watch. Arrange a tasting and find out how you can set up your own supply of this Highland brewed ale.

Rosemarkie Beach - A lovely wild, semi-circular bay with sand, rocks and links offering fun-filled and interesting play.

Cromarty – The Highland ’s best preserved historic town. Visit the 17th century birthplace of Hugh Miller – stonemason, geologist, author, journalist and editor. His cottage is dedicated to his life and work, displaying his many collections of rocks and fossils, writings and utensils. Poyntzfield Herb Nursery has more than 400 culinary herbs for sale.

Rejoin the A9 via the A9163 and travel north to Dornoch.

Dornoch Cathedral : Magnificent Dornoch Cathedral took its place on the world's stage as the scene of the christening of Madonna and Guy Ritchie's son Rocco. Situated in the historic county of Sutherland , it was built by Bishop Gilbert de Moravia in the 13th century and became the cathedral of the Virgin Mary. Burned down by John Sinclair, Master of Caithness, and Iye Mackay of Strathnaver in 1570, only the tower remains of the original building. In 1614 the 13th Earl of Sutherland partially restored the cathedral, enabling it to be used as a parish church. The Duchess of Sutherland completed the restoration in 1837.

Return route
Take the A9 from Dornoch to Tain, the B9165 along the coast to Portmahomack, rejoin the A9 via Fearn and continue southwest to the Cromarty Bridge . Don’t cross bridge but continue on the A862 through Dingwall and on to Strathpeffer, Contin, the A832 to Muir of Ord, leave Muir of Ord for Inverness via the coast road to Charlestown , rejoin the A9, cross the Kessock Bridge and return to Nairn on the A96.

Visit:
Tain - s oldest Royal Burgh, Tain was awarded its charter in 1066 - thanks to the good works of Duthac, an 8th/9th century Christian who was officially beatified in 1419.

Portmahomack - Tarbat Discovery Centre - a site of archaeological significance; Anta Pottery - contemporary Scottish industry.

Strathpeffer - a small Victorian village and Spa town.

Muir of Ord - Set in farming land with a very popular golf course. Take the coast road to Charlestown and rejoin the A9 to travel south across the Kessock Bridge to Inverness and on to Nairn.