The Cromarty Highlander - Half Day Tour
from Inverness
INCLUDES: Transportation by air-conditioned minicoach; services of a tour host; service charges and taxes.
This wonderful excursion combines a scenic drive through the Black Isle, a visit to picturesque Cromarty and time to go Dolphin spotting by the Moray Firth. This tour truly has something for everyone!
We leave Inverness behind and make our way along the banks of the Beauly Firth to the town of Beauly, which lies at the head of the firth. This attractive community was called Beau or beautiful place by the monks that built a priory here in the 13th Century.
Next we'll travel to Muir of Ord then enjoy panoramic views as we travel through the Black Isle. Shortly the expanse of the Cromarty Firth will come into view. This deep estuary is almost landlocked and this natural defence made it an important naval base during both World Wars. For nature lovers the Cromarty Firth has one of the largest areas of unspoilt mudflats in the UK making it an important staging post for waders and wildfowl as they migrate south.
Our visit to the sleepy fishing village of Cromarty is like a journey into the past with its quaint fishermen's cottages, crow-stepped houses and grand sandstone mansions. Once this attractive town was the major port of the North of Scotland, however the industrial revolution meant that this prosperity did not last long. The character of the village has been retained thanks to the careful conservation work that has been undertaken here.
After time in Cromarty we will make our way to Rosemarkie and Fortrose, where we will stop at Chanonry Point. The Moray Firth is home to a community of some 130 Bottlenose Dolphins and Chanonry Point is a popular vantage point with fans of these loveable mammals.
We will return to Inverness by way of Avoch and Tore. There are wonderful panoramic views as we cross the Kessock Bridge and make our way back into the Capital of the Highlands.
