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1 day tour
Black Isle Brewery, Fairy Glen Falls and the Dolphin Coast
From
£64.00
Tour Summary
The Highland Experience
One day tour
Visit pre-historic Clava Cairns and evocative Culloden Battlefield to learn their Outlander connections. At Loch Ness scan the dark waters of the loch for signs of Nessie before discovering how Scotch Whisky is produced at Glen Ord Distillery. Learn why the town of Beauly was named “Beautiful Place”, then say hello to some cute honey-coloured Hairy Coos! After a drive through the picturesque Black Isle, visit Cromarty, then enjoy dolphin-spotting before returning to Inverness.
Clava Cairns - walk amongst the ancient standing stones that inspired Outlander author, Diana Gabaldon
Culloden Moor - explore the atmospheric battlefield where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s dreams came to a bloody end
Beauly - see the 13th Century Priory and enjoy free time to explore this pretty town
Glen Ord Distillery - take a “behind the scenes” tour to see how Scotch Whisky is produced
Cromarty - discover the quaint fisherman’s cottages in this historic fishing town
Chanonry Point - if you are lucky, see some of the 130 Bottlenose Dolphins that live in the Moray Firth
Movie Locations - Loch Ness, A lonely place to Die and Another Time, Another Place
Full Tour Itinerary
Your day exploring the Black Isle begins with a relaxed morning departure from Inverness, heading west to the charming village of Beauly. The name derives from the French "Beau Lieu" (meaning "beautiful place") and was given by the Valliscaulian monks, who built their priory here in the 13th Century.
You’ll have time to wander the streets, enjoy the setting, and, if you wish, step inside the evocative ruins of the Priory, which hosted Mary, Queen of Scots in 1564.
From here, the journey continues to Munlochy and the intriguing Clootie Well. This centuries-old site is steeped in Celtic tradition, where visitors dip a small piece of cloth in the water and tie it to the surrounding trees in hopes of healing or good fortune. You’re welcome to take part, but please use only biodegradable materials, such as pure wool or cotton.
Next, it’s on to the Black Isle Brewery, known for its award-winning organic beers. During our visit, you can learn about the brewing process and sample a few of the beers produced here.
Afterwards, the tour heads to the elegant Georgian town of Cromarty, which is like a journey into the past with its quaint fishermen’s cottages, crow-stepped houses and grand sandstone mansions.
The town overlooks the Cromarty Firth, a sheltered natural harbour which is protected by the two headlands known as the North and South Sutors.
There’s time to explore, enjoy lunch, and take in harbour views, with the chance of spotting dolphins offshore.
After time in Cromarty, we will make our way to Rosemarkie, where we can enjoy a walk through Fairy Glen to see the cascading waterfalls, followed by a visit to the atmospheric ruins of Fortrose Cathedral.
The Moray Firth is home to a community of some 130 Bottlenose Dolphins. The last stop of the day at North Kessock provides the perfect vantage point for fans of these loveable mammals.
There are fantastic panoramic views to enjoy as we cross the Kessock Bridge and make our way back into the Capital of the Highlands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Signature Day Tour?
Travelling on a Signature one-day tour is a great way to discover the best of Scotland from your city centre base of Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness.
During your day of discovery we’ll introduce you to many aspects of our country: spectacular scenery, history, folklore, nature and much, much more.
Travel is provided by air-conditioned vehicle and each tour is led by an experienced driver/guide who will provide a live commentary in English.
There are stops planned at the key sights as well as for meals and comfort breaks.
Will there be a tour commentary?
Each tour is led by an experienced driver/guide who will provide an informative and entertaining commentary in English.
You’ll hear tales of the Clans, bloody battles and the famous characters that have shaped the history of Scotland. You will learn too of the landscape that surrounds you and of the nature that makes Scotland so special.
Be ready to have a laugh as well - you’re bound to be told some really corny jokes!
Will there be stops for meals and are they included in the price of the tour?
Meals are not included in the tour price, but we will make stops where you can get refreshments and something to eat.
If you wish, you can bring a packed lunch or pick up lunch items at a previous stop.
Vegetarian food is widely available in Scotland.
Will I see dolphins?
It’s thought that approximately 200 dolphins live in the Moray Firth, and we will visit North Kessock, one of the best places for land-based dolphin watching.
Please bear in mind that the dolphins are wild animals, so we can’t guarantee a sighting on any given day.
Can I book seats on the coach?
The seating on the coach is not allocated so you are free to sit in any vacant seat.
We recommend that you and your party arrive at the boarding point together so that you can be seated in the same part of the coach.
Blogs and Guides
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Customer Reviews Overall Rating:
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Rating: (4 /5) 15 Oct 2017
Rich was very entertaining and informative with the history of all the places we visited as well as pointing out the best place for food and I have to thank him for recommending the best sea food pizza we had at cromarty. Thanks again for an enjoyable day out leaving us with fond memories of our visit to Inverness and the highlands. Chris from Malaysia
Chris from Selangor,
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Rating: (5 /5) 16 Sep 2017
What amazing day in the beautiful Scottish hilands
from Devonshire,
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Rating: (4 /5) 09 Aug 2015
This tour stopped at places I know well which I was looking forward to visiting again, but I was disappointed not to have longer than 15 minutes at Chanonry point, and only 30 minutes at Cromarty. There is a shop in Cromarty called Ingrids house which I wanted to go to but it opened at 11am and that's when we left. The stop in Beauly was too long so I think timings could be adjusted a little to allow more time at magical Chanonry and quaint Cromarty. I enjoyed being reminded of the origins of the Nessie mystery, and thought the distillery was good - having a short tour with some tasting was perfect. I liked that the bus was small and that there were only a few of us on the tour, but picking up 11 other people on the way home spoiled the feeling of the day - two of these people left belongings on another vehicle which we had to go back/wait for, and then we stopped and waited a few times for those people to be dropped off at their hotels. It was an annoying end to a pleasant day.
Heather from Borehamwood, United Kingdom
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