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Black Isle

The Black Isle is a long and thin peninsula stretching eastwards from the Highland country towns of Beauly, Muir of Ord and Conon Bridge to Cromarty at its north-east tip. Connected to the south by the Kessock Bridge and to the north by the Cromarty Firth Causeway, the Black Isle rewards all visitors with a fine range of great places to visit, walks to enjoy and no small number of hidden gems.

Along the southern flanks of the Black Isle from North Kessock, tucked under the bridge, to Avoch with its historic harbour, visitors can take their time to enjoy walks around Ord Hill or the spooky Clootie Well at Munlochy. Beyond Avoch, the adjacent towns of Fortrose and Rosemarkie embrace the seashore and welcome golfers, walkers and history buffs – the latter notably drawn to Fortrose Cathedral and Groam House Museum in Rosemarkie, home to a fine collection of Pictish treasures. Inland, the forest trails of the Black Isle are wonderful for exploring on foot or by bike, along with numerous smaller villages such as Tore, Culbokie and Jemimaville, all with their own stories to tell.

The new and old home of slow travel

Cycling must be one of the very best ways to explore the Black Isle. Criss-crossed with miles of quiet roads and well-maintained tracks, the Black Isle lends itself to slow discovery. And there is so much to see and do. From the atmospheric lanes and vennels of Cromarty, a 17th century trading port, and the fossil beds at Eathie, made famous by geologist Hugh Miller who was born locally in 1801, the journey westwards and inland brings up treat after treat. Whether that is walking in the Fairy Glen, mountain biking at Learnie Red Rocks, building sandcastles or exploring caves on Rosemarkie beach, or birdwatching at Udale Bay, an RSPB reserve, there is something here for everyone.

And each year, communities across the Black Isle – from Resolis to Avoch and Culbokie to Munlochy – celebrate the area’s riches in a series of summer festivals. Local markets, restaurants and farm shops delight in offering fine produce from a fertile farming country – which is also home to the Highland’s biggest and best loved agriculture fair, The Black Isle Show, held near Muir of Ord in August every year.

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Get Inspired

Experience the Captivating Appeal of Ancient Places

Step back in time and discover jaw-dropping prehistoric monuments.

Threads of Identity

Tartan is key to Highland identity. Clare Campbell, founder of Prickly Thistle, is exploring new opportunities for tartan as an expression of identity beyond the traditional Highland Clans, all while focusing on the use of natural fibres and sustainability.

Close up image of Glen Moyer tartan - consisting of shades of light and dark blue with a single thread of red running through the cloth

The Highlands - Bringing Joy Through Walking

Follow the rocky coastline with its waves, crashing and pounding or gently lapping and calming, walking the sandy stretch of beach, at times piled high with seaweed, other times golden with clean sands, limpet covered rocks, and caves with ancient history.

Rosemarkie sandy beach with wave coming in. The top 25% of the image features a light blue sky and sparse white clouds

Plan your visit

Places to Stay

Things to Do

Food and Drink