Included in the many leisure activities are cycling pony trekking, quad biking, fishing, bird watching and a superb 18 hole golfcourse. There is so much to do in the area without travelling far at all but here are some of the tried and tested activities - let me know what your own favourite is!

 

 

There are around 150 Bottlenose Dolphins living in the Moray Firth, and these can often be seen from Chanonry Point by Rosemarkie (as seen on the BBC program Coast to Coast)
Alternatively, boat trips can be arranged with Ecoventures in Cromarty (6 miles) or Avoch Dolphin Trips, - besides the dophins, there are large seabird colonies, spectacular scenery and the occasional oil rig to be seen.

Broom Hill Farm in Fortrose offers pony trekking and quad biking, its a friendly family run business and all levels can be accomodated.

Fortrose golf course is well worth a visit for golf enthusiasts, golf writers have written "A gem of a course by the sea" and "a unique course with a special character to be found nowhere else".

There are many other golf courses to explore in the area, Nairn, famous Royal Dornoch, Strathpeffer and Inverness.

 

 

For keen cyclists there are cycle paths around the Black Isle and for the more adventurous riders the Forestry Commision has just completed The Red Rock Trails, a range of top quality mountain bike trails just behind Hillockhead. (More information on our "News" page). We would be happy to arrange bike hire for you.

 

There are many options for hillwalkers, the most famous one is nearby Ben Nevis but Ben Wyvis, the nearest mountain over 1000 m is a fairly challenging climb with spectacular views.

Beautiful Rosemarkie beach has something for everyone, sand and rockpools for the kids, coastal walks and secluded spots. A dip in the Moray Firth is for the brave, the kids never seem to mind though.

 

There are a number of Historic Sites and Museums in the area. Fort George, visible across the firth from Hillockhead, is the best preserved example of 18th century fortifications in Europe.

Visit the thought provoking Culloden Battlefield and experience the Jacobite rebellion through the brand new visitor centre. Urquhart castle is an impressive and atmospheric historic monument on the shores of Loch Ness

The Cromarty Courthouse is an award winning museum 7 miles from Hillockhead. It's displays include a reconstructed trial in the 18th century courtroom, children's costumes, prison cells, a video presentation of Cromarty's history and an audio tape tour of the older part of the town.

Cromarty is an ancient and fascinating village, with a rich history and unusual shops and cafes.  Take the smallest car ferry in Britain from Cromarty accross to Nigg, follow the King's Route as travelled by King James IV.

Nearby Groam House museum in Rosemarkie houses a display of 15 carved Pictish stones, some dating back to the 8th century AD, all originating in the village.
Children are welcome and activities include making rubbings of Pictish symbols, together with the opportunity to play a reconstructed Pictish harp.

The birthplace of Hugh Miller is an ancient, Grade A listed building. The cottage houses furniture belonging to generations of Miller's family as well as a rare and original "hanging lum" used for smoking fish. You will also see his grand parents marriage stone over the hearth in the kitchen. Admire the rare collection of fossils and browse through Miller's works in one of the oldest buildings in Cromarty, found on the ancient "Kings Route" to the Highlands.

Hillockhead is an ideal base for day trips around the Highlands. The stunning scenery of the west coast is less than 2 hours drive away and places like Skye and Torridon are within easy reach. For winter sports, or summer hillwalking Aviemore and the Cairngorms are under an hour's journey.

The Black Isle Brewery and Black Isle Wildlife Park are both well worth a visit.

A great hit for kids is Landmark, a forest theme park, less then an hour drive down the A9.  Very good value and fun for everyone; timber trail, rope bridges and amazing waterslides to name but a few attractions.

 

For a less strenous activity why not pamper yourself with a therapeutic massage given either in Fortrose or in the comfort of your own cottage, choose from a variety of therapies.