Stay With Us for a Low Impact Holiday on the Black Isle

Our eco cabins are the perfect base for a sustainable holiday in the Scottish Highlands. Surrounded by forest, coast, mountain, loch, and glen, we’re ideally placed for nature-based adventures.

We’re based on the Black Isle, close to Inverness and Dingwall. You’ll find local options for eating out, transport links, and entertainment nearby. Whether you travel by car, bike, bus, or train, getting here and around is easy.

A great planning tool: Transition Black Isle Active Travel Map. We’re just a 20-minute walk to a bus stop with regular services to Inverness. Perfect for car-free holidays using bikes and public transport.

Slow Down and Explore the Black Isle

We’re just off the North Coast 500, but why rush? Take time to discover the Black Isle’s hidden corners—on foot, by bike, or by bus. Cycle routes, coastal walks, ancient sites, and dolphin-watching spots are all close by. Explore charming villages like Cromarty, Avoch, Rosemarkie, and Fortrose.

Useful sites for Exploring the Black Isle and Highlands:

Favourite Local Walks

Redcastle & Beauly Firth: A 45-minute walk each way. Expect farmland views, woodlands, a ruined castle, and waterside birdwatching. Add 2 hours for an optional detour to Spittal Wood.

Monadh Mor (The Big Moor): Cross the road near the bus stop and follow signs to the largest forest bog in Scotland. Designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Suggested Itineraries by Car or Public Transport

Bus Routes 25 and 27 run regularly between Inverness, Dingwall, Contin, and villages in between. The Active Travel Map shows cycle routes and journey times.

Rosemarkie & Chanonry Point

  • Idyllic beach, rock pools, and caves and a beach cafe
  • Walk to the Fairy Glen and Chanonry Point (best for dolphin watching)
  • Visit Groam House Museum (Pictish art and local history)
  • Eat at Crofters Bistro or The Plough Inn

Fortrose & Cromarty

  • Fortrose: explore the Cathedral, visit IV10 deli and The Anderson bar
  • Cromarty: quaint streets, harbour, Sutor Creek or Fishertown Inn for lunch

Avoch & Udale Bay

  • Seaside village with harbour
  • Fish supper from Harbour Fish & Chips, sit by the garden and enjoy the views
  • Visit RSPB Udale Bay for birdwatching
  • Don’t miss Poyntzfield Herb Nursery for organic, biodynamic plants

Brahan Estate & Maryburgh

  • Get off at Maryburgh (Bus 25/27), walk to Brahan Estate for riverside and woodland walks
  • Stop at The Cottage pub in Maryburgh, with a lovely garden

Strathpeffer & Knockfarrel Hill Fort

  • Explore Blackmuir Wood, Cats Back Ridge, and Touchstone Labyrinth
  • Visit the old railway station café or the deli in the village square

Contin Paths & Ben Wyvis

  • Walk to View Rock, Rogie Falls, or climb Ben Wyvis
  • Bus route ends in Contin

Ord Hill & North Kessock

  • Bus or cycle to North Kessock
  • Cross under the A9 to reach Ord Hill, home to an ancient Pictish hill fort

Inverness Day Trips

Inverness is a short bus ride away and packed with things to do.

  • Inverness Museum & Art Gallery and Brown’s Gallery for Art and History
  • Walk the Ness River to Eden Court arts centre and the Cathedral
  • Inverness Botanics for beautiful gardens by the river
  • Visit Leakey’s Bookshop or enjoy live music at MacGregor’s Bar
  • Head to Black Isle Bar for great pizza, beer, and rooftop garden
  • Perk Coffee and Doughnuts (and great cocktails in the evening)
  • The Wee Bar or Malt Rooms for whisky tasting and cocktails
  • For special meals, try The Mustard Seed (great value lunch & early dinner)
  • Walk up St Stephen’s Brae for cafes like Girvan’s and WASPS Creative Academy
  • Discover the Victorian Market Food Hall for seafood, South Indian, vegan food, and coffee

Beauly & Loch Ness

  • Explore Beauly Priory, then lunch at Corner on the Square or shop at The Old Schoolhouse
  • Bus or walk to Dores on Loch Ness for views and a meal at Dores Inn
  • Visit Craigmonie Woods near Drumnadrochit or Reelig Glen for beautiful woodland walks

Day Trips Further Afield

Whether by car, coach, or train, there’s plenty to explore:

Beaches: Nairn, Dornoch, Portmahomack

Nature: Glen Affric, Cairngorms National Park, Evanton Community Woodland and Black Rock Gorge

Museums: Highland Folk Museum

Day trips: Ullapool for seafood at The Seafood Shack and art at An Talla Solais

Visit Attadale Gardens and the picturesque village of Plockton by train

Head North to Dornoch, Golspie, Helmsdale or Portmahomack and Tarbert Ness