Chanonry Point

The dolphins are what bring most people here, and fair play - watching a bottlenose surface just metres from the shore never gets old. Chanonry Point juts into the Moray Firth near Fortrose, creating a natural funnel where the tide squeezes through, pushing fish close to the rocks and drawing the dolphins with them. You can stand on the point free of charge, any time, and scan the water. Morning light works best, and timing it around high tide gives you the best chance of spotting them. Bring binoculars if you've got them.

The point itself is lovely enough - a sweep of shingle beach with the old lighthouse standing sentinel, and views across to the Black Isle. It's not a long visit though. Most people spend forty minutes to an hour here, maybe a bit longer if the dolphins cooperate. Families with patience will do alright, but restless kids might get fidgety if the mammals decide not to show.

What makes it genuinely worth the drive from Inverness or anywhere nearby is the sheer wildlife value. You're looking at one of the finest dolphin-watching spots in Britain without needing a boat. Stay at Fortrose Bay Campsite just up the road and you could work it into a wider exploration of the Highlands - it's a proper easy add-on rather than a full day's adventure in itself. Go early if you can, avoid the midges, and keep expectations realistic. Sometimes they're there in numbers, sometimes you'll see nothing but a good day out regardless.