Fortrose

Red sandstone cottages line the streets where dolphins often venture close to shore, making this Black Isle town a proper treat for wildlife watchers. Fortrose sits on the Moray Firth with views that stretch across to the Highlands, and on a clear day you can see forever.

The 13th-century cathedral ruins at Fortrose Cathedral remain the town's crown jewel - what's left of them anyway. These weathered stones tell tales of medieval Scotland, while the Market Cross nearby marks where traders once gathered. It's a compact place where you can walk from one end to the other in ten minutes.

Beyond town, the Black Isle opens up into rolling farmland dotted with archaeological treasures. Dalcross Chambered Cairn sits a short drive south, one of several ancient burial sites that pepper this peninsula. Further afield, Ormond Castle offers crumbling walls and cracking views, though it's more of a romantic ruin than a full fortress these days.

Getting here means crossing the Kessock Bridge from Inverness - about 20 minutes by car on the A832. The nearest train station is actually Inverness Airport, which isn't particularly useful unless you're flying in. Most folk drive or take the local bus service.

Staying at one of the holiday parks scattered around this area puts you within easy reach of both Inverness and the wild northern coast. Fortrose Bay Campsite sits right on the doorstep, while Coulmore Bay Holiday Park offers sea views a bit further along the coast. From here you can explore the whole Black Isle - pop over to Cromarty for the day, or head north to catch the Cromarty Firth dolphins that make this stretch of water famous.