Some ideas for day tours during your holiday
Shown below are some of the places you might wish to visit during your holiday at Aspenwood cottage. They are all easily accessible and make for good day tours from Inverfarigaig …
We have personally enjoyed them all - many times.
Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is about 60 miles west of Aspenwood,
passing Eilean Donan Castle and going over the bridge at Kyle of
Lochalsh. This is where you used to have to pay a toll before you
could to go over the famous Skye Bridge to
the Isle of Skye. It is now FREE!
Skye is the largest island of the Inner Hebrides, lying just off the northwest coast of Scotland. It is also one of the most scenic, with several peaks of the Cuillin Hills rising above 950m/3120ft. The controversial toll bridge was started in 1992 and took three years to complete. It spans the narrow channel known as the Sound of Sleat for 900m/1000yd between Skye and the Kyle of Lochalsh on the mainland.
Plockton
Alternatively, if you do not wish to go over to the island, travel on from Kyle and journey a short distance up the coast to the picturesque village of Plockton where palm trees flourish in the warm west coast winds. This part of the Scottish west coast is virtualy frost free due to the influence of the Gulf stream, a warm water current which sweeps up from the Gulf of Mexico and passes close to the shores of Scotland.
Ullapool
The idyllic white-washed fishing village of Ullapool curves round a natural peninsula on the shores of Loch Broom and is about 80 miles from Aspenwood on the west coast. Today there is still an important fleet of boats catching lobster, oyster, mussels and scallops for an international market. A very popular place in the summer season.
Summer Isles
For a longer trip journey on up along the west coast from Ullapool and view the Summer Isles situated at the mouth of Loch Broom. The islands of Harris and Lewis in the Outer Hebrides can be seen across this stretch of water called The Minch on a clear day.
Pass the pinnacled peak of Stac Pollaidh - a favourite for climbers who really like a challenge.
There are wonderful secluded sandy beaches on the west coast often with a breathtaking backdrop of snow topped mountains.
Fort George
Fort George is a fascinating visit - a huge Georgian fort filling a headland, jutting out into the Moray Firth. It was built as a base for George II's army following the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie and his Jacobite army at Culloden - in case the Jacobite cause was rekindled. By the time it was completed in 1769 the uprising had been firmly quashed, a shot was never fired and it has been used ever since as active artillery barracks. There is a visitors centre, exhibitions, historic barrack rooms as well as the regimental museum of the Queen's Own Highlanders and it is considered to be one of the finest fortifications in Europe.
Dolphin Watching
The best place to see the famous Moray Firth dolphins is at Chanonry Point opposite Fort George on the Black Isle. To get there - travel out of Inverness north over the Kessock Bridge. Turn right at the first roundabout marked to Fortrose and Rosemarkie. Go through the mature village of Avoch and turn right at the signpost to Chanonry Point - be careful -the sign is almost hidden by overhanging branches of trees. Drive down a single track road through a golf course to the car park at the end and follow signs to the beach.
In summer we saw them at about 1.15 pm but it will depend on the times of the tides.
Nairn
Nairn town is about 40 miles drive from Aspenwood on the east coast. A rather quaint town with a marina, shops, eateries and a marvellous long beach with sand dunes at the edge.
Glen Affric
Glen Affric is a truly pictureque glen with the River Affric running through it. It is one of the largest surviving native pinewoods in the United Kingdom. Car park/toilets at the end of the track and some good walks to be enjoyed. Ideal for a picnic.
Dunnet Head Cliffs
Dunnet Head Cliffs are a short drive away from the Castle of Mey - the holiday retreat of the late Queen Mother - and is the most northerly point of mainland Scotland—and not the famous John O’Groats as is widely thought. Look across to Orkney.
A picnic on the cliff tops watching the teeming bird life contending with the sea breeze is great fun.
More Ideas!
Black Isle Wildlife Park - only 5 minutes from Inverness just off the A9, Open every day March to November. See a variety of animals. Tea room/gift shop available.
Culloden Battlefield is 5 miles east of Inverness. It is a windswept, bleak moorland which, in 1746, saw the end of the Jacobite uprising in the Battle of Culloden - the last ever battle on British soil. This battle is graphically described as an excellent audiovisual in the Visitors Centre /open all year with restaurant & shop. Outside you can walk freely round the battle sites; flags mark the position of the two armies and clan graves are marked by simple headstones.
Inverewe Gardens is up on the west coast where a profusion of mature, rather unusual plants and foliage flourish in the area's famously temperate climate [a consequence of the Gulf Stream]. The gardens are protected by Loch Ewe's corrosive sea breezes by a dense screen of various well-established trees.
Falls of Shin - just outside Lairg, off the B864 north of Inverness. Here you can watch the salmon leap up the dramatic waterfalls from the viewing platform above the River Shin between April & November. Enjoy the forest walks nearby. Restaurant and Harrods gift shop.
Fort William about one hours drive away towards the west coast passing by the side of various lochs and mountain scenery. Stop before reaching the bustling village and go up Anoch Mor in a gondola to view Ben Nevis - the highest mountain in the British Isles.
Tomatin Distillery lies 16 miles south of Inverness on the A9 and is open for tours of the distillery and gift shop.
Day Trips
Please see our Day Trips page for recommended tours around the area.
