The Black Isle
Munlochy, GB
100% of travellers recommend this
Highlights
- Clootie Well - Ancient site dedicated to St Boniface
- Fortrose Cathedral - Historic cathedral with fascinating history
- Chanonry Point - Best viewpoint for spotting Bottle-Nosed Dolphins
- Groam House Museum - Home to Pictish art and Celtic design
- Cromarty - Birthplace of Hugh Miller and stories of the Sutors
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Private tour
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Duration 8 hours
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Professional guide
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Hotel pickup and drop-off
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Live commentary on board
Experience the beauty of the Black Isle on this captivating tour. This peninsula, strategically situated between the Moray and Cromarty Firths, offers breathtaking seascapes, fascinating wildlife, and intriguing places to explore. Begin your journey at the ancient site dedicated to St. Boniface, where you can take part in the tradition of tying a cloth to a tree for relief from suffering. Visit the stunning cathedral and learn about its history and the impact of the Reformation. Witness the majesty of Bottle-Nosed Dolphins at Chanonry Point and marvel at the Stevenson lighthouse and Fort George in the distance. Discover the rich Celtic and Pictish art at the Groam House museum, including the famous Rosemarkie Stone and the George Bain Collection. Explore the romantic and mystical Dell, filled with wild scenes and legends. Finish your tour in Cromarty, a town steeped in history and known for its natural harbor and captivating stories of the Sutors. Don't miss the chance to experience the beauty and history of the Black Isle.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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8 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in English
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Wheelchair accessible
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Mobile voucher
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Private Tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Experience the breathtaking beauty of The Black Isle on a private, guided tour, exploring rich history and stunning landscapes.
Included
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OtherPrivate tour -
OtherHotel/port drop-off
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OtherHotel/port pickup
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OtherProfessional guide
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OtherLive entertainment
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OtherDriver/guide
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OtherLive commentary on board
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OtherTransport by private vehicle
Excluded
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GratuitiesGratuities -
LunchLunch
Pickup
Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)
What to expect
This ancient site is dedicated to St Boniface. The tradition of tying a cloth or "clootie" to a tree after dipping it in the well signifies that the patient, from whom the cloth has been taken, lying ill at home, will, as the cloot dries out, be relieved of the suffering from which he, or she, is afflicted.
60 minutes
The cathedral dates to around 1300. Not popular after the Reformation in 1560 services ceased at Fortrose. In the 1650s the stone from the now roofless and decaying nave and choir were removed. This, the Priory at Beauly, and other sacred sites were savaged, barges of stone transported to Inverness to build Oliver Cromwell's Citadel, reportedly costing £1,000 per barge, a huge amount of money in those times.
60 minutes
Admission Not Included
Chanonry Point is a spit of land extending into the Moray Firth between the villages Fortrose and Rosemarkie. It is regarded as probably the best viewpoint to see Bottle-Nosed Dolphins. They, who make these waters home is reputedly the biggest of their kind in the world. A Stevenson lighthouse stands guard over the narrows here and across the Firth, starkly visible, is the garrison Fortress of Fort George built after the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion to pacify the Highlands. It is still an active garrison today home to the Black Watch Regiment of the British Army.
60 minutes
A museum of Celtic and Pictish Art, located in the village of Rosemarkie. Groam House is custodian, not only the Rosemarkie Stone, one of the major surviving examples of Pictish art in stone, but also, the Rosemarkie sculpture fragments, that are 14 stone fragments, the most well known being Daniels Stone. The museum also hosts the George Bain Collection. Bain, is considered the father of modern Celtic design, he spent many years working out the intricate mathematical designs found in Celtic art. In 2015 the museum organised a Celtic felt banner-making project to create banners for the Celtic Connections Festival 2016
60 minutes
Wild scenes and wild legends and some of the traditions connected with this romantic and solitary dell illustrate this remark. Till a comparatively late period, it was known at many a winter fireside as a favourite haunt of the fairies…I have conversed with an old woman…who, when a very little girl, had seen myriads of them dancing as the sun was setting on the further edge of the dell…' (Hugh Miller 1835)
60 minutes
Cromarty
Cromarty and the sea are indivisible. Fishing was traditionally the major industry. Other trade was also by boat from an outstanding natural harbour, and was an important British naval base during the two World Wars. HMS Natal blew up close by on 30 December 1915 with a substantial loss of life. [ Cromarty gives its name to one of the sea areas of the British Shipping Forecast. In the nineteenth century, Cromarty was the birthplace and home of Hugh Miller, a geologist, writer, journalist. His cottage and the Old Courthouse are both open to the public. The Sutors of Cromarty are two opposing headlands which mark the entrance to the Cromarty Firth. They stand guard over the firth, and many stories have been told about them. Sutor is the Scots word for shoemaker, and one story tells of two giant shoemakers, the Sutors, who used the two cliffs as their workbenches.
60 minutes
Cromarty Firth
Said to be the finest deep-water, natural harbour in Europe the Firth was home to the High Seas Fleet during World Wars 1 and 2. Even today the N.A.T.O fleet call in here and is an impressive sight. The port of Invergordon across the Firth is a significant base for visiting cruise liners and a service port for the oil industry.
60 minutes
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible -
Driver will pick up from your location and drop off at your required final destination.
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Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
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Wheelchair accessible
What our experts say
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Don't forget your camera for wildlife! -
Enjoy lunch at The Anderson, Fortrose.
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Visit the nearby Dolphin Center in Chanonry.
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Take a stroll at Cromarty's old town.
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Wear comfortable shoes for walking tours.
More About this Experience
Introduction
The Black Isle, known as the Bonnie Black Isle, is a stunning peninsula located between the Moray and Cromarty Firths in Scotland. Contrary to its name, the Black Isle isn't black, but it is undoubtedly beautiful. This picturesque region offers breathtaking views, mesmerizing seascapes, abundant wildlife, and intriguing points of interest.What to expect?
When you book The Black Isle experience, you can expect a truly memorable adventure. The tour lasts for 480 minutes, immersing you in the rich history and natural wonders of this remarkable place. Throughout the day, you'll embark on a journey to explore various captivating sites. From visiting ancient St Boniface's site, where you can participate in the tradition of tying a "clootie" to a tree to alleviate suffering, to discovering the impressive features of the Fortrose Cathedral, you'll be enchanted by the fascinating stories and architecture of this area. You'll also have the opportunity to witness bottle-nosed dolphins at Chanonry Point, admire Celtic and Pictish art at the Groam House Museum, delve into mystical folklore at Fairy Glen, and learn about the history of Cromarty while taking in its stunning coastal scenery.Who is this for?
The Black Isle experience is perfect for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a unique adventure. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends, this tour offers something for everyone. Its diverse range of activities and sites ensures that you'll never be bored, and the stunning landscapes will leave you in awe.Why book this?
By booking The Black Isle experience, you'll have the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in Scotland's natural beauty and history. Marvel at breathtaking seascapes, encounter magnificent wildlife, and explore ancient sites that hold centuries of stories. Engaging with local traditions and visiting noteworthy landmarks will give you a deeper understanding of the region's rich heritage. This experience offers a unique combination of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion, providing memories that will last a lifetime.Good to know
During The Black Isle tour, you'll be mesmerized by the picturesque scenery and awe-inspiring sights. Remember to bring comfortable footwear and clothing suitable for the day's weather, allowing you to fully enjoy each stop. Don't forget your camera or smartphone to capture the breathtaking views and capture the moments of wonder along the way. Also, keep in mind that the duration of each activity is approximately 60 minutes, ensuring that you have ample time to soak in the beauty and absorb the stories of each location.Reviews
Travelers who have experienced The Black Isle tour have been amazed by the beauty and diversity of this region. Many have praised the knowledgeable guides who provided fascinating insights into the history and culture of each site. Visitors have particularly enjoyed witnessing the bottle-nosed dolphins at Chanonry Point, describing it as an unforgettable experience. The picturesque landscapes, including the Cromarty Firth and its deep-water harbor, have left visitors in awe. Overall, the reviews reflect a sense of wonder and appreciation for the captivating journey through The Black Isle.
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