EAT & DRINK

Rocpool, Inverness – Delicious, seasonal food with great atmosphere, try the scallops with chorizo or seafood soup, I can't get enough. Must book in advance.

Hootananny, Inverness – For authentic live Scottish ceilidh music, it’s such fun to go there after dinner one evening.

Black Isle Brewery, Inverness – Great spot for organic cider and wood-fired pizzas made with local ingredients.

Corner on the Square, Beauly – A great spot for lunch and to stock up on produce from their deli and veg shop for your trip. Spot our Delft Tiles on the back wall by the coffee machine!

Sutor Creek, Cromarty – Always a joy eating here, it offers fresh Scottish seafood, seasonal menus, and wood-fired pizzas.

Dores Inn, Near Inverness – A lochside spot for wide views, bracing dips, and hearty, seasonal fare.

IV10, Fortrose – A stylish spot overlooking the Moray Firth, serving beautifully presented dishes with a focus on local produce and fresh seafood.

WHERE TO SHOP

Leakey’s Bookshop, Inverness – It’s like stepping into another world, this second hand book shop is one of my favourite places to get lost in for hours.

Circa Botanica, Belladrum Near Beauly – An emporium of botanically inspired antiques and treasures for your home and gifts. Stop off there on your way to Beauly. 

Campbell’s of Beauly, Beauly – You cannot pass through Beauly without dropping into this iconic shop that offers handmade tweeds, knitwear, clothing and accessories for both men and women.

Iain Marr Antiques, Beauly – A treasure trove of all things antiques, a must visit. 

Gardiner & Gardiner, Cromarty – With its ever-changing antique stock and Helen’s great eye, you’ll be sure to leave with something. 

CASTLES & CULTURE

Cawdor Castle, Nairn – Plan your visit to the ancestral home of the Campbells of Cawdor since the 14th century, the gardens are spectacular.

Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness – Romantic in setting, it’s a ruined castle that sits beside Loch Ness. Lovely to stop there if you’re doing a day trip. 

Eilean Donan Castle, Kyle of Lochalsh – As one of the most iconic images of Scotland, Eilean Donan is recognised all around the world. Situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet.

Culloden Battlefield, Near Inverness – Powerful, moving site of the last pitched battle on British soil.

Clava Cairns, Near Inverness – Mysterious Bronze Age stones (think Outlander standing stones).

Brown’s Gallery, Inverness & Tain – Contemporary Scottish and international art in an intimate, well-curated space.

WALKS & NATURE ESCAPES

Reelig Glen, Near Beauly – Ancient woodland with some of the UK’s tallest Douglas firs.

Plodda Falls, Tomich – It’s a hidden treasure, with a spectacular waterfall cascading past towering trees.

Fairy Glen, Rosemarkie – Gentle waterfall walk, red squirrels often make an appearance.

Craig Phadrig, Inverness – Short hill walk to a Pictish fort with views over Inverness and the Beauly Firth.

Ord Hill, Inverness – Pine forest trails with panoramic Moray Firth outlooks.