Back
Rugged coast near Portknockie: Moray Firth
The bay on the North Sea is considered the greatest Firth of Britain. During the last ice age it was glaciated, which actually makes it a fjord. The large funnel between Kinnairds Head near Fraserburgh in Aberdeenshire and Duncansby Head near Wick is 120 kilometers wide at the opening. Counting all the bays, the Firth has a coastline of about 800 kilometers, including rocky cliffs and tidal flats. The highest peak close to the shore is Ben Wyvis: With its 1048 meters it is mostly shrouded in fog and snowcapped even during summer. Frolicking dolphins and whales are best seen from Chanonry Point.
Mystical ruins on the River Beauly
During the 13th century, French monks built an abbey on a spot along the River Beauly just before it empties into the firth. They called it the “beau lieu” due to its particularly beautiful location. The monastery was abandoned during the Reformation and became a ruin. The cloister, dormitory and the abbot's residence disappeared and the roof of the church caved in. Nevertheless, the ruin exudes a very unique charm.
Beauly Priory: A peaceful place
A hike to the waterfall
The waterfall at the end of this 2.5 kilometer hike is definitely worth seeing. The trail starts near Dunrobin Castle and leads upstream through a dense natural forest.
There is also a longer trail requiring hiking shoes that leads to the Falls of Shin, where you can see salmon jumping if you come during the right season. There is even a restaurant over the waterfall.
Falls of Shin
Where King Macbeth committed murder
According to Shakespeare, this castle with its massive keep was the crime scene where King Macbeth murdered Duncan. Historians have their doubts, however, because the castle was was not built until the 14th century and because Duncan actually died in the Battle of Elgin. Nevertheless, Cawdor Castle, which now belongs to the Dukes of Argyll, is still worth a visit. One of the very few “Royal” whisky distilleries, the Royal Brackla Distillery, is next door.
Further information:
www.cawdorcastle.com
Where Macbeth murdered Duncan: Cawdor Castle
Whisky museum in an old distillery
This former whisky distillery near Forres is now a museum in a registered historic building. The name “Dallas” comes from the Gaelic words for valley and water. “Dhu” means black. There is no visitor center, but the Historic Scotland organization has does a great job restoring the distillery. The old warehouse is now a museum about the history of Speyside Whisky in Scotland. The museum also includes a tour of the entire distillation and the maturation process. The whole building complex is open all year round.
Included in:
Historic Scotland Explorer Pass
Further information:
www.dallasdhu.com
Dallas Dhu: Distillery museum | © Nick Fox / Shutterstock.com
Green hills, mild climate
Easter Ross is the easternmost part of Ross-shire, which in the west reaches to the Atlantic Ocean and includes a Hebridean island. The region on the North Sea is shielded by the high mountains to the west and therefore has a milder climate than the Western Highlands. The green hills reach up to the Cromart Fjord, where sometimes dolphins can be spotted. Amongst all this are small villages and manor houses.
Green, sheltered hills: Easter Ross
