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INVERNESS MUSEUM & ART GALLERY Explore the art, history & heritage of the Highlands. The museum has a dedicated children’s space, with hands on collections & interactive games. The art gallery has a changing programme of contemporary art with a community gallery where local groups can stage their own exhibitions. Admission is free! OPEN: Nov to end of Mar, Thurs - Sat 10am – 5 pm. Apr to end of Oct, Tue - Sat 10 am - 5 pm. Coffee shop and gift shop. Castle Wynd, Inverness IV2 3EB, Tel: 01463 237114 www.inverness.highland.museum (Map Grid: C2)

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PHOENIX BOAT TRIPS Family orientated boat trips for a maximum of twelve passengers depart throughout the day from Inverness Marina on board ‘Seacruise’ into the inner Firth. There is a wide variety of wild-life to watch and photograph. This may include the bottlenose dolphins, porpoises, seals, red kites, osprey etcInverness Marina Longman Drive Inverness IV1 1SU. Tel: 01667 456078 or mobile 07703 168097. www.inverness-dolphin-trips.co.uk

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BRODIE CASTLE. Impressive castle contains fine furniture, porcelain and a major collection of English and Dutch paintings. Woodland walk and wildlife hides. Shop, wild garden, children’s adventure playground and picnic area. OPEN: Castle 1-30 Apr daily 10.30-4.30 1 May -30 Jun, Sun to Thurs 10.30-4.30, 1 Jul to 31 Aug 10.30-5pm. 1 Sept to 31 Oct Sun to Thur 10.30-4.30. Last tour 1hr before close. Grounds OPEN all year. Off A96, 24miles East of Inverness. IV36 2TE Tel: 0844 493 2156

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CULLODEN BATTLEFIELD (NTS).The battle lines have been redrawn at the Culloden battlefield. With the Site restored as closely as possible to that seen on that fateful day in April 1746, Culloden now boasts a visitor centre and exciting interactive exhibition. Follow characters who were actually involved in the battle in the exhibition, experience the

true horror of the battle in the 360 degree immersive film, take a battlefield tour, and watch the daily Living History presentations. Battlefield Visitor centreExhibition, Licensed restaurant, Shop: OPEN daily 24 Jan to 31 Mar 10 to 4pm 1 April to 31 Oct 9 to 6 pm (5pm in Oct) Nov to 23 Dec 10 to 4pm. Site: OPEN all year daily. On B9006, 5 miles East of Inverness IV2 5EU. Tel 0844 4932159. www.nts.org.uk

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“A hidden treasure, a delightful museum” GROAM HOUSE is an award-winning museum dedicated to the Picts and to displaying and interpreting the stunning examples of their sculptural art found in Rosemarkie. An annual exhibition is also held (for 2012 this will be Harbouring Heritage - a history of Fortrose Harbour) and there is a museum shop which stocks high quality gifts with Celtic and local themes. There are activities for children and videos to watch as well

as a suite of interactive computer programmes.

ADMISSION IS FREE (Wheelchair access to ground floor only). OPEN: 6 April to 31 October : Monday – Friday 11am – 4.30pm, Saturday 2 – 4.30pm1 November to 2 December : Saturday 2 – 4pmTel:01381 620 961 Email:curator@groamhouse.org.uk www.groamhouse.org.uk IV10 8UF

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Beauly, Dingwall, Loch Ness and The Black Isle.

Guide heading - is the Campbell of Cawdor Ancient tartanand the image is of Cawdor Castle.

CAWDOR CASTLE A romantic fairy-tale castle and home of the Thanes of Cawdor since 1370. The dramatic medieval tower, turrets, battlements and drawbridge belie an enchanting interior of fine art work, tapestries and furniture. Stunning grounds, beautiful gardens, woodland nature trails, putting green and short 9-hole golf course make Cawdor a memorable day out for all the family. The Courtyard Café offers a mouth-watering menu and the shops an exciting range of gifts. IV12 5RD. Tel: 01667 404401.www.cawdorcastle.com OPEN 1st May to 30th September, 10am to 5pm.

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HOOTANANNY CEILIDH BAR LIVE SCOTTISH MUSIC EVERY NIGHT

‘Rock’Upstairs ‘n ‘Reel’ DownstairsScottish Music Pub of the year 2010, “Winner

of ICA Pub of the Year” 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 - Award winning Thai Cuisine

Ceilidh every Saturday 2.30pm to 4.30pm 67 Church St IV1 1ES Tel:01463 233651

www.hootananny.co.uk (Map Grid: B2)

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HUGH MILLER BIRTHPLACE COTTAGE AND MUSEUM presents Hugh Miller’s many talents, including stonemason, geologist, writer, editor and church reformer through a variety of exhibitions. The C17th thatched cottage where Hugh was born in 1802, has an audio tour which tells of its history. OPEN 1 Apr to 30 Sep, daily 12 to 5, 1 to 31 Oct, Tues, Thurs and Fri 12 to 5. Tel: 0844 493 2158 Church St Cromarty. IV11 8XA

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THE LOCH NESS MONSTER The first recorded sighting of the monster was by St Columba in 565AD It was not until 1933 that the monster became famous as the world newspapers reported the story. There are a remarkable number of eye witness accounts. So keep your eyes peeled, you never know you may be lucky to spot the monster. A82 lay-bys give different viewing angles of Loch Ness, so be prepared to pull off and enjoy the spectacle (Don’t forget your camera!).

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KUSHI ADVENTURES They offer a range of activities including - canoeing, climbing, abseiling, navigation, expeditions, team building, problem solving, raft building, hill walking and kayaking. They can arrange packages to fit most requirements. 20 Union Rd Inverness. IV2 3JY Tel: 07833 462707 info@kushiadventures.co.uk www.kushiadventures.co.uk

10 CASTLE GALLERY, described by The Independent newspaper as “one of the best reasons to visit Inverness” shows landscape, figurative and abstract work by artists from Scotland and throughout Britain, with pieces by established artists and emerging talent. Exhibitions of contemporary paintings, prints, sculpture, crafts and jewellery. OPEN Mon to Sat 9.00am to 5.00pm 43 Castle Street, IV2 3DU Tel:01463 729512 www.castlegallery.co.uk (Map Grid C2)

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Visit MERKINCH LOCAL NATURE RESERVE a hidden gem minutes from the city centre. Why not take a walk along the paths? You might spot heron, roe deer or even bottlenose dolphins. Visit the Old Ferry Ticket Office (opening times vary). Find out what’s going on, discover some of the history or just stop for a chat. We look forward to seeing you! Only 1 mile from the city centre, on a bus route, limited car parking available at the Ticket Office. Tel:01463 718989 www.merkinchlnr.org.uk. Follow us on Facebook. (Map Grid A1)

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The Victorian Market in the heart of the old Town is a unique covered shopping area with a wide variety of

choice

VICTORIAN MARKET Originally built in 1870 then destroyed by fire in 1888 and rebuilt in 1890 in the ornate splendour of the Victorian era. Home to some 41 shops offering a wide variety of choice to the shopper including 2 cafés. Well worth a visit. www.invernessvictorianmarket.co.ukIV1 1PT (Map Grid: B2)

EXPLORE HIGHLAND By Canoe, by Kayak, by Sea Kayak or by Duckie... ‘Fancy a full day or evening canoeing or sea kayaking? Local options include exploring the Moray Firth, Loch Ness or the River Ness’. Contact Tel: 0780 807 1810 email: info@explorehighland.com follow us on Facebook or Twitter. www.explorehighland.com

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Inverness - Ness Island Walk - Inverness must be one of the few cities in the world where you can literally walk from the city centre along a pictur-esque river and feel as though you are right in the middle of the countryside.

Follow the foot steps on the painted Inverness City Centre map along the banks of the River Ness. There are a number of footbridges along its length of the River Ness where you can cross from one side of the river to the other.

Watch out for seals, especially between Friars Bridge and Ness Bridge you will often see a head

sticking out of the river. The seals are shy creatures so be patient and do not make it obvious that you have spotted the seal and you will able to watch it for ages.

Walking upstream you will find Ness Island. The walk will take you past the

Castle, churches and gardens. Cross the river on the little bridges and you can visit Bught Park. Close by you will find the Floral Hall - a sub tropical horticultural gem with small waterfalls, fish and an assortment of plants/trees. Floral Halls also has a

delightful little tea room You can make a loop by the connecting bridges, and if its the right season you can watch the salmon fishermen standing in the river.Allow 1 to 2 hours for the circular walk.

MAYA BELGIAN CHOCOLATES “Made in the Highlands”. The shop is all about chocolate and everything sold in the shop can be seen being created on the premises. A range of over 40 chocolates! On Fridays and Saturdays Fabienne makes beautiful French Style pattisseries to take home. OPEN Tuesday- Saturday 10am-5pm (Closed on Sunday and Monday) 5, Strothers Lane IV1 1LR Tel: 01463 419201 www.mayachocolates.co.uk (Map Grid B2)

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HIGHLAND SOUVENIRS AND GIFTS. The oldest shop in Inverness C1700’s. With a truly Scottish theme throughout from exclusive Scottish designed T Shirts, Scottish fridge magnets, tartan tights, and a unique range of Celtic silver jewellery, soft toys, hats, handbags, and other gifts, This small independent, family owned business pride themselves on Service and tourist information. OPEN 7 days 9am - 6pm, 9am-10pm June - August. 15 Inglis St, IV1 1HN. Tel: 01463 713475 (Map Grid: B3)

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Pleasantly located on the banks of the River Ness, the RIVERSIDE GALLERY has probably the widest selection of Fine Art in the Highlands, from C19th Scottish Art through early and late C20th work, to the very latest of contemporary Scottish painting. Well worth a visit. OPEN 9.30am to 5.00pm daily all year (Saturdays to 3pm, closed Sundays). 11 Bank St, IV1 1QY. Tel:01463 224781.www.riversidegallery.info (Map Grid: B2)

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When in Inverness you simply must visit the truly authentic home of Highland Dresswear CHISHOLMS HIGHLAND DRESS. The Shop is a treasure trove of top quality kilts, jackets, sporrans, accessories, tartans and clan memorabilia. A family run business in the shadow of the Castle which makes you most welcome. 47/51 Castle Street, IV2 3DU. Tel: 01463 234599 www.kilts.co.uk (Map Grid: C2)

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INVERNESS CITY must be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. With majestic church spires and bridges crossing the River Ness. It’s name comes from the Gaelic for the ‘mouth of the River Ness’. One of the shortest rivers in the world, which runs six miles from Loch Ness through the city entering the sea at the Beauly Firth.

Inverness owes its existence to being the lowest crossing point of the River Ness. It was created a Royal Burgh in the late twelfth century, over 800 years ago. What other city has such a picturesque river flowing through its centre in such a majestic setting? A perfect touring base with great transport links, by road, rail or plane. For Shopping trips, visiting some of the many attractions in the Highlands.

Active Inverness Shop Inverness

The Caledonian Canal - considered by many to be one of the greatest water-ways of the world, a masterpiece of canal engineering, slicing through the length of the Great Glen, a massive geological fault in the Earth’s crust .The canal runs 62 miles (100 km) in a straight line from Inverness to Corpach near Fort William. One third is man-made, the rest being formed by four lochs includ-ing Loch Ness. An Act of Parliament in July 1803 authorising the canal engineer Thomas Telford to survey, design and build the waterway. Opening in 1822, at a cost £910,000 employing over 3,000 people. There are 29 locks 4 aqueducts and 10 bridges. The canal is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument, attracting over half a million visitors each year. There are many ways to enjoy the canal, walking or cycling along the tow-paths, or cruising on Hotel Barges.

This is one of a series of 11 Explore Scotland Guides. For Further information contact 01796 473335 or VISIT Explore Scotland at www.ExploreScotland.net

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THE ROOM has an excellent reputation for its pub style food freshly prepared by professional chefs, it has received a GOLD Best Bar None Award for 2011 & holds its reputation as one of the most recommended Bar & Restaurants in Inverness. LIVE music every Fri & Sat from 10pm with only the Best Bands In the highlands booked to play in 2012. OPEN for Food Daily From 12pm – 9pm. Poker Nights on Mon, Steak Nights on Thurs Tel: 01463 233077. 73 Queensgate,Inverness,IV1 1DG (Map Grid:B2)

19 CINNAMON INDIAN RESTAURANT has an excellent reputation for the high standard and consistency of it‘s cuisine served by attentive staff. ‘Cinnamon Restaurant of the Year 2011 Sunday Post’.The Restaurant is very spacious, (90 seats) Located right in the very heart of Inverness the Cinnamon restaurants` central location makes it the perfect choice for business colleagues and shoppers to enjoy a buffet lunch, friends to enjoy a mid week treat or for family celebrations and

special events. Their popular Sunday Buffet (over 35 items) “Eat as much as you like!” 12.30pm to 4.30pm £8.95; 5pm to 10.30pm £10.95 OPEN Mon to Thurs 12noon to 2pm and 5pm to 11pm, Fri 5pm to 11pm, Sat 12noon to 2pm and 5pm to 11pm. 1b Milburn Road, Opposite Morrisons, Inverness IV2 3PX. Tel:01463 716020www.cinnamoninverness.co.uk (Map Grid: B3)

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THE CASTLE TAVERN ‘Taigh-osada a chaisteil’Real Ale, Real Food, Real Pub, (Voted Real Ale Pub of the Year 2008 & 2010) opposite the Castle entrance, The Castle Tavern is the perfect place to meet, eat and enjoy the tantalising hot food and award winning real ale, either inside or out. 1 View Place, Inverness, IV2 4SA Tel: 01463 718178 www.castletavern.net E-mail: enquiries@castletavern.net (Map Grid: C2)

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CAFÉ 1 has an excellent reputation built over the last 13yrs for high quality modern Scottish cuisine. Only fresh locally sourced fresh produce are used where possible, also home made deserts and ice creams. Friendly professional service. Café 1 ‘the accent is on good food’. OPEN all day, lunch from 12noon dinner from 5.30pm. 75 Castle Street. IV2 3EA.Tel:01463 226200 www.cafe1.net (Map Grid: C2)

22 JOY OF TASTE Day Cafe and Evening Restaurant

Trip Advisor Best Restaurant in Inverness

Double Rosette Chef OPEN

10am-10pm25 Church Street IV1 1DY

Tel: 01463 241459 (Map Grid: B2)

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REFLEXIONS at the WATERSIDE HOTEL, INVERNESS

A place to relax and enjoy great Scottish food with a modern twist.

Serving food all day. Every seat has a river view.

19 Ness Bank, Inverness, IV2 4SF Tel: 01463 233 065

www.thewatersideinverness.co.uk (Map Grid: C2)

24 THE DORES INN. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Loch Ness, have a coffee or ice cream from the new hut to take along the beach, or a glass of wine and a meal in the garden or on the terrace.

Only 10 mins from Inverness on the B862. Dores, Loch Ness. Inverness. IV2 6TR Tel:01463 751203 info@thedoresinn.co.uk

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RAJAH INDIAN RESTAURANT The Rajah is the longest established Indian Restaurant in the Highlands (since 1982), providing superior quality food and service to locals and visitors alike. Only using the finest quality ingredients sourced with extreme care by our very experienced team of chefs, giving you the authentic taste of India in the heart of the Highlands.www.rajahindianrestaurant.com (Map Grid: B2)

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2 Post Offi ce Ave,Inverness, IV1 1DN.Tel 01463 237190or 01463 711525

ASPENDOS MEDITERRANEAN TURKISHRESTAURANT. A modern, stylish restaurant that serves Mediterranean and Turkish food - cooked by authentic methods, the food becomes part of the entertainment of the evening. Fully Licensed OPEN Mon - Sat: 12 noon - 11pm, Sun: 12 noon - 10pm. Musti special lunch. Early evening menu between 4pm to 6 pm 26 Queensgate IV1 1DJ Tel: 01463 711950 www.highlandaspendos.co.uk (Map Grid:B2)

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NUMBER 27 in the city centre is overlooked by Inverness Castle. They pride themselves in offering something a little different, the food is cooked by traditionally trained chefs. The service standards are considered to be friendly but professional, it has a strong local trade due to its mouth watering menu and has one of the largest selections of draft beers in Inverness. Food Served Daily From 12pm-9pm Tel: 01463 241999 27 Castle Street,Inverness,IV2 3DU www.number27inverness.co.uk (Map Grid:C2)

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THE ROYAL HIGHLAND HOTEL, one of Scotland’s oldest and most loved, was originally the Railway Co’s Station Hotel. In late Victorian times it was patronised by Royalty from Britain and abroad. Serving gourmet cuisine at the renowned Ash restaurant, with the more traditional coffee lounge and gallery deli serving fine patisseries. Station Square Inverness IV1 1LG. Tel: 01463 251451/or 231926 (Map Grid: B3)

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FILLING STATION offers a warm welcome, comfortable surroundings and of course fantastic food. Menu highlights include a wide range of wraps, pizzas, burgers, salads and grills, not to mention the ever popular sizzling fajitas. Filling Station’s central location makes it an ideal place to refuel after shopping, sightseeing or stepping off a train. OPEN 8am until late. 8-10 Academy Street. IV1 1JT Tel: 01463 663 360 (Map Grid: B2)

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SAMS INDIAN CUISINE Fully licensed and fully air conditioned, in the centre of town. A fabulous menu which includes Indian, Chinese and European dishes. Eat In or Take away service available. OPEN Monday - Wednesday 12 noon - 2pm and 5pm - 11pm. Thursday - Sunday 12noon - 11pm. 77/79 Church Street Inverness IV1 1ES Tel: 01463 713111 or 01463 711400 (Map Grid B2)

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INVERNESS IN WINTER, “One of the best times of the year to visit the Highland capital”. The Christmas lights are spectacular! The Shopping Experience in the city is wonderful. With great atmosphere, make your visit to the Highlands extra special, stay and enjoy a Highland Christmas and New Year. The Inverness Hogmanay celebrations welcomes in the New Year between 10pm - 1am, attracting crowds from all over the world. Use the special trip planner feature on www.Explore-Inverness.com to plan your visit. It has all the information you need, from travel information, Places to Eat, Shops, and Activities, things to do and Events.

WATERFRONT BAR AND RESTAURANT.On the banks of the River Ness, the Waterfront has an excellent reputation for its good food and friendliness. With a varied menu, all food is freshly prepared. Fresh local seafood when available. OPEN 7 days from 11.30am (Sun 12.30). Lunch 12noon to 2.15pm. Dinner from 5pm. Traditional music every Thursday night. 70 Huntly Street, IV3 5JN. Tel: 01463 233870 (Map Grid: B1)

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Eating Out

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This is one of a series of 11 Explore Scotland Guides. For Further information contact 01796 473335 or VISIT Explore Scotland at www.ExploreScotland.net

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This is one of a series of 11 Explore Scotland Guides. For Further information contact 01796 473335 or VISIT Explore Scotland at www.ExploreScotland.net

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This is one of a series of 11 Explore Scotland Guides. For Further information contact 01796 473335 or VISIT Explore Scotland at www.ExploreScotland.net

Inverness Historic Trail

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The Historic Page is sponsored by Inveness BID (Business Improvement District). The BID concept delivers a real opportunity for the town’s businesses today. Working with businesses in a partnership between the private & public sectors. BIDs build on the proven success of Town & City Centre Management schemes. These partnerships began in the early 1990’s.Businesses take control of their own future trading environment.www.invernessbid.co.uk

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Inverness CastleThere has been a castle on this site since the 12th century. Prince Charles Edward Stuart’s Jacobites blew up the Hanoverian Fort in 1746. The present sandstone building dates from 1834 with the North block added in 1847. Today it serves as the Inverness Sheriff Court House. ALSO SEE Inverness Museum (see page 1)

Town HouseCompleted in 1882, this Victorian Gothic building was the Town House of the Royal Burgh of Inverness and now serves as the Inverness area office of the Highland Council.

Tollbooth SteepleThe Georgian tollbooth steeple was erected beside the adjoining Old Court House and Jail in 1791 and rises 45 metres to where three bronze bells hang in the spire.

Falcon Squareis named after John Falconer who opened Falcon Foundry at Inverness Rail Terminus in 1858. The building on the square which houses Laura

Ashley and Pizza Express formed part of this Foundry – it was dismantled and relocated here in the late 1990s.

LibraryIn 1841 this building, which has Egyptian and Greek influences was erected with Doric col-umns and pediments to house Bell’s Institu-tion, and the school remained in the building until 1937. It has been the home of the public library since 1981.

The Victorian MarketOriginally known as the “New Market”, was built in 1870 and rebuilt after a fire in 1890. It connects all four surrounding streets and houses a variety of unique local shops. The entrance from Academy Street has Corinthian arches and animal carvings on the keystones.

Abertarff House Built in 1593, this is the earliest surviving house in Inverness. The crow-stepped gables - known as “corbie steps” - of this town house stand out in this crowded street. It was received from the Na-tional Commercial Bank and restored in 1966 by The National Trust for Scotland.

after Provost Alexander Dunbar, who en-dowed it as a hospital for the poor, and as the Grammar School which remained there until 1792. Subsequently it served as a pub-lic library and now houses flats, a shop and a day centre

Old Gaelic ChurchBuilt as the Gaelic Church in 1649. Rebuilt in 1792 and reconstructed before becoming Greyfriars Free Church. It now houses a second-hand bookshop and café.

Old High ChurchThe original Parish Church of Inverness dedicated to St Mary, built on St Michael’s Mount since at least the 12th Century. The base of the bell tower probably dates from the 15th century and the top from the 17th. The church was built in the 1770s. Jacobite prisoners were confined in the church af-ter Culloden and some were executed in the grave-yard.

Free North Church Built in 1889-92 in decorated Gothic style it

has the highest steeple in Inverness, a dominant feature by the River Ness.

St Columba’s High Church. The congre-gation was established in 1843, the present church opened in 1852. A fire in 1940 left only the walls standing. The congregation, servicemen & prison-ers of war refurbished the church and it opened nine years later.

Balnain HouseBuilt as a town house around 1726 in early Georgian style, Balnain House was used as a hospital for Han-overian soldiers after Culloden and as billets for the Royal Engineers when completing the 1st Ordnance Survey. Now restored it is the office of The National Trust for Scotland.

St Mary’s Built in 1837 in perpendicular Gothic Revival style, St Mary’s is the first Roman Catholic church built in Inverness after the Reformation.

Inverness CathedralThe Cathedral was built 1866-69, to a design by Alexander Ross, in Gothic Revival style. The original design (shown on a painting inside the build-ing) incorporated spires. Open all year for visitors, 9am - 6pm.

The Inverness Historic Trail guides you through Inverness’s New and Old Towns where you will find fascinating buildings and an abundance of shops and restaurants to enjoy. From the unique local traders in the Victorian Mar-ket, to souvenir shops by the river and on the High Street, and quality re-tailers in the Eastgate Centre; the Capital of the Highlands offers a friendly welcome with plenty to see and do.

Refer to the letters on the painted city centre map in the centre pages of this guide for directions.

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The word Inverness - from the Gaelic meaning “Mouth of the River Ness”A walk around the riverside gives you the chance to enjoy beautiful moun-tain views and wildlife in the heart of the city.

Dunbar’s Hospital Built in 1668, this building is named

West of Inverness to Loch Ness - Day Tour by car

This is one of a series of 11 Explore Scotland Guides. For Further information contact 01796 473335 or VISIT Explore Scotland at www.ExploreScotland.net

Inverness Historic Trail

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North of Inverness

West of Inverness to Loch Ness - Day Tour by car This circular tour takes you along Loch Ness, then inland to a number of sites well worth visiting. (Approx. 50 miles)

The route also gives you a true taste of Scottish Highland scenery, as you drive through some dramatic rugged landscapes.Refer to the green letters on the map above for directions.

Drive out of Inverness onto the A862 signposted for Drumnadrochit. This road will take you along the North Shore of Loch Ness. The first lay-by is worth stopping at as it has information plaques and plenty of space for you to take in the history and feel of the World’s most famous ‘Monster’ Loch.

The Loch Ness Monster. The first recorded sighting of the monster was by St Columba in 565AD It was not until 1933 that the monster became world

famous as the world newspapers reported the story. There are a remarkable number of eye witness ac-counts that ring true on close examination. So keep your eyes on the loch as you travel around, you never know you may be lucky and spot the monster too.Continue driving along the A82, you will find further lay-bys for you to pull off the road. These lay-bys give

different viewing angles of Loch Ness, so be prepared to pull off and enjoy the spectacle (Don’t forget your camera!).

Turn off the A82, to the A831 in Drumnadrochit. Drive for about 9 miles on the A831; look out for a sign for Corrimony Chambered Cairn. Glen Urquart cham-bered cairn, built about 4000 years ago, is encircled by 12 standing stones. A particularly clear example of a prehistoric burial tomb. Good explanation plaque. Open all year. Free.

After visiting the Cairn turn left and follow the A831 to Glen Affric (from ‘Ath-Breac’ Gaelic for ‘dappled ford’). A magnificent glen, large areas of native forests, trees of 200 to 300 years old, forest roads, walks, Dog Falls, 100 ft Plodda Falls, magnificent views, open all year.

Plodda Falls A drop of 100ft in spectacular broadleaf and pine forest. Viewing platform above and below the falls. From the car park Plodda Falls is a 1ml circular walk. A831 at Cannich village. Follow signs for Tomich historic village .

Continue to the A862 follow signs to Beauly, where you will find Beauly Priory. Founded in 1230, it became a Cister-cian home around 1510. The church was roofless in 1633, the stone is said to have been used by

Cromwell to build a fort in Inverness in 1650. A plaque tells of Mary Queen of Scots’ visit here in 1564 and her travels in the Highlands. Descriptive plaques point out all the points of interest. Open daily. Free admission.

After Visiting Beauly turn back along the A862 following your route about 3 miles turn right towards Inverness. You will come to the village of Kirkhill. Continue on A862 to Inverness.

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We have put together a great day trip of about 100 mile circular route north of Inverness which take you to some superb places to visit, through fabulous Highland scenery with great views to the Falls of Shin. The route then takes you back along the coast to Dornoch where Madonna married Guy Ritchie, on to Invergordon the scene of the 1st World War naval mutiny, home to today’s ocean going cruise liners and then back to Inverness. Refer to the purple letters on the map on page 8 for directions.

Head north from Inverness along the A9 over the Kessoch Bridge, staying on the A9 over the long low bridge over the Cromarty Firth, approxi-mately 4 miles after the bridge take the left turn on to the B9176 for Bonar Bridge and Ardgay. This route climbs up to higher ground of heather clad moorland, streams and forests, offering some spectacular views over the Dornoch Firth.

As you come over the top of the brow of the hill, watch out for the layby with a viewing area, we recommend you pull in and enjoy the views over the Dornach Firth out west to Benmore and Assynt to the west. Then descend down to Bonar Bridge.

Now head back to Bonar Bridge, this time fol-lowing the A949 around the north shore of the Dor-noch Firth to the A9, turn north for about 1 mile to rejoin the A949 ,then 2 miles to Dornoch.

Dornoch hit the world headlines when Madonna chose this idyllic setting for her marriage to Guy Ritchie, the father of her son Rocco, who was Christened in the Cathedral the evening before the wedding.

Dornoch boasts some fine buildings including Scotland’s smallest Cathedral built by the Bishop of Caithness in 1224 paying for it himself. There is also a Bishop’s palace (now a hotel), courthouse and old town jail. Sandstone cottages and town houses line its peaceful streets and lanes. Dornoch has some excellent descrip-tive plaques that help you unravel the past, as well as the History Links Trail which takes you through the streets and nearby countryside.

Leaving Dornoch retracing the route to the A9 head south towards Inverness, taking the turning to wwwwwwInvergordon. Here the summer cruise-liners berth, (Tel:01349 852308 for cruise liner info) in the heart of the town the pier is a very short walk from the town centre. Visit the Crazy Horse Res-

taurant on the High Street (see page 2 for details).

Do not miss the superb Invergordon Murals on the side of buildings produced by the Invergordon Off the Wall Group. Each mural is carefully se-lected after consultation with the townsfolk and the building owner. A booklet explaining the murals can be purchased from local shops.

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East of InvernessThis circular tour of approx.40 miles takes you to two important Scottish locations. Each of the attractions highlighted on this tour is special in their own unique way and is highly recommended to visit. Refer to the blue letters on the map on page 8 for directions.

Take the B9006 from Inverness to Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre, (see Page 1 for details). We suggest you allow 2-3 hours to take in all that the National Trust for Scotland has included in this newly presented visitor experience (2008) A visit to the atmospheric battlefield is a must.

On 16 April 1746 the last battle to be fought on British soil took less than an hour to reach its bloody conclusion here on what is now know as Culloden Moor. It was not, as often portrayed, a battle between the Scots and the Eng-

lish: large numbers of Scots fought on the Government side while the Jacobite army included French units and some English Jacobites. Rather it was the last chapter in a sporadic civil war for succession to the British throne that had been under way since 1688.

On leaving, turn right onto B9006 and drive for about 7miles to the crossroads, turn right onto B9090 following signs to Cawdor Castle (see Page 1 for details). The story of Cawdor Castle is connected with Wil-liam, 3rd Thane of Cawdor. There is a gift shop, a bookshop, a wool shop; an excellent restaurant in the castle itself. There is a snack bar near the car park. Visitors can wander at will through the walled garden, flower garden and wild garden. There is a picnic area, a 9 hole pitch and putt golf course, a putting

green, a duck pond, an extensive area of natural woodland with a series of way-marked nature trails of different lengths from three quarters of a mile up to five miles.

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This is one of a series of 11 Explore Scotland Guides. For Further information contact 01796 473335 or VISIT Explore Scotland at www.ExploreScotland.net

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Outside InvernessTHE STOREHOUSE RESTAURANT AND FARM SHOP. Fresh seasonal produce in a beautiful setting. Delicious, home-cooked meals. Full Scottish breakfasts and Sunday lunches. Award-winning cakes and pastries. Picnic service. Farm shop with gifts and homewares. Clan Museum, and much more. Wi-Fi available Foulis Ferry, Evanton, IV16 9UX Tel: 01349 830038 info@thestorehouseathome.com

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CRAZY HORSE COFFEE SHOP & RESTAURANT ‘Traditional Highland Hospitality’- in the heart of the local community. Chef’s Daily Specials and Bistro menu, quality ground coffee & specialist teas, home baked cakes, country style soups and local haggis. OPEN 9.30am to 4pm Monday to Friday. Tel 01349 852030 74 High St. Invergordon IV18 ODL On the scenic shoreline Pictish Trail route (B817) venture off the beaten track from Dalmore Distillery to Kildary.

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HIGHLAND AVIATION MUSEUM opposite Inverness airport on Dalcross Industrial Estate. Exhibits from complete aircraft to nose sections, the Museum’s unique attraction is that visitors can climb in many of the cockpits. This is a rare experience, from the cramped cockpit of the Lightning, a jet-fighter capable of twice the speed of sound, to the spacious 54ft front section of Nimrod the submarine hunter. OPEN from Easter to Nov Sat & Sun 10am - 4.30pm, www.highlandaviationmuseum.org.uk

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WARDLAW MAUSOLEUM. Built in 1634, this is the burial place of at least 4 Lovat or Fraser clan chiefs. This commanding site overlooking the mouth of the River Beauly was once the site of the ancient Lovat Castle. The mausoleum was built onto the eastern gable of the old Church of Wardlaw, dating from 1220 AD. Obtain key for entry from Pilgrim Cottage or Rochelle, adjacent to the Mausoleum. Off A862 the village of Kirkhill; go round cemetery to park.

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DOLPHINS AND SEALS OF THE MORAY FIRTH INFORMATION CENTRE.Bottlenose Dolphins are often seen in The Firth. Spot their fins or see them leaping out of the water. The best places to see them are Chanory Point and North Kessock. The best time is on the rising tide. For details of tide times go to www.pol.ac.uk/ntslf the UK National Tide Gauge Network.

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DOLPHIN WATCHING AT CHANONRY POINT. The point is without doubt the best place to watch the Bottlenose Dolphins. The nearby Dolphin and Seal Centre at North Kessock also offers dolphin watching opportunities during the summer. The best time to spot them is from low tide onwards as the tide rises between Mar & Oct. They can often be seen in front of the large ships in the harbour. Chanonry Point is situated East of Fortrose off the A832.

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BRAHAN SEER PLAQUE. At Chamoury Point, on the shore near Chamoury lighthouse, there is a plaque commemorating the burning at the stake of Kenneth MacKenzie (Coinneach Odhar) - “The Brahan Seer”. The Brahan Seer lived in the 17th century. He possessed the gift of second sight, not uncommon in the Highlands. He is attributed with foretelling many events, many occurring after his death. Situated east of Fortrose off A832.

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MUNLOCHY CLOOTIE WELL. A healing well dedicated to St Boniface (or Curidan). There is said to have once been a chapel on the site. To have your wish granted, you must spill some water 3 times on the ground, tie a rag torn from your clothes on a nearby tree, make the sign of the cross and then drink from the well. Tradition states that anyone removing a rag will succumb to the misfortunes of the original owner. On the A832 car park adjacent to the road east of Tore.

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This is one of a series of 11 Explore Scotland Guides. For Further information contact 01796 473335 or VISIT Explore Scotland at www.ExploreScotland.net