Touring the Black Isle of Scotland with a Campervan

Touring the Black Isle of Scotland with a Campervan

A peninsula with Ross and Cromarty located in the Scottish Highlands is high on many visitors lists to travel to. Located close to the Black isle you will find many little villages including Culnokie, North Kessock, Muir of Ord, Munlochy and Avoch. These are perhaps villages many have never heard of before but they are not to be underestimated. The Black Isle is a relatively small settlement with around 12000 people living within its region.

If you head towards the North of the Black Isle you will be met with some of the most spectacular views of Dingwall, Invergordon and Fyrish. Headed to the South? You will see Inverness and the Monadhliath Mountains. The Black isle is connected by the Kessock Bridge so is very easily accessible over the Moray Firth. 

Why Visit the Black Isle? 

• Surrounded by sea - with 3 of its 4 sides surrounded by the sea you will never be far from the soothing sounds of the water or the lovely sea air. The Cromarty Firth at the North, the Beauty Firth to the south and the Moray Firth to the East, and the question many have, why is it called the “black isle”? No one really knows. Not only is there very little black to be seen its also not an Isle. The 4th side of the Isle has many rivers branching off from its boundaries. If you are heading up the A9 which is the main road heading north from central scotland, this passes right through the heart of the Black Isle meaning you wont miss a moment. 

• Wildlife is bountiful and it also has protected areas. You are likely to see some bottlenose dolphins if you keep your eyes pealed. You can head out on a boat from Avoch or Cromarty or simply head towards the beach at Channory Point. The birds are plentiful by the sea and the shores as you would expect. The black isle boasts two RSPB nature reserves, fairy glen and an enchanted wood with breath taking waterfalls. Here you will find song birds , pink – footed geese and beautiful delicate wildflowers.
•  Castles are everywhere in Scotland and the Black Isle is not left out. With several castles, some in ruins you wont be missing out on the history of the area. Castlecraig and Kilcoy castle are worth viewing whilst you are in this neck of the woods. There is quite a spectacular house that now stand where Cromarty Castle once sat and it is built partially by reclaimed stone and timbers from the original building. 

Not to be forgotten but in 2012 the local dialect North Northern Scots was officially pronounced extinct when the last native speaker Bobby Hogg passed away. The area however remains to have a large Gaelic heritage and you will be almost guaranteed to meet someone who speaks it fluently. Rosemarkie is perhaps best known for its pictish stones. Some of these can be seen from Groam House Museum. The Kirkmicheal church is undergoing renovation to become a visitors centre so be sure to pop in and see how the work is developing when you are passing. 

If you like your locally produced brews ensure you stop in at the only organic brewery in Scotland. The brewery opened in 1998 and they not only produce there own beer but all the barley, grain , fruit herbs and vegetables to go alongside it.  You can come along and attend a tour gaining some of the history and appreciate the work that goes into every bottle. Take a sample back with you and enjoy whilst your tea is cooking on the BBQ provided in the motorhome. 

There are plenty of places to stop overnight on the Black Isle by simply following our wild camping app built in  or book into a campsite if this is more your thing. Wherever you choose to stay you will not be disappointed. Please pop on to our website at www.scottishtourer.co.uk for more information and availability of our wide range of fully equipped motorhomes.