Camping in Black Isle
Rich in history, wildlife and farmland, the Black Isle is one of Scotlandâs most enchanting peninsula.
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Camping in Black Isle guide
Overview
Contrary to its name, the Black Isle is a fertile peninsula, surrounded by the Cromarty Firth to the north, the Beauly Firth to the south and the Moray Firth to the east. Itâs a land rich in history and beauty and is an enchanting setting for adventures such as dolphin-watching, hiking, mountain biking and horse riding. The ever-popular North Coast 500 driving route goes through the Black Isle, so it can get busy in summer. Spring can be a good alternative to a summer visit as youâll be able to dodge crowds, enjoy long days and spot dolphins. The Black Isleâs few organised campsites are clustered around Fortrose and Rosemarkie.
Where to go
Fortrose
Fortrose is the largest town in the Black Isle and has a beautiful stretch of beach. Close by, Learnie Red Rock has graded forest trails for mountain bikers. Campsites around Fortrose come with views over the Moray Firth.
Rosemarkie
At Chanonry Point, between Fortrose and Rosemarkie, bottlenose dolphins can often be seen frolicking in the Moray Firth. Pictish kings once ruled this land and today you can still see thousand-year-old carved Pictish stones in Rosemarkie at the Groam House Museum. Behind the village youâll find Fairy Glen, a wooded glen with waterfalls. You can pitch a tent on the shores of the Moray Firth here.
Cromarty
On the tip of the peninsula, at the mouth of the Cromarty Firth, Cromarty is the Highlands' best preserved historic town, home to attractive Georgian merchant houses and whitewashed fishermenâs cottages. In the summer, you can take the tiny ferry over to Nigg across the Cromarty Firth.
Udale Bay
The second of the RSPBâs Black Isle reserves (after Fairy Glen), the tranquil, intertidal Udale Bay is home to thousands of waders, ducks, geese and fishing osprey from late summer until April. Visit in Autumn to see wintering birds, including thousands of pink-footed geese, arriving from Iceland, Greenland and beyond.