Fortrose and Rosemarkie

Fortrose and Rosemarkie are two small towns a mile apart on the Black Isle in Easter Ross in the Scottish Highlands. In 2020 Fortrose had a population of 1680 and Rosemarkie had 640. Between them, Chanonry Point projects into the Moray Firth, where dolphins are often seen. "Chanonry" refers to canons or priests, and there was a monastery hereabouts in the Pictish era.

Get in
Fortrose and Rosemarkie are on the A832 on the south shore of the Black Isle. From Inverness, take A9 north over Kessock Bridge (toll free) and turn right onto A832 at the Tore roundabout, allow about 40 min.

Stagecoach Highlands Bus 26 runs from Inverness via Munlochy and Avoch to Fortrose and Rosemarkie (30 min). They run hourly M-Sa 7AM-6PM, and most continue to Cromarty.

Get around
It's a 30 min walk between Fortrose, Rosemarkie and Chanonry Point.

Nigg - Cromarty Ferry sails across the mouth of Cromarty Firth Apr-Sep daily every 30 min. In 2022 fares are car + driver £9.50, foot passenger £4.50, and £1 per bicycle.

See

 * at the end of Ness Road has an automated lighthouse, picnic area and views across the Moray Firth. It's a good spot to see bottlenose dolphins, which line the strait on the incoming tide and wait for dinner to flow into their mouths. There's a monument to "Dark Kenneth" Mackenzie (Coinneach Odhar), the 17th-century Brahan Seer, who predicted the Battle of Culloden, Mrs Thatcher, the North Sea oil industry and much else. He failed to foresee his own horrible slaying in Dingwall, chiefly because he never existed. None of the accounts of his sayings and doings stand up, and the prophesies were all concocted with hindsight.
 * at the end of Ness Road has an automated lighthouse, picnic area and views across the Moray Firth. It's a good spot to see bottlenose dolphins, which line the strait on the incoming tide and wait for dinner to flow into their mouths. There's a monument to "Dark Kenneth" Mackenzie (Coinneach Odhar), the 17th-century Brahan Seer, who predicted the Battle of Culloden, Mrs Thatcher, the North Sea oil industry and much else. He failed to foresee his own horrible slaying in Dingwall, chiefly because he never existed. None of the accounts of his sayings and doings stand up, and the prophesies were all concocted with hindsight.
 * at the end of Ness Road has an automated lighthouse, picnic area and views across the Moray Firth. It's a good spot to see bottlenose dolphins, which line the strait on the incoming tide and wait for dinner to flow into their mouths. There's a monument to "Dark Kenneth" Mackenzie (Coinneach Odhar), the 17th-century Brahan Seer, who predicted the Battle of Culloden, Mrs Thatcher, the North Sea oil industry and much else. He failed to foresee his own horrible slaying in Dingwall, chiefly because he never existed. None of the accounts of his sayings and doings stand up, and the prophesies were all concocted with hindsight.
 * Fort George is the impressive star fortress seen across the channel from Chanonry Point. The Hanoverians built several forts to ensure the Jacobites and scary Highlanders would never rebel again, and this is the one that succeeded. See Nairn for details.
 * on the tip of Black Isle is a fishing village with well-preserved Georgian and Victorian architecture. A little ferry crosses the Firth to Nigg and can fit in a couple of cars.

Do

 * Rosemarkie Beach is a two mile stretch of sand east side of the Ness from the village to the lighthouse. Multiple access points, there are toilets by Groam House Museum. Fortrose Beach west of the Ness is stony.
 * Fairy Glen is an RSPB reserve along the stream that flows out at Rosemarkie. Stroll the half-mile to the falls.
 * are a series of off-road bike trails along A832 towards Cromarty.
 * Fairy Glen is an RSPB reserve along the stream that flows out at Rosemarkie. Stroll the half-mile to the falls.
 * are a series of off-road bike trails along A832 towards Cromarty.

Buy

 * Co-op Food in Fortrose is open daily 7AM-10PM.
 * Spar in Rosemarkie is open M-W F Sa 8AM-6PM, Th 8AM-2PM, Su 9:30AM-2PM.

Eat

 * Tweedy Pie is a fast food place at 37 High St Fortrose, open daily 10AM-7PM.

Drink

 * Union Tavern at 29 High St Fortrose is open daily 10AM-11PM.
 * Plough Inn at 48 High St Rosemarkie is open W Th Su 1-10PM, F Sa 1PM-midnight.
 * Brewery: Cromarty Brewing Company are based at Davidston on A832 near Cromarty. No tours.

Connect
As of Aug 2022, Fortrose, Rosemarkie and their approach roads have 4G from all UK carriers, but with many dead spots. 5G has not reached this area.

Go next

 * Dingwall has a nature reserve with red kites. The Singleton Distillery is in nearby Muir of Ord. Dingwall has trains between Inverness, Thurso and Kyle of Lochalsh.
 * Strathpeffer is a spa village with hiking and mountain biking trails.
 * Inverness is the transport hub for the northern Highlands. North Coast 500 motoring itinerary starts and finishes here.