Dunrobin Castle & the Hidden Gems of Easter Ross

Our tour today might sound like more of an adventure. Leaving the Capital of the Highlands and crossing the Black Isle to a dramatic and magnificent castle? But that’s Scotland for you, a place where storybook tales comes to life, thrusting you into a legendary experience of your own. So, this morning we’ll do just that. Depart the city of Inverness and cross the landscapes of the Black Isles. Not at all matching the name, this serene peninsula is home to gentle rolling farmlands, shining waters, and charming towns dotted with quaint fishermen’s cottages. Keep your eyes out the window, for the Black Isles is home to a range of wildlife including bottlenose dolphins.

We arrive at the impressive Dunrobin Castle, its towering conical spires resembling a French château. The lush gardens were inspired by the Palace of Versailles; the 189 rooms boast museums, ancient wardrobes, and clan artefacts; and the architecture looks beautiful from every angle. And its history is just as mesmerising. Used as a naval hospital during WW1 and as a boys’ boarding school in the mid-1900s, Dunrobin Castle is also one of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300s. Imagine the stories it could tell. You have plenty of time to roam the grounds and soak up the history of this optional attraction.

Your lunch stop is in the wee seaside town of Dornoch. Popular with golfers and the home of an impressive cathedral, Dornoch has an award-winning sandy beach and was the site of Britain’s last witch trial. With a full stomach, it’s time for a lovely journey along the coast to Tarbat Ness Lighthouse. Every corner of Scotland has an interesting story to tell and Tarbat Ness is no exception. The 11th century saw the Battle of Tarbat Ness where Thorfinn the Mighty, an Earl of Orkney, defeated “Karl Hundason”, which legends say could have been a Viking name for Macbeth. We’ll hop out for a wee jaunt out to the tip of the peninsula, where you’ll be treated to an incredible view.

As we start making our way back towards Inverness, we’ll continue along stunning coastal routes, your driver-guide making a few stops here and there to show off some of the area’s local beauties… perhaps including the Mermaid of the North and a magnificent carved Pictish Stone. That’s the thing about Scotland, you never know what you’ll find in its nooks and crannies, which is why keeping your eyes peeled and cameras ready is always recommended. We arrive back in Inverness in the early evening, full of history and legends and beauty.