Out and About
Cromarty is a charming town situated at the tip of the Black Isle in The Highlands of Scotland and is guarded by two headlands that form the mouth of the firth, The Sutors of Cromarty.
Just off the north coast 500 route and only 23 miles from the capital of the highlands, Inverness and 23 miles from the town and royal burgh Dingwall, Cromarty proves itself to be the perfect base from which to tour the wider highlands or as a destination in its self, a quiet retreat from the mainstream tourist routes.
Cromarty enjoys 2 sandy beaches, less than a minutes’ walk from The Old Nursery, perfect for walks along the sea front with potential to see incredible wildlife, including Bottlenose Dolphins. If you are out of luck on-shore, try a fantastic Dolphin and Wildlife boat trip run by EcoVentures, located near the Cromarty harbor.
Surrounded by idyllic countryside as well as sea, walkers make sure to check out the walkhighlands website for suitable rambles and hikes!
If the wilderness is not quite enough for you Cromarty has yet more to offer...
Wonderful shops:
Cromarty Pottery
Handmade and hand-decorated ceramics and pottery
http://www.cromarty-pottery.com/
Gallery48
2 small galleries and giftshop
Ingrid’s House
Scandinavian gifts
https://www.ingridshouse.co.uk/
Gardiner and Gardiner
Antiques
http://www.helengardinerantiques.com/
The Emporium
Gifts, books and coffee
http://www.cromartyemporium.co.uk/
The Cheese House
For all your cheese needs!
http://www.cromartycheese.com/index.asp
Cromarty stores
General store for groceries, fresh fruit and veg, off-licence newspapers etc.
Emma Nightingale Glass
Hand Crafted Glass, workshop and store.
https://emmanightingaleglass.myshopify.com/
Places to eat:
Sutor Creek
Family restaurant using locally-sourced meats and produce, seasonal menus, Scottish seafood and wood-fired pizzas (available to take away). Reservations available Thursday through Sunday 12pm-9pm. Lunch is served 12.00-2.00pm. Seasonal dinner menu is served 6-8pm.
Couper’s Creek (open 10am-4pm)
Lunch, Cake, Ice cream (epic milkshakes) and gifts. Offering a selection of home-made soups, stovies, salads, open sandwiches and fabulous paninis on the lunch menu. With a great range of gifts that have been inspired by the Highlands and Islands.
http://www.sutorcreek.co.uk/coupers-creek
Cromarty Arms
Family run pub providing B&B accommodation and delicious home-made bar meals. Meals served daily from 12:00 - 21:00
Royal Hotel Restaurant
Dog-friendly - The menus change regularly and feature the best of local, seasonal produce. Lunch is served daily from 12noon – 2.30pm. Dinner is served daily from 5.30pm – 8pm. open from 11am until late for drinks, teas & coffees.
http://www.royalhotel-cromarty.co.uk/
SlaughterHouse Coffee
Delicious coffee next to the Cromarty Ferry Slipway, in the old slaughterhouse. Winter opening times 9am-1pm. Home to the soon to be famous SlaughterHouse blend!
Cromarty Bakery
First Class bread, cakes and pastries.
Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.30pm Sat 8.30-4.30pm Closed Sunday.
http://www.spanglefish.com/CromartyBakery/
Historical Interest:
Considered the best kept historic town in the Highlands, Cromarty has immense character, from the small cottages of Fishertown, to the fine merchant town houses. Explore the streets and vennels and lanes, and take in the unique and important architecture.
Cromarty was also of great importance during the two World Wars and played a major role as a key naval base. Along both Sutors, but predominantly the South Sutor (Cromarty side) you will find World War I and II fortifications including coastal defence bunkers, gun emplacements, and searchlight positions.
Hugh Millers’ Cottage
Birthplace of the famous geologist and fossil hunter, now an interactive museum.
https://www.nts.org.uk/Visit/Hugh-Millers-Birthplace/
Cromarty Courthouse Museum
Former courthouse, houses fascinating exhibitions about the history of Cromarty and neighbouring parish of Resolis, which are free to visit.
http://www.cromarty-courthouse.org.uk/
Cromarty Light House
De-commissioned in 2005, and overlooking the 18th century harbour, the Lighthouse Tower, Keeper's Cottage and Old Buoy Store are now used for marine research and teaching by the University of Aberdeen.
Pirates Graveyard
Well worth a visit, although no known pirates are buried here, the old gravestones with their skull and crossbones provide a thought provoking and poignant stop. Entrance to the graveyard is just opposite the disused servants’ tunnel to the Cromarty Manse.
The Cromarty Cemetery
Contains Commonwealth burials of the both World Wars.
Pay a visit to the one of the beautiful Churches of Cromarty and soak up the tranquil atmosphere.
St Regulus’ Church
Cromarty East Church
Cromarty West Church
Getting around
The best way to explore Cromarty is on foot, but if you plan to go further afield, there are regular buses to and from Inverness and Dingwall and good cycling routes around the Black Isle.
If you bring your own car/motorcycle or hire a vehicle, The Old Nursery has its own off road private parking situated just outside the property, within the grounds of Forsyth House.
