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White lighthouse with black lantern room overlooking the Moray Firth
The Black Isle

Chanonry Lighthouse

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Chanonry Point is one of the best places in the UK to watch dolphins from dry land.

The white lighthouse stands at the tip of the point, between Fortrose and Rosemarkie on the Black Isle. Alan Stevenson designed it, and it was first lit in 1846. Here the Moray Firth narrows, and bottlenose dolphins come in to play and fish in the strong currents. They are most likely on an incoming tide, though nothing is guaranteed. You might see seals too. Parking is tight in high season. Fortrose is a short way off for toilets and something to eat, so check the tide times and make a morning of it.

A short drive awayHarbour Lane, FortroseAn illustrator’s shop on Fortrose High Street, known for hand-drawn lampshades of Scottish places.7 min by roadSee itHarbour Lane, Fortrose
Close by
  1. Chanonry PointChanonry PointUnder a mile1 min by road
  2. Crofters Café, RosemarkieCrofters Café, Rosemarkie2 miles6 min by road
  3. Bakhoos BakeryBakhoos Bakery2 miles6 min by road
  4. Fortrose Cathedral's red sandstone arches and clock tower in its green square under a blue sky.Fortrose Cathedral2 miles7 min by road
  5. The whisky bar at The Anderson in Fortrose, a barman pulling a pint before floor-to-ceiling shelves of bottles.The Anderson2 miles6 min by road
Directions
ShoppingHarbour Lane, Fortrose1.7 miles
White-washed Cromar House on a corner, slate roof and pale blue window framesAttractionsGroam House Museum1.8 miles
Quiet street lined with sandstone cottages leading to a gabled village hotelAttractionsRosemarkie1.8 miles
Teal banquettes and wooden tables at IV10 under glass pendant lamps and a model sailing ship.CafeIV10 Café Bar Deli1.8 miles
Waterfall cascading over mossy rocks into a woodland pool in autumnAttractionsFairy Glen, Rosemarkie1.9 miles
Grassy harbour wall overlooking small boats and white houses along the shoreAttractionsFortrose Harbour1.9 miles
Walkers and a dog stroll along a wide sandy beach under clear skiesWalksBeach at Rosemarkie2.0 miles
The Highland Mobile Sauna, a wooden barrel sauna on a trailer with its chimney, on the grass above Rosemarkie beach.ActivityHighland Mobile Sauna2.0 miles
The Rosemarkie Beach Cafe, a small blue timber cafe with its name over the door and tables outside.CafeRosemarkie Beach Café2.0 miles
Stay nearby

Places to stay near Chanonry Lighthouse, and when each is next free.

Living room with red sofa, patterned ottoman and staircase behindNewhall Mains
  • To stay
  • In Balblair
  • 7 miles from Chanonry Lighthouse
Check datesA curved cabin clad in overlapping wooden shingles stands on gravel among wildflowers, arched windows and a door along one side.Boath Cabin
  • Sleeps 4
  • In The Black Isle
  • 10 miles from Chanonry Lighthouse
Free 16–18 OctCulbin Edge, Inverness-shireCulbin Edge
  • Sleeps 4
  • In The Black Isle
  • 14 miles from Chanonry Lighthouse
Free 9–11 NovA white harled cottage with a slated roof and gabled porch sits behind a garden of wildflowers, a table and chairs on the patio.Garden Cottage
  • Sleeps 6
  • In The Black Isle
  • 15 miles from Chanonry Lighthouse
Check datesPlaces to stayEvery stay in The Black IsleAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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