Hunting for History on the Black Isle
A few hours by car, from Avoch Castle to Rosemarkie.
Written by Beth Reid
I have only begun to explore the Black Isle in the past year and have been overwhelmed by its beauty and rich history. This peninsula’s rolling fields and lush green woodland are surrounded on three sides by water, namely the Firths of Cromarty, Beauly, and Moray. In addition to its strong maritime relationship, this location pins the Black Isle between Inverness and the far north of Scotland, meaning that it has been a site of historical importance for centuries.
The history of the Black Isle can be discovered across the peninsula, from castle ruins and tower houses to Pictish stones and historic fishing villages. Today, I want to take you to Fortrose and its surrounding villages to explore its offering of Scottish history.
- How
- A few hours by car
- Distance
- About 9 miles
- Starts
- Avoch Castle
- Ends
- Rosemarkie
- Good for
- Food and drink, Castles, History, Islands
The day
Avoch Castle
An attraction
If you fancy a walk to stretch your legs as well as some history, then begin your adventure by making your way to the site of Avoch Castle. Unfortunately, the castle itself is no longer visible, thanks to Oliver Cromwell’s dismantling of the castle to use the stone for his construction of a new fort in Inverness during the 1650s. However, this is very much still worth a visit, particularly to experience a location that was pivotal during the Scottish Wars of Independence. Avoch Castle was perched atop Ormond Hill, overlooking the village of Avoch and with spectacular views across the Moray Firth to the south, and across the Black Isle to the far north. It was built in the late 12th century during the reign of William the Lion, as one of two royal castles constructed on the Black Isle to boost royal authority in the area in response to the MacWilliam rebellions. It was in the 13th century that Avoch fell into the hands of the de Morays. In 1297, Andrew de Moray raised his standard at Avoch Castle as a call to arms in rebellion against the overlordship of Edward I of England. His rebellion would sweep across northern Scotland before joining forces with William Wallace and defeating the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, after which Andrew would die from wounds sustained in battle. Standing atop Ormond Hill on the site of Andrew’s family castle and gazing across the surrounding landscape, you can almost imagine what it must have been like to experience the turmoil and tension of that era of Scottish history.
More about Avoch CastleThe rest of this day is for members.
3 more stops, what to do at each, and the drive between them. Members read every one of our days, and the magazine.
Fortrose Cathedral
An attraction
Lunch/Coffee Break - IV10 or Bakhoos Bakery
Rosemarkie
An attraction
Places to stay near where the day ends, and when each is next free.
Make it a weekend
Days that start near Rosemarkie.
More days by Beth
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Photograph by Holly Ross via Google