Portmahomack, the Highlands ∓ the North Coast Route 500
The village and immediate surrounding area has something for everyone - from golf, walking, sea trips, fishing, watersports, arts and crafts, heritage, gastronomic delights and adventures. There is an excellent store and post office, which means you can buy almost everything you need without leaving the village. While you will find a guidebook in Fountain Cross Cottage, which lists essential information that may be needed during your stay including local amenities such as doctor dentist etc, one of the best sources of local information is the Portmahomach village website where you'll find links, contact info for things to do, see, explore and enjoy.
Visit
Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights
Ethereal, sometimes hard to see but often there, especially in the Highlands, you can be treated to the most incredible visual spectacle that Nature can display. Cameras, especially on smartphones, are equipped with clever tech that 'see' the Northern Lights that might not be visible to the naked eye. There are apps and weather websites that forecast when they are likely to appear, some can even send you live alerts.
AuroraWatch UK
Tarbat Ness Lighthouse
Venture out for a walk along the Tarbat peninsular to the Lighthouse at the end. Engineered by Robert Stevenson and first commissioned in January 1830, it stands watch over this dramatic coastline. Tarbat Ness is a place of special interest for watching migratory birds. You can spot dolphins and seals in the sea blow.
Walkhighlands.co.uk
North Coast 500 Route
Using Fountain Cross Cottage as a base, you can explore stretches of the famous, even reaching some of the Western most parts in around two hours. Enjoy outstanding views of stunning coastal scenery, heritage, history and archaeology, white sandy beaches and hidden gems from the doorstep. Venture out happy in the knowledge you have a lovely cosy cottage to return to.
North Coast 500
Royal Dornoch Golf Course
The world's most northerly championship links course that has seen the game played here for over 400 years. Stretching along the north shore and sandy beach of the Dornoch Firth, there are few courses that afford such an incredible backdrop. Open to day visitors, subject to availability, and offering discounts to Scottish golf club members, you are assured of a lovely welcome here.
Visit
Glenmorangie Distillery
Whether you are a whisky lover or not, no visit to the area should pass without a visit to the Glenmorangie Distillery & House in Tain, 20 minutes' drive away. Discovery the history and alchemy of whisky distilling through a tour or dine at Glenmorangie House for a dining experience that will employ all your senses. Different every day, the menu showcases the finest seasonal Highland ingredients.
Visit
Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve
A couple of hours away but well worth the trip through spectacular Highlands scenery, Corrieshalloch is one of the most spectacular gorges of its type in Britain. The Corrieshalloch Gateway to Nature Centre has facilities including toilets, electric car charging and a takeaway café .
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