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Home , Inverfarigaig, Loch Garten, Loch Ruthven, Nigg Bay

Dear Guest,

Welcome to Pottery House.

In the top draw of your dressing table is a pack of information of places to see and things to do. However most are commercial enterprises, so we thought we would put together some information on other places you might like to visit, many are favourites of ours.

If you would like help with suggestions, maps, directions or anything else please do not hesitate to ask. If you have a SatNav device all the places listed are available as a POI download from the Pottery House web site directions page.

Please do not remove pages from this folder or take this folder out of the house. We are happy to print you copies of any pages you require, as well as more detailed maps.

This folder contains information on:

Local Walks

Dores Beach & Torr Point Kindrummond Inverfarigaig

Places To Visit

Dolphins/ Chanonry Point Falls Of RSPB Reserves - /Osprey Centre Fairy Glen other Glen Affric East Coast Beaches Loop Of Rogie Falls Glen Nevis - Edinburgh

Enjoy your day,

John & Glen

Local Walks

Dores Beach & Tor Point

Kindrummond

Farigaig Local Walks Dores Beach & Tor Point Distance from pottery House 0 Km

Walk Length 7 km

Time To Complete 1½ - 2 hours

Difficulty Easy, relatively flat, good woodland paths

Leave from Pottery House, once on the road turn right towards Dores village. At the fork in the road turn left and walk through the Dores Inn car park out onto Dores Beach.

Walk the full length of Dores beach out to where the beach turns rocky and then climb up the bank away from the Loch into the woods. Here continue along the path away from Dores. The path takes you further along Dores Beach and then turns to the right and follows the Loch for about a mile to a small pier and a harbour with a few boats moored. Just before the pier you will see a pond to your right. After the harbour the path turns away from the waters edge and starts to climb past a new house and eventually reaches a small lane. At the lane take the path diagonally on your right which turns back into the woods. This path then takes you along the edge of fields all the way back to Dores beach. Follow the beach back to the Dores inn, turn right at the road and arrive back at Pottery House. Local Walks Kindrummond

Distance from pottery House 0 Km

Walk Length 5 km

Time To Complete 1 - 1½ hours

Difficulty Easy. Single track road all the way, climbing 180m Walk from Pottery House out to the road and once there turn right towards Dores village.

Once in the village at the fork in the road turn right and start to climb the hill.

Keep following the road and you will climb all the way to Kindrummond farm.

Just before the farm the road turns sharply to the left and then moves away Loch Ness and the Great Glen towards to village of Torness. From this point you can see right down Loch Ness. If you look across to the other side of Loch Ness the prominent peak on the other side of the Loch is Meall Fuar-mhonaidh. Local Walks Farigaig

Distance from pottery House 10 km drive

Walk Length various

Time To Complete various

Difficulty various

There are a number of walks from the village of Inverfarigaig, all of which are marked paths. They include walks along the Farigaig river, a path to the Lochan Torr An Tuill, a 15 min path up to a seat with views across Loch Ness.

At the start of the walks there is a cabin with displays and information about the walks and the local wildlife you may see.

To reach the starting point, leave Pottery House and at the road turn left. Drive for about 10km, until you reach the village of Inverfarigaig. Just after reaching the village the road bends sharply to the right and on the left is a signpost for a forestry car park and toilets at Farigaig. This car park is the starting point with information and signs. Places to Visit

In the top draw of your dressing table is a folder containing information of places of interested you may like to visit. However the vast majority of these leaflets are commercial enterprises. We have there put together some natural places of interest for you to enjoy.

Dolphins/ Chanonry Point Falls Of Foyers RSPB Reserves - Loch Ruthven RSPB Reserves - Loch Garten/Osprey Centre RSPB Reserves - Fairy Glen RSPB Reserves - other Glen Affric

East Coast Beaches

Loop Of Loch Ness

Rogie Falls Places To Visit Dolphins / Chanonry Point Distance from pottery House 25 miles, on the

Visit Length 1 - 2 hours

Seeing the Bottle nose dolphins in the Moray Firth is one of the most popular sights in the local area with our guests, in fact Chanonry Point is reputed to be the best place in Britain to see dolphins.

There is an information point on dolphins, whales and seals on the Black Isle just after you come off the Kessock bridge, heading out of Inverness on the A9 northbound (bottom left hand red arrow). There is also a viewing platform, however Chanonry point is the place from which Dolphins are most frequently seen (top right hand red arrow).

To reach Chanonry Point head north on the A9 out of Inverness, turn right onto the B9161 towards . As you come out of Fortrose turn right sign posted for Chanonry Point. Follow the road through the golf course, there is a car park by the lighthouse. Places To Visit Falls Of Foyers

Distance from pottery House 8 miles along the road from Pottery House Visit Length 1-2 hours

The Falls At Foyers is only a short drive from Pottery House, the falls and the views across to Loch Ness are quite beautiful and well worth a couple of hours or a stop on route. There is also a nice cafe at Foyers so after the walk to the Falls you can enjoy a drink and snack.

It is a fairly steep path dropping 200m from the car park to the falls, it may not be suitable for all. Places To Visit RSPB Reserves -- Loch Ruthven

Distance from pottery House 4 miles, SE of Dores

Visit Length 1 - 2 hours

There are a number of RSPB bird reserves within reach of Pottery House, the nearest being Loch Ruthven. Even if bird watching is not your thing a trip to Loch Ruthven is very worth while as the scenery on this isolated road is stunning. Between April and August Loch Ruthven has more than 50% of Britains Slavonian Grebes.

There is a very pleasant walk along the edge of Loch Ruthven and through woodlands to the RSPB hide, from which the Grebes and other birds can be seen.

To reach Loch Ruthven drive back towards Dores Village and at the junction turn right up the hill behind Pottery House.

Follow that road for about 4 miles and you will see a turning off to the left sign posted RSPB.

Follow this road down the hill, along the edge of Loch Duntelchaig and all the way to the reserve car park. Places To Visit RSPB Reserves -- Loch Garten

Distance from pottery House 25 miles down the A9 south of Inverness Visit Length 1 - 2 hours

Another popular RSPB reserve is the Osprey centre at Loch Garten. They have video cameras constantly monitoring the Osprey nest and frequently give talks and show the highlights of video footage from the year so far and the previous year.

The Ospreys usually arrive at the nest site in early spring and leave towards the end of August or early September, depending on the progress of their young.

There are also walks through the where you may see crested tits, Scottish cross bills or red squirrels.

To reach Loch Garten and Abernethy follow the A9 south from Inverness and follow signs to Osprey Centre off the A9 at Carrbridge. Places To Visit RSPB Reserves -- Fairy Glen

Distance from pottery House 20 miles, on the Black Isle

Visit Length 1 - 2 hours

Fairy Glen is a small area of broad-leaved woodland set in an attractive steep-sided valley. A fast-flowing stream runs through the glen with two waterfalls at the upstream end. A typical range of woodland and stream birds are present, including dippers and grey wagtails.

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To reach Fairy Glen follow the A832 along the Black Isle, past Fortrose and Rosemarkie. Just after Rosemarkie and The Plough pub is a car park, the start of the walk through the Glen begins here.

The Plough is a nice place to stop for a drink or lunch after your walk. Places To Visit RSPB Reserves -- Others

Distance from pottery House various

Visit Length various

Culbin Sands Overlooking the Moray Firth, Culbin Sands forms one of the largest shingle and sand dune bars in Britain, behind which there is extensive salt marsh. Large numbers of sea ducks can be seen offshore in winter. Bar- tailed god wits, oyster catchers and knots flock at high tide. Much of the reserve is remote and largely undisturbed. This is one of the most important wetlands in Europe. In spring, lapwings, red shanks and curlews nest here. In winter, the marshes flood, providing roosting and feeding for flocks of whooper swans and greylag geese. The best time to visit is between November and June. Nigg Bay is an extensive area of mud flat, salt marsh and wet grassland on the . Large numbers of wading birds, such as bar-tailed godwits and knots, use the bay for feeding and roosting from October to March. A new wet grassland is being created to attract lapwings and red shanks. Udale Bay Udale Bay is an extensive area of mud flat, salt marsh and wet grassland on the Cromarty Firth. From late summer to April the reserve supports large numbers of wildfowl and wading birds. Best visited within two hours of high tide, there can be spectacular views of flocks of birds. In autumn, up to 5,000 wigeons feed on the beds of eel-grass. Late summer is a good time to see fishing ospreys. Places To Visit Glen Affric Distance from pottery House 40 miles approx.

Visit Length a day out

Glen Affric is in our opinion the most stunning Glen in this area. It has open mooreland, forests, waterfalls, rivers, an impressive dam, walks and is surrounded by beautiful mountains. It is worth taking a leisurely drive up the whole length of Glen Affric (at least up to the end of the road) and stopping at the various car parks along the way.

First stop is Dog Falls. There are several walks marked out here and sign posted ranging from a walk to the Falls themselves to a 3 hour path that leads across the river up into the hills and the back to the car park.

Be sure to stop at the dam at the end of Loch Beinn A’ Mheadhoin. You can walk right out along the dam and see both up the Loch and down the river running away from the dam through the forest.

There are 3 other places to stop along the Glen, the last being the end of the public road and the start of the Loch Affric walk. If you walk the short distance from the car park to the river the view of the rapids under the bridge is worth seeing.

If you go for the day to Glen Affric be sure to take lunch with you as there are no shops after you leave Cannich. Places To Visit East Coast Distance from pottery House 45 miles approx. to Lossiemouth

Visit Length a day out

Scotland is not normally associated with beaches, however the coastline east of Inverness between Nairn and Lossiemouth has some amazing long stretches of sand. A day trip to Lossiemouth is definitely worth it if you have time during your stay.

Nairn is a seaside town with an beautiful sand beach and a pretty harbour.

Findhorn Bay is lovely and the views along the sea and across to Culbin Forest are worth seeing.

Burghead is a rocky outcrop and a great places to see lots of sea birds.

Lossiemouth is a lovely seaside town, with amazing sandy beaches.

From Pottery House head into Inverness, at the large roundabout turn right, sign posted for A9.

Continue straight on over 6 roundabouts until on the A9 heading north to Wick. On the A9 stay in the acceleration lane/left hand lane and come off at next junction heading for A96 and . Places To Visit Loop Of Loch Ness Distance total distance, approx. 75 miles

Visit Length a day out

A complete loop of Loch Ness is an excellent way to see all the Loch has to offer and makes a great day out. The south side (this side) has quiet roads, river walks, easy access to the Loch side, mountain views and the north side has a fast main road and several popular tourist spots.

In a clockwise loop from Pottery House there is:-

• Several parking bays with picnic spots and easy access to the waters edge

• At Foyers there is a waterfall worth seeing, a nice cafe and a small shop with post office

• There is a nice picnic area next to the river Foyers at Dalcrag

• There is a pretty bridge across the river Fechlin at Whitebridge

• From Whitebridge the road climbs to 400m where there is parking so you can enjoy the views and even climb the remaining 50m to the top of Carn An t-suidhe. It is worth if for the views Ÿ • The road then drops steeply into Fort Augustus. There are many shops, cafes, bars and restaurants all the way up the locks of the Caledonian Canal.

• From here take the A82 north all the way to the famous Urquhart Castle.

• The next town is , again many cafes and shops, but most famous for its Loch Ness Monster exhibition.

• After the road comes out of Urquhart bay there are two parking bays on the right hand side, a good place to stop and take photos of Urquhart castle across the bay

• Abriachan gardens are next and well worth a stop if gardens are your thing.

• Next is Inverness and from there follow signs back to Dores.

Ÿ Places To Visit Rogie Falls Distance from Pottery House 25 miles

Visit Length half day

Rogie Falls are picturesque falls surrounded by hills and woodland. The falls have a salmon ladder so you may even see the salmon jumping, however the best place to see salmon jumping is the Falls Of Shin or Pitlochry during February and September.

There are a number of marked walks in the area, one of which crosses a bridge almost directly over the falls themselves.

The falls are worth a half day trip out, alternatively if you are heading up the A835 towards Ullapool Rogie Falls are worth a stop for an hour or two. Places To Visit Glen Nevis

Distance from Pottery House 1 ½ hour drive

Visit Length Day out

Although Glen Nevis is a good drive away from Pottery House it is well worth a visit, it is spectacular and beautiful.

There is a single track road which runs along Glen Nevis, be sure to stop at Lower Falls.

At the end of the road is a car park and from there it is a 20 min walk into the Glen. The path winds round the valley, through a ravine with waterfall below and then out into the most amazing valley with spectacular Steele falls at the far end.

It’s a fairly easy walk, although rocky in places so sensible walking footwear is required.

Make a day of it and take a packed lunch.

Be sure to stop at the Commando Memorial just before Spean Bridge on the way, spectacular views of Anoach Mor and Ben Nevis. Places To Visit Urquhart Castle

Distance from Pottery House 40 minute drive.

Visit Length Half day

The magnificently situated Urquhart Castle, on the banks of Loch Ness, remains an impressive stronghold despite its ruinous state and one of the most iconic images of Loch Ness.

Once one of ’s largest castles, Urquhart’s remains include a tower house that commands splendid views of the famous loch and Great Glen.

Urquhart witnessed considerable conflict throughout its 500 years as a medieval fortress and its history from the 13th to 17th centuries was particularly bloody. Following Edward I’s invasion, it fell into English hands and was then reclaimed and lost again. In the 14th century, it figured prominently in the Scots’ struggle for independence and came under the control of Robert the Bruce after he became King of Scots.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, the castle and glen were frequently raided from the west by the ambitious MacDonald Lords of the Isles.

The castle’s history and that of the noble families – Durward, MacDonald and Grant – who held it, is told in the exhibition and audio-visual display in the new visitor centre. The Centre features an outstanding array of medieval artefacts found at the castle.

Visitors can relax in the café and visit the shop with its local crafts. The visitor centre contains retail, interpretation area, audio-visual presentation and tearoom and toilets on one level. Stunning views of the loch can be obtained from visitor centre veranda. Things To Do Here are a few suggestions of activities you may like:

Jacobite Cruises A wide variety of cruises and tours. The most popular, the 1 and 2 hour boat trips run from the Clansman Hotel, others go from Inverness. See www.jacobite.com or ask us for a leaflet.

Cruise Loch Ness – Trips out of Fort Augustus

See Urquhart Castle and the banks of Loch Ness from a powerboat.

Our modern, custom-built MCA coded boats, 'Ness Express' and 'Ness Explorer', are safe, comfortable, fast, dry and guaranteed to raise a smile. Seating up to 12 people with waterproofs supplied. See www.cruiselochness.com

Boots 'n' Paddles

Local outdoor activities company, activities include archery, sea kayaking, open canoeing, mountain biking, hill walking, summer and winter mountaineering, climbing, abseiling, gorge walking and WoW Balls.

See www.boots-n-paddles.co.uk

Loch Insh Watersports Centre

Aviemore. Sailing, Windsurfing, Canoeing, Kayaking, Rowing, Raft Building & Racing, Dry Slope Skiing, Archery and Mountain Biking. Instruction is available by the hour, day or week. See www.lochinsh.com An outdoor activity come rain or shine! You will be amazed at your vehicles capabilities as you negotiate around The Adventure Course and your confidence will grow along with the delight of your passengers. It’s monster fun!

About 5 miles from Dores. See www.experience4x4.com

Scottish Art Painting Courses and Session

Torness 10 min from here. Even if you've never painted before, come along to Scottish Highland Art and have a go! Don’t worry if you can’t draw- you can still learn to paint. No great talent needed

See www.highlandart.com

Loch Ness Golf Course

Fairways Leisure is the Highlands premier golf, leisure and social location that caters for everyone in the family. It is the home of Loch Ness Golf Course, Fairways Driving Range and a host of associated facilities to keep you occupied every time you visit.

See www.golflochness.com

Loch Ness Riding

Just Above Dores. Ride our quality horses in spectacular scenery in the Loch Ness glen. Ours is a small, friendly yard, with good off-road riding, indoor and outdoor arenas, show jumps and cross- country course.

Experienced riders only. Less experienced see below.

See www.lochnessriding.co.uk Borlum Farm

Near Drumnadrochit. Borlum incorporates horse riding stables which have excellent facilities, horses and ponies to suit most riders and magnificent riding country with views that will linger in your memory for years to come. Beginners, novices and experienced riders are all welcome.

See www.borlum.co.uk

Bogbain Farm

Five miles south of Inverness on the A9. There else can you get quad biking, clay pigeon shooting, archery, paintball, in and outdoor play areas, an arts and craft studio, exotic insects, spiders and snakes, farm animals, digger driving, traditional music sessions and concerts, antique accordions, home made soup, the best in Highland farm produce and a nice tea and scone.

See www.bogbainfarm.com

Moniack Castle – Highland Wineries

Country Wines, Liqueurs and Preserves from Moniack Castle, are the finest to be found. Why not visit Moniack Castle and sample our range of Country Wines, Liqueurs and Preserves.

See www.moniackcastle.co.uk

Nevis Range

Hours Drive towards Fort William. Winter skiing and snow boarding, summer mountain biking. And Gondola to the top of Aonach Mor (4006m) and cafe all year round.

See www.nevisrange.co.uk Cairngorm Mountain

Aviemore. Fernicular RailwayExperience the peace and fresh air of the mountain landscape and combine this with a ride on the railway by considering 'Walk Up, Train Down'.

In the winter this is Britains busiest ski resort. Now with summer walking tours to the mountain top.

See www.cairngormmountain.co.uk

Ticket To Ride – Bike Hire

If you really want to relax and enjoy the Scottish countryside without scaring away the wildlife, then you need a bike. Just because we’re in the Highlands doesn’t mean it’s all uphill. We’ve got some excellent routes through the forests, along the glens and around the coast for you to enjoy. You won’t have to cycle through the city, we’ll bring our hire bikes right to your door or wherever you’d like to start your route.

Prices include free drop off/pick up at Pottery House/Dores.

See www.tickettoridehighlands.co.uk

Highland Wildlife Park

Discover Scottish wildlife and endangered animals of the world's mountains and tundra in the spectacular setting of the Highland Wildlife Park. Recent additions are two tigers with cubs and Walker the polar bear.

See www.highlandwildlifepark.org Sky by Train

Take a break from the car. “The Kyle line is one of the world's most scenic rail journeys from Inverness on the east coast of Scotland through to Kyle of Lochalsh on the west. “

Catch the 09:00 train from Inverness to Kyle Of Lochalsh, where you meet the Skye Tours bus which will take in the majestic Cuillin mountains, the highest mountain range in Britain. It will stop off in Portree, Skye’s picturesque Capital for lunch and sightseeing. We will take you through the awesome lunar landscape of the Trotternish peninsula, home to some of the most unusual rock formations in Britain. See the iconic ‘Old Man of Storr’, marvel at the magnificent Kilt Rocks and be enchanted by the Faery Glen. The tour arrives back in Kyle Of Lochalsh in time for the 17:15 train back to Inverness.

See www.skye-tours.co.uk and www.nationalrail.co.uk

also www.kylerailway.co.uk

Rothiemurchus Estate

Aviemore. Situated at the heart of the National Park, our living Highland Estate presents a unique blend of stunning landscapes, exciting outdoor activities, and locally sourced Scottish crafts and foods. You may choose simply to walk or cycle around our carefully maintained paths, taking in the spectacular scenery. Or perhaps you would like to take part in some of the many outdoor activities we offer; from clay shooting, fishing, quad bike trekking, pony hacking and off- road driving, to archery, wildlife watching and canoeing. If however you would like to know more about the natural environment of this beautiful place, then you would appreciate the invaluable advice available from one of our friendly Rothiemurchus Rangers - one of Britain's most expert Countryside Ranger Services.

See www.rothiemurchus.net Tomatin Distilliary

The soft waters of the Alt-na-Frith (Free Burn) which run clear and pure through the Monadhliath Mountains help to create a Highland Malt with delicate flavours, yet a rich and mellow style. Its undoubted quality and consistency make for a truly fine dram.

See www.tomatin.com No tours at the weekend.

Fort George

Fort George is quite simply the finest example of 18th-century military engineering you’ll find anywhere in the British Isles. This vast garrison fortress was begun in the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden (1746), which crushed the final Jacobite Rising. It took over 20 years to complete and in the event it was never attacked. It remains virtually unaltered today, and still serves as an important military base.

See www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Culloden Battlefield

Site of the last great battle on the British mainland.

The course of British, European and world history was changed here at Culloden on 16 April 1746. It was here that the Jacobite army fought to reclaim the throne of Britain from the Hanoverians for a Stuart king. The British army was equally determined to stop this happening. The ferocious European war had come to Scotland - dividing families and setting clan against clan.

See www.nts.org.uk/Culloden/ Clava Cairns

Clava Cairns is the site of an exceptionally well preserved group of prehistoric burial cairns that were built about 4,000 years ago. The Bronze Age cemetery complex comprises of passage graves, ring cairns, kerb cairn, standing stones in a beautiful setting and the remains of a chapel of unknown date.

See http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/inverness/clavacairns/

Loch Killin

Off the road between Whitebridge and Fort Augustus. Beautiful, islotaed Loch and to the best of our knowledge there is free fishing here so if you fancy a few hours this is a perfect place.

See www.wildfishingscotland.co.uk for more!

Inverness------<--A9-->------Edinburgh

We are frequently asked for suggestions of places to stop as people make their way to Edinburgh, so we have put together this list of the most popular.

There are lots more visitor attractions en-route, you’ll see them, plus these, on the brown tourist signposts.

Tomatin Distillery A short drive from Inverness, a guided tour through the whole whisky making process, plus a wee dram of a 12 year old single malt. Landmark Heritage Forest theme park, great for families. See & Adventure Park leaflets on the landing.

Loch Garten Osprey t . RSPB reserve with shop, Centre hide and CCTV of Osprey nest. Plus some beautiful scenery and woodland walks though the Abernethy Forest. Speyside Steam Runs Aviemore to Boat Of Garten Railway

Cairngorm Mountain Funicular railway to the top of Cairngorm Railway Mountain. Spectacular views and skiing in winter, as well as shop & cafe at the top. Loch Insh Water Sailing, Wind surfing, Kayaking, fishing, sports Centre canoeing, archer and mountain biking, plus lots more. Highland Wildlife Part drive-thru, part walking. Wolves, arctic Park foxes, lynx, wild cats, ponies, bison, deer, snowy owl and lots more. A favourite of ours. Blaire Castle With history back to the 13th Century this castle sits at the gateway to the Grampian Mountains. The House Of Bruar Scotland's most prestigious country store.

Pitlochry Popular town with hydroelectric dam with visitors centre. Good place to see salmon.

Caithness Glass Factory with visitors centre and shop, just to north of Perth.