If you’re here to stretch your legs, you won’t be disappointed. There are forest walks from our doorstep, connecting to the network of paths that criss-cross the Black Isle, with dozens of more routes within easy reach.

There are almost too many to list, but here are a few of our favourites:

Cnoc Fyrish

This is a fairly straightforward walk that winds through pine forest and out into open moorland, taking a gentle route up to the 450 metre summit of Cnoc Fyrish – where you’ll find an intriguing 19th century monument.

Rogie Falls

Around Rogie and the nearby Contin, you’ll find around four miles of paths to choose from – with the suspension bridge overlooking the Blackwater river crashing over the falls. Get here at the right time of year and you could even see the salmon leaping upstream.

Eathie Beach

About a mile and half from Flowerburn, a path zig-zags down to Eathie Beach. Here, you can find fossil beds (best viewed at low-tide), a fishing bothy once used by local salmon fishermen and, down the beach, the Eathie Gorge where Hugh Miller, a 19th century geologist did much of his work.

Reelig Glen

This lovely walk takes you up and down either side of the Moniak Burn, near the village of Kirkhill. Along the way, you can see Britain’s second tallest tree, a Douglas Fir called Dughall Mor – measuring at more than 200 feet tall.

The Fairy Glen

This is a very popular walk starting in Rosemarkie, around two miles from Flowerburn. A well-maintained path follows the Rosemarkie Burn up the glen, passing two picturesque burns and an old millpond (which has recently been restored). Much of the glen is now an RSPB reserve and during the summer, the local ranger organises early-morning walks so you can enjoy the dawn chorus.

If you’d like to see some more of the walks you’ll find around the Northern Highlands, see the Walking Scotland site.