Chanonry Lighthouse

The lighthouse stands at the end of Chanonry Point, a spit of shingle that juts into the Moray Firth just outside Fortrose. It's not massive - more of a sturdy Victorian tower painted red and white - but the location is what matters. You get proper views across the firth towards the Black Isle, and on clear days the light catches the water in a way that makes decent photography inevitable.

This is really a walk destination rather than a sit-and-stare one. The path takes you out along the point, and the shingle beach gives way to rocky outcrops where seals often haul out. Bring binoculars if you're into that sort of thing; the wildlife here is the main draw for most visitors. Birdwatchers come for the waders and wildfowl, particularly in autumn and winter.

Allow an hour for the round trip, longer if you're pottering about with a camera. The walk is easy and flat - fine for families with young kids, though the shingle can be a bit rough underfoot. There's no visitor centre or facilities at the lighthouse itself, so bring what you need from Fortrose.

If you're camping at Fortrose Bay Campsite, this is a convenient evening stroll that feels more purposeful than just wandering the beach. It works well as part of a wider Moray Firth exploration, combining with walks around the Black Isle or a visit to the nearby Chanonry Point itself for seal spotting. The light itself is still functional, so you're looking at an actual working beacon rather than a museum piece.