The Old Boatyard

You'll find The Old Boatyard tucked away near Inverness, a proper slice of Highland gardening that punches well above its weight. What started as a working boatyard has been transformed into a working garden - and that distinction matters. This isn't some manicured showpiece; it's genuinely productive, with vegetables, fruit, and ornamentals all growing alongside each other in a way that feels lived-in and real.

The space itself is intimate rather than sprawling. You're walking through what amounts to a series of garden rooms, each with its own character, and the bones of the old boatyard - the water, the stone structures - are woven into the whole thing. On a decent day, the light on the water lifts everything. On a drizzly one, which admittedly is likely, it's moody and atmospheric.

Walkers and keen gardeners will get the most from a visit here. There's enough to occupy you for a couple of hours if you're actually interested in how things grow, though you won't spend a full afternoon. It's the sort of place that feels special precisely because it isn't trying to be a theme park attraction.

If you're based at Coulmore Bay Holiday Park, just up the road, or any of the caravan spots around Loch Ness, it's worth the detour on a day when the weather's playing ball. Check ahead for opening hours and admission details - it's worth ringing to confirm before making the trip.