Chanonry Point Cottage

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Chanonry Point
We had the most wonderful holiday here in the dolphin-watching centre of Europe last summer. Situated on Chanonry Point, next to the lighthouse, it is ideal to be at hand whenever the dolphins make an appearance.
Having haunted the place for many a year we discovered through locals that the cottage was for rent, we jumped at the chance of staying there. Our dolphin-mad teenage daughter brought her friend for company and as the cottage is a few metres from the beach, it was great to be able to see the dolphins arrive from our window. Occasional sightings of minke whales have been reported and there are grey and common seals and in teresting bird life, including red kites.
In addition to its wonderful location, Chanonry Point is a snug and delightful cottage, which has recently been completely modernised and refurbished to a very high standard. It is double-glazed for additional warmth. There is ample parking, and an enclosed grass garden at the side.
Lovely homely touches, like fresh milk and shortbread on arrival, a bunch of fresh flowers and a welcome card, made it a very special holiday indeed. I would highly recommend this cottage. There are some really nice comments in the guest book and there is a board up with all you need to know about the area.
It is located next to an 18-hole golf course, and a 20-minute beach walk to the pretty village of Rosemarkie with its superb beach, pubs, restaurants, hotel and Fortrose Cathedral, there was plenty to occupy every member of the family. Pictish stones are on display in the wonderful Groam House museum, which has a brass rubbing facility for children. A video about the Brahan Seer, the local prophet, can be see upstairs.
The excellent Fortrose library has free Internet access which enabled me to to keep in touch with the outside world. If you can manage to tear yourself away from the dolphins, which make daily appearances (check with the tidal chart for best times, available from the WDCS marine centre, situated next to the TIC in Kessock, just over the bridge, turn left. You can get all information of dolphin sightings there); the area has some wonderful walks, one of the nearest of which is from Rosemarkie to the Fairy Glen. There are water sports in the Firth, quite apart from boat trips to see the ubiquitous dolphins, and a wildlife park to the south of Munlochy (7m).
We had a wonderful day at the wildlife park. Inverness, capital of the Highlands, is only 14 miles away, so it was nice to go for a bit of shopping. Even though we did have trouble dragging the girls away from their beloved dolphins for a while. The cottage sleeps 4 people. There is a downstairs double bedroom and bathroom. Upstairs is a twin bedroom, great for older children. Sitting room + TV, a dining room. Kitchen with gas hob/oven, fridge, microwave, washing machine.
I will certainly rebook the cottage, as it was one of the best holidays we'd ever had.