Highland Easter

Welcome to the Highlands

Happy Easter, you two! This long weekend is your chance to slow right down, breathe in proper Highland air, and explore one of the most beautiful corners of Scotland together. The Loft on the Croft sits just outside the quiet village of Muir of Ord, perfectly placed between the wild shores of Loch Ness and the gentle farmland of the Black Isle.

April in the Highlands is a magical time. The days are lengthening fast (expect light until nearly 9pm), spring flowers are pushing through, and the landscape is waking up from winter. You might catch late snow on the Cairngorm peaks, spot newborn lambs in the fields, or see dolphins hunting in the Moray Firth. Pack layers — the weather can swing from warm sunshine to a biting shower in the space of an hour — and embrace it all.

The Loft on the Croft

Your home for the weekend is a beautifully converted loft space on a small croft just outside Muir of Ord. Think exposed beams, a wood-burning stove, and views over open countryside towards the hills. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to linger over morning coffee, watching the light change across the fields.

What to Expect

The Loft is a self-catering space designed for two, with a well-equipped kitchen and a comfortable living area centred around the wood burner. There’s good WiFi if you need it, but you might find you don’t. The hosts are welcoming but give you plenty of privacy. Check-in is from 4pm on Friday, check-out by 10am on Monday.

Exploring the Area

You’re perfectly positioned to explore in all directions. Loch Ness lies to the south-west, the Black Isle stretches to the east, and Inverness — the Highland capital — is just 20 minutes away. Here are the highlights within easy reach.

Loch Ness & the Great Glen

Scotland’s most famous loch needs little introduction. Drive the quieter south side for dramatic views without the tour-bus crowds, stop at Urquhart Castle, and keep your eyes on the water — you never know.

Urquhart Castle

One of Scotland’s most dramatically situated castles, perched on a promontory jutting into Loch Ness. The ruins date back over 1,000 years. The visitor centre is excellent, and the views from the tower are unforgettable. About 35 minutes from The Loft.

Chanonry Point & Dolphins

The Black Isle’s Chanonry Point is one of the best dolphin-watching spots in Europe. The Moray Firth’s resident bottlenose dolphins often feed close to shore, especially on a rising tide. Bring binoculars and patience — about 25 minutes from your base.

Clava Cairns

A hauntingly atmospheric Bronze Age burial site surrounded by ancient trees, just east of Culloden. The stone circles and passage graves are over 4,000 years old. Quieter and more intimate than Stonehenge, and just 25 minutes from The Loft. Free entry.

Highland Whisky Trail

You’re in the heart of whisky country. Glen Ord Distillery is practically on your doorstep (5 min drive), and Tomatin and Dalmore are both within easy reach. Book a tasting tour for an afternoon of warming drams and copper pot stills.

Highland Coos

You’ll almost certainly spot these magnificent shaggy beasts in the fields around Muir of Ord and the Black Isle. With their sweeping horns and ginger fringes, they’re endlessly photogenic. Keep an eye out on every drive.

Maps by Area

Loch Ness & the Great Glen

The Black Isle & Moray Firth

Suggested Itinerary

This is a loose framework, not a schedule. Sleep in, linger over lunch, change plans on a whim — that’s the point. These are just ideas to spark your days.

Afternoon: Arrive & Explore Muir of Ord

Check in from 4pm, unpack, light the wood burner, and get your bearings. If you arrive with energy, take a short walk around the croft or drive the five minutes into Muir of Ord village. The local Co-op is handy for picking up basics, breakfast supplies, and a bottle of wine for the evening.

Evening: First Night Supper

Keep it simple — cook something easy at The Loft or pick up fish and chips. Open that bottle of wine, settle into the sofa by the fire, and start unwinding. You’re on Highland time now.

Morning: Urquhart Castle & Loch Ness

Head south towards Drumnadrochit and Urquhart Castle. Aim to arrive around 10am before the coaches. The castle is spectacular from every angle, and the visitor centre tells the story well. Afterwards, drive along the loch — the A82 on the north side has several good lay-bys for photos.

Afternoon: Clava Cairns & Culloden

On the way back, stop at Clava Cairns — the Bronze Age burial site that partly inspired Outlander’s standing stones. It’s a beautiful, peaceful place. Nearby Culloden Battlefield is the site of the last pitched battle on British soil (1746). The visitor centre is moving and well done — allow an hour or so.

Evening: Dinner in Inverness

Drive into Inverness for dinner. The city centre is compact and walkable, with a good range of restaurants along the river. See the Food & Drink section for suggestions.

Fishing villages of the Black Isle

Woodland walks near Muir of Ord

Morning: Chanonry Point for Dolphins

Check the tide times — dolphins are most active on a rising tide, particularly in the hour or two before high water. Drive across the Kessock Bridge to the Black Isle, through Fortrose, and park at the end of the spit at Chanonry Point. Even if the dolphins are shy, it’s a gorgeous spot looking back towards the mountains.

Afternoon: Black Isle Wander

Explore the pretty villages of Fortrose and Rosemarkie. Rosemarkie beach is lovely for a walk, and the Groam House Museum has a beautiful collection of Pictish stones. If the weather’s kind, drive on to Cromarty — a perfectly preserved 18th-century port town at the tip of the Black Isle.

Late Afternoon: Whisky Tasting

On the way home, stop at Glen Ord Distillery for a tour and tasting. It’s the closest distillery to your base — literally five minutes away. Their Singleton range is smooth and approachable, and it’s fascinating to see the process up close. Book ahead if you can.

Evening: Easter Sunday at The Loft

Cook a special Easter supper together at The Loft. Pick up some good local produce — perhaps some Scottish salmon, venison, or cheese from the Black Isle Dairy. Light the wood burner, pour a dram, and enjoy a cosy last evening in the Highlands.

Morning: One Last Walk

Check-out is at 10am, so if you’re up early, squeeze in a final walk. The area around the croft is lovely for a short stroll, or drive 20 minutes to Rogie Falls for a beautiful woodland walk to a dramatic waterfall (look for salmon leaping if the water’s high). Then pack up, say goodbye to the Highlands, and head home with your heads full of fresh air and good memories.

Food & Drink

Eating Out

Self-Catering & Supplies

The Co-op in Muir of Ord has everything you need for breakfasts and easy suppers. For something special, visit the Black Isle Dairy or look for local venison, smoked salmon, and Scottish cheeses. Inverness has a Marks & Spencer food hall if you want to stock up on something a bit fancier.

Whisky

You’re in single malt country. Glen Ord (Singleton) is on your doorstep. Other distilleries within an hour include Tomatin, Dalmore, Glenmorangie (in Tain), and Glen Wyvis (Scotland’s first community-owned distillery, in Dingwall). A wee dram by the wood burner is practically compulsory.

Practical Information