Rosemarkie and its neighbour, Fortrose (the two more or less run into each other) are picturesque little places and have shops, galleries and good restaurants.

Perhaps the jewel in their crown, if you exclude the attractive ruin of the old Cathedral in Fortrose, is the spit of land which runs out from the villages into the Moray Firth at Chanonry Point. Chanonry Point is arguably the best site in Europe for spotting dolphins, as they swim through the narrows there into the inner Sound. The spit is also the site of an excellent and fiendishly challenging golf course, sandwiched between the gorse bushes and the sea and guaranteed to test even the most skilful golfer.

Further back down the road towards Inverness, there is Munlochy Bay, a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) that is famed for its wildfowl. The Black Isle Wildlife Park is also down that way and you should keep an eye out for the red kites which have recently been reintroduced into this area. They are often to be seen near the Tore roundabout, where the A832 joins the A9.

Another local curiosity is the original Clootie Well, adapted by Ian Rankin into one of his Rebus novels. It may not be to your taste, but is well worth a look! Finally, the charming village of Cromarty at the end of the peninsula,should not be missed.

A little further afield, there is of course bustling Inverness itself with all the facilities one could wish and beyond it Loch Ness, Glen Affric and Glen Cannich, perfect for walking and picnics and you may even spot a golden eagle. To the north west is the spa village of Strathpeffer, which has managed to retain much of its Victorian elegance. Beyond there you can be on Skye in just over an hour. Trips to John O' Groats and the far north are also easily achievable in a day.