Rockview ref: 511209

About the local area

The village of Hilton is one of several pretty ‘seaboard’ villages that straddle this lovely Ross-shire coastline. They all possess beautifully kept sea-fronts and little harbours, with rocky outcrops interspersed with stunning sandy beaches.  Just a short walk along the shoreline is Shandwick bay, renowned for its beautiful golden sands and gently sloping shoreline; ideal for paddling and swimming. It is also used for a variety of sporting activities including kite-buggying and sea kayaking.  This coastline is completely unspoilt and provides an idyllic seaside holiday away from the crowds.  The region has a fascinating history as it was the homeland of the Picts who inhabited the region even before the Vikings. Hilton has a famous Pictish sculpture, known as the Hilton Stone. A variety of fascinating modern sculptures have recently been placed along the shoreline – the Balintore mermaid who sits on a rock in the sea is the most notable.  Dolphins and porpoises are regularly seen in the bay and even the occasional basking shark and Beluga whale have been spotted close to shore. Just a short walk from the cottage there is an excellent pub, restaurant, café and a small local store.   The area is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.  Cycling, hill walking, golf, fishing, horse riding, sailing, canoeing and surfing are all enjoyed locally.  Within a ten minutes drive lies the oldest Royal Burgh of Scotland.  Predominantly built of local mellow sandstone, Tain is a charming historic town and offers an excellent selection of small shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs as well as a wide variety of sporting and recreational facilities, including tennis courts, golf club and bowling club, all of which are available to visitors.  This part of the Highlands is easily accessible for exploring the whole of the north.  Nearby places of interest include the whisky distillery centre, home of Glenmorangie single malt, the famous Falls of Shin, one of the few places to see salmon leaping close to hand and the enchanting town of Dornoch, with its magnificent Cathedral, award winning sandy beach and championship golf course. Rockview is also just 40 minutes drive to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.

Things to do nearby