The Black Isle and surrounding area offer wonderful opportunities for watching wildlife. This area is best known for Chanonry Point, which can be seen from the cottages. This is one of the best place in Europe to watch Bottlenose dolphins from land, as they often appear just metres from the shore. Dolphins can also be seen from the gardens. There are also numerous reserves and walks close to Hillockhead where you enjoy this wonderful landscape and see some of its wild residents.
We own a number of Browning trail cameras that are set in the woodlands and coastal areas that are walking distance from the cottages. You can view some of the footage we have captured of the local wildlife, via our Flickr stream. From pine marten to badger, roe deer to otter, we have captured some amazing footage of wildlife close to the cottages.
Widely accepted as one of the best places in Europe to see Bottlenose dolphins, Chanonry point is a short drive from the cottages and can be seen from the garden. The dolphins can be seen at any time, but a rising tide provides the best opportunities.
Unlike in many areas, the Moray Firth dolphins can be readily viewed from land, although there are excellent boat-based opportunities. With a little patience, several local sites provide a high chance of seeing dolphins, particularly in the summer. Standing on the beach, they can often be seen just metres from the shore!
Tim Stenton, owner of Hillockhead, has written two books on marine life; 'Moray Firth Dolphins', which you can find in your cottage and is a co-author of 'Europe's Sea Mammals'. Tim also works for 'EcoVentures' who run wildlife watching trips from Cromaty. He is happy to advise you on when and where you can see the area's cetaceans and other sea mammals.
Chanonry Point Dolphins
The Black Isle has much to offer the wildlife watcher & photographer.
At Hillockhead, there are a number of bird feeders around and you should be able see a wide variety of species.
If you are lucky, you may even be able to see one of the local pine martens that visit the site during the winter months for the food that Tim provides.
It is a wildlife haven, so take your binoculars and camera as the Black Isle has a lot to offer the wildlife enthusiast.
Tim is happy to advise on where to get the best wildlife sightings.
Hillockhead Pine Marten
Working with WildlifeKate, we have set a selection of trail cameras around the land surrounding the cottages. These cameras provide a unique insight into the wildlife right on our doorstep as they remotely film any wildlife that triggers their sensor.
We have bird feeders set up in the grounds and there are many local walks that are great for bird watching, so bring your binoculars and your camera... you never know what you might spot!
Hillockhead
Local Wildlife