Attractions and Places To See around Beauly - Top 20

Beauly is rich in history. A prominent site is Beauly Priory, impressive ruins dating back to 1230, located just off the high street. While not open to the public, Beaufort Castle, the traditional seat of the Lords Lovat, can be admired from the outside. For a deeper dive into the region's past, the Ferrycroft Visitor Centre offers insights into Scotland's geology and prehistory.

Absolutely. The Beauly area is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes perfect for walking and hiking. Reelig Glen offers ancient woodlands and circular walks, while Glen Affric, a National Nature Reserve, provides numerous trails, including an 11-mile walk around Loch Affric. The River Beauly itself has a pleasant 5-mile circular walk. For more challenging routes, consider the Climb from Struy to Loch Orrin Dam, known for its steep sections and scenic views. You can find various hiking routes in the area, including easy, moderate, and difficult options, by exploring the Hiking around Beauly guide.

Families visiting Beauly have several options. The Dochgarroch Locks, the first lock on the Caledonian Canal out of Inverness, is a picturesque spot with moored boats and a cafe, making it a pleasant stop. The Glen Ord Distillery also welcomes families and offers tours and tastings. For an animal encounter, Robertson Farm Shop allows visitors to see Highland cattle and alpacas up close. Many of the natural walks, especially the easier sections of Reelig Glen or the River Beauly path, are also suitable for families.

Beauly offers a charming blend of local culture and unique shopping. The Kilmorack Gallery, housed in a converted church, showcases contemporary Scottish art. For a taste of traditional Scottish retail, Campbell's of Beauly, established in 1858, offers tweed garments and classic gifts. The Beauly High Street itself is home to various independent shops, cafes, and delis. Additionally, The Old School Beauly provides a quaint shopping experience for unique gifts and Scottish crafts, complete with a café.

Yes, the Glen Ord Distillery is located on the outskirts of Beauly. It is one of the three distilleries that produce the Singleton brand. Visitors can enjoy a range of distillery tours and tastings, and explore the gift shop. Advance bookings for tours are strongly recommended.

For those seeking a challenge, the area around Beauly offers some demanding routes. The Climb from Struy to Loch Orrin Dam is known for its steep sections, often requiring walking in places, but rewards with great views. The Descent from Hydro Bothy to Orrin Dam, while a descent, is part of a longer, intermediate trail that offers views of Loch Orrin and the Orrin falls. You can find more difficult hiking routes in the Hiking around Beauly guide.

Several easy walking routes are available near Beauly. The 5-mile circular walk along the River Beauly features wooded sections and easy-to-follow paths. Reelig Glen also offers two well-signposted circular walks that are generally accessible. For specific easy hiking routes, you can check the Hiking around Beauly guide, which lists options like the 'Lovat Bridge loop from Beauly' and 'Loch nam Bonnach – View of Loch loop from Upper Aultvaich'.

Beyond hiking, Beauly offers various outdoor activities. The Falls of Orrin provide excellent hiking trails and opportunities for birding and mountain biking. The area is also popular for cycling, with numerous road cycling and mountain biking routes. You can explore options like 'The Black Isle loop from Beauly' for road cycling in the Road Cycling Routes around Beauly guide, or 'Into Glen Orrin — a loop from Beauly' for mountain biking in the MTB Trails around Beauly guide. Aigas Golf Course offers a scenic round of golf overlooking the River Beauly.

Beauly is a great base for wildlife enthusiasts. Reelig Glen is known for wildlife spotting, including red squirrels and roe deer. In Glen Affric, visitors can look for golden eagles. Glen Strathfarrar, another National Nature Reserve, also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing. For marine life, Chanonry Point, a short distance from Beauly, is renowned for dolphin watching.

Yes, the region boasts several scenic viewpoints. The Dochgarroch Locks offers picturesque views of moored boats and tree-covered hills. The Climb from Struy to Loch Orrin Dam and the Descent from Hydro Bothy to Orrin Dam both provide stunning vistas of the landscape, including Loch Orrin and the Orrin falls. While the views from Cnoc Mor Trig Point are now largely obscured by trees, it remains a tranquil spot within the woods.

The best time to visit Beauly for outdoor activities generally depends on your preference. Spring and summer (May to September) offer longer daylight hours and milder weather, ideal for hiking and cycling. However, the Scottish Highlands can be beautiful in autumn with changing foliage, and even in winter for crisp, quiet walks, though some trails might be more challenging due to weather conditions. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Beyond the main attractions, Beauly has a few unique spots. Moniack Castle features a picturesque winery, offering a distinctive cultural experience with wine tasting sessions. The Kilmorack Gallery, set in a converted church, provides a unique setting for contemporary Scottish art. For a taste of local produce and a chance to see Highland cattle and alpacas, Robertson Farm Shop is a charming stop just outside the village.