Chanonry Point and the Black Isle Coastal Walk
Highlands
Chanonry Point is a narrow spit of shingle and shell-sand jutting into the Moray Firth from the Black Isle, and it has earned an international reputation as one of the finest places in Europe to observe wild bottlenose dolphins at close range from shore. The dolphins feed in the tidal race at the point's tip, and sightings are most reliable in the two hours either side of a rising tide from spring to autumn, though winter sightings are not unusual. The walk from the car park follows the golf-course edge along the spit to the lighthouse at the point, with the Moray Firth opening on both sides and views across the water towards Fort George on the south shore.
This is a superb dog friendly walk with outstanding off-lead potential along the shingle beach. The flat, firm surface suits all ages and sizes of dog, and the open space of the spit gives dogs room to run without restriction. Livestock risk is zero. The dolphin watching aspect adds an element that most walks cannot offer: the experience of watching a dozen dolphins hunting at close range while your dog investigates the tideline is a uniquely Highland pleasure. The car park has toilets. Fortrose a short drive away has cafés and pubs, most of which welcome dogs outside. The Black Isle beyond Fortrose has numerous other walks for those spending more time in the area.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.5 km (4.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 2 hr
- Walk Type
- Coastal
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Low
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Chanonry Point and the Black Isle Coastal Walk, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in HighlandsFrequently Asked Questions
Is Chanonry Point and the Black Isle Coastal Walk dog friendly?
Chanonry Point scores a 9 out of 10 for dog friendliness, making it one of the better-rated walks in our Highland listings. The flat shingle spit is easy going for dogs of all ages and sizes, there's no livestock anywhere on the route, and the open space gives dogs real room to stretch their legs. If you fancy a coffee or a bite to eat afterwards, Fortrose is a short drive away and has cafés and pubs that welcome dogs outside.
Can dogs be off lead at Chanonry Point and the Black Isle Coastal Walk?
Off-lead potential here is outstanding. The narrow shingle spit is open and unenclosed, livestock risk is zero, and the firm flat surface makes it easy to keep an eye on your dog as they run. It's a genuinely relaxed off-lead experience, with the bonus that you and your dog might share the tideline with a dozen wild bottlenose dolphins hunting in the Moray Firth.
What should I know before visiting Chanonry Point and the Black Isle Coastal Walk with my dog?
The walk follows the edge of a golf course along the spit to the lighthouse, so it's worth keeping that in mind near the course itself, though the shingle beach and open spit are where most of the action happens. If dolphin watching is on your agenda, sightings are most reliable in the two hours either side of a rising tide from spring through autumn, though winter visits can still deliver. There are toilets at the car park, and Fortrose nearby has dog-friendly cafés and pubs for afterwards.
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What’s Nearby?
Beach1.6 mi awayRosemarkie Beach
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A sandy Black Isle beach near Chanonry Point, the most reliable land-based dolphin watching spot in the UK, with year-round dog access and a village rich in Pictish heritage.
Beach1.6 mi awayFortrose Beach
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A sandy Black Isle beach at Fortrose near the cathedral ruins and Chanonry Point dolphin watching spot with year-round dog access and views across the Beauly Firth.
Beach8 mi awayCromarty Beach
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Walk8.2 mi awayCromarty Firth Coastal Path
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The Cromarty Firth coastal path from the historic town of Cromarty follows the Sutors cliffs above the firth entrance with exceptional seabird and dolphin viewing, ancient woodland and dramatic coastal scenery.
Beach8.4 mi awayNairn East Beach
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Nairn's beautiful sandy East Beach, known as the Brighton of the North, where dogs must be kept on leads at all times, though the wide sands and Moray Firth views still make for an excellent leashed beach walk.
Beach8.5 mi awayNairn Beach
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A long sandy beach on the Moray Firth with year-round access and the sunniest climate in Scotland, backed by a pleasant seaside town.