Cromarty Firth Coastal Path
Highlands
Cromarty sits at the north-eastern tip of the Black Isle where the Sutors, two great headlands of Old Red Sandstone, guard the narrow entrance to the Cromarty Firth. The coastal path from the town follows the South Sutor above the firth entrance through ancient cliff woodland before emerging onto open headland with expansive views north to the Easter Ross shore and east into the Moray Firth. The South Sutor is riddled with wartime fortifications from both World Wars, adding historical interest to the walk alongside the natural spectacle of the cliffs. Gannets can be seen diving in the firth and the bottlenose dolphin population that frequents Chanonry Point is also regularly spotted from here.
This is a well-rounded dog friendly walk combining coastal cliff scenery, ancient woodland and genuine wildlife interest. The cliff-top sections give good off-lead time on open ground above the firth, while the woodland sections through the Sutors carry some deer fencing that requires leads at gates. Livestock risk is low throughout. Cromarty itself is one of the finest small towns in the Highlands, largely unchanged since the 18th century and with several dog-friendly pubs and cafés on its historic streets. The town's heritage, the wildlife of the firth and the quality of the walking combine to make this an excellent destination in its own right.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.0 km (5.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Coastal, Woodland
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Cromarty Firth Coastal Path, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in HighlandsFrequently Asked Questions
Is Cromarty Firth Coastal Path dog friendly?
Cromarty Firth Coastal Path scores 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness, making it a strong choice for a day out with your dog. The route combines open cliff-top walking, ancient woodland and low livestock risk, and the historic town of Cromarty at the start of the walk has several dog-friendly pubs and cafés to round off the day.
Can dogs be off lead at Cromarty Firth Coastal Path?
The open cliff-top sections above the Cromarty Firth offer good off-lead opportunities on open ground with plenty of space to roam. The woodland sections through the Sutors have some deer fencing, so you'll need to put leads on at gates in those areas, but overall the walk gives a decent mix of on and off-lead time.
What should I know before visiting Cromarty Firth Coastal Path with my dog?
Livestock risk is low throughout the route, which is reassuring, but do be ready to lead up at deer-fenced gates in the woodland sections. The cliff-top paths can be exposed, so it's worth keeping an eye on confident or excitable dogs near the edges — though the reward is spectacular: gannets diving in the firth and bottlenose dolphins are regularly spotted from the headland.
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What’s Nearby?
Beach0.2 mi awayCromarty Beach
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A sandy beach at the historic Black Isle seaport of Cromarty where the firth meets the Moray Firth, with year-round dog access and one of Scotland's finest preserved 18th-century townscapes nearby.
Beach6.7 mi awayBalintore Beach
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A quiet sandy beach at the east Ross village of Balintore near the famous Hilton of Cadboll Pictish stone, with year-round dog access and good connections to the area's outstanding Pictish heritage.
Beach7.1 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.
Beach7.9 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.
Walk8.2 mi awayChanonry Point and the Black Isle Coastal Walk
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One of the best places in Europe to watch wild dolphins from shore, with flat off-lead shingle-beach walking and reliable sightings year-round from the Moray Firth tideline.
Beach9 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.