Chanonry Point — Attraction in Scotland

Excellent beach and chance to see dolphins feeding on change of tides. Beautiful lighthouse and views of Fort George.

Chanonry Point (Scottish Gaelic: Rubha na Cananaich) lies at the end of Chanonry Ness, a spit of land extending into the Moray Firth between Fortrose and Rosemarkie on the Black Isle, Scotland.

An active lighthouse situated at the tip of the point was designed by Alan Stevenson and was first lit in 1846. The lighthouse has been fully automated since 1984 and is operated by Northern Lighthouse Board.

Bottlenose dolphin Chanonry Point is one of the best spots in the UK to view bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus from the land. The dolphins are often visible off Chanonry point, particularly on an incoming tide when they play and fish in the strong currents. Other wildlife, including porpoises and grey seals, can also regularly be spotted. European otters (Lutra lutra) are occasional visitors.

The Ness is home to two camping and caravan sites towards the north. Most of the promontory is taken up by Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club.

Due to the popularity of the dolphins at Chanonry point, the parking area and roads leading up to the beach have become more and more congested during the summer months, causing concerns amongst local residents.

The death of Coinneach Odhar, more commonly known as the Brahan Seer, is commemorated by a memorial stone on the spot not far from where he is reputed to have been brutally executed.

Watching dolphins While bottlenose dolphins can be seen off the point throughout the year, the chances of seeing them increase when their food supply increases, the peak times being when salmon are returning towards the two main rivers (the Ness and Beauly) which feed into the Moray Firth. The salmon come in with the tidal current which, once the tide starts to come in, can be extreme. If planning a trip, find tide details and pick days with midday low tides with the largest difference between low and high tide (spring tides, avoid the neap tides). An unofficial "jungle telegraph" system operates round the Rosemarkie campsite and point in June and on into August with details of the latest sightings only a brief conversation away. The University of Aberdeen operates a more formal range of surveys throughout the year from their field station based just along the coast at Cromarty, supported by funds from the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society. While the Point is regarded by many people as the best place to watch the dolphins from land, licensed boat trips do run from Cromarty, Avoch and Inverness. The nearby Dolphin and Seal Centre at North Kessock also offers good dolphin watching opportunities during the summer months.

Photographing dolphins Midsummer offers the best light for photography of bottlenose dolphins at the point, from late afternoon onwards. While early morning light is good, the direction of the point risks looking directly into the sun. The point has been featured in recent years on a wide range of television programmes, including the BBC's Coast series and nature programmes. These have greatly increased visitor numbers to the point. The wildlife requires no special equipment, but those looking for serious photography should pack a fast 200 mm to...

Peaceful and Pretty Stop at Chanonry Point

Chanonry Point is a lovely little coastal spot — a great place to take a break and enjoy some fresh sea air. The views are pretty and the setting is peaceful, with gentle waves lapping against the shore and wide open water stretching out in front of you. It’s not overly dramatic, but it has a quiet charm that makes it well worth a short stop.

There are a few picnic benches and tables where you can sit, relax, and have a bite to eat while taking in the scenery. There's also a small lighthouse at the tip of the point, which adds a nice touch to the landscape.

It’s a well-known spot for dolphin watching, and while we didn’t see any during our visit, it was still a nice place to pause on our journey. We spent around 30 minutes there just unwinding — a peaceful break with a beautiful backdrop.

Parking is convenient, with a paid car park right on site. There’s a section with a 2.1 m height barrier, but also plenty of space for motorhomes and higher vehicles in the same car park, so no extra walking needed.

All in all, Chanonry Point is a calm, pleasant place to stretch your legs and take in some sea views — a simple but worthwhile stop if you’re passing...

Chanonry Point is one of the best places in the UK to see wild dolphins up close. Here’s a bit about it:

Location: A narrow spit of land extending into the Moray Firth, between Fortrose and Rosemarkie on the Black Isle, northeast of Inverness.

Dolphin Watching: Famous for its resident pod of bottlenose dolphins. They often come very close to shore, especially on a rising tide when salmon are running — meaning you can sometimes see them just a few metres away.

Other Wildlife: Seals, porpoises, and a variety of seabirds (like oystercatchers and terns) are also commonly spotted.

Accessibility: There’s a small car park at the end of the point, and it’s only a short walk to the pebble beach where most people gather with cameras and binoculars.

Best Time to Visit: The dolphins are most reliably seen from spring through autumn, and the incoming tide gives you the best chance.

Atmosphere: With sweeping views across the firth, the lighthouse at the tip of the point, and dolphins leaping in the surf, it’s a magical spot — especially at sunset.

✨ Fun fact: The dolphins here are among the largest bottlenose dolphins in the world, growing up to 4 metres (13 ft) long due to the colder...