The Local Area

Balfreish and the local area is an excellent starting point to journey and explore the Highlands of Scotland to the west and the Moray Firth Coast, Speyside , Cairngorm National Park and Royal Deeside. Balmoral Castle, the Royal Family’s Scottish retreat is only one and threequarter hours drive away through beautiful countryside

The North Coast 500

Inverness, less than 10 miles from Balfreish, is the starting point for this wonderful road trip. Described as “The new scenic route showcasing fairy-tale castles, white sand beaches and historical ruins“, there is something for everyone along the way - golf, whisky, castles, outstanding scenery and adventure to name but a few.

Malt Whisky Trail

The Malt Whisky Trail can be started in Forres, just 20 miles from Balfreish. Visit just Benromach, situated in Forres itself or extend the experience to include all or some of the 9 listed distilleries.

Even closer to Balfreish are some of the Highland distilleries, Glen Ord on the edge of the Black Isle or Tomatin, just 18 miles away.

Culloden Battlefield

Culloden Battlefield is 10 minutes drive from Balfreish. Enroute why not also visit Clava Cairns, a well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery complex of passage graves; ring cairns, kerb cairns and standing stones in a beautiful setting

Moray Firth Coast

THE spectacular coastline of the Moray Firth is ranked in the top twelve of the world’s most beautiful and unspoiled coastlines. The coastal Path stretches for 50 miles and you will always be rewarded with a great variety in scenery and setting. The coastline has great wilderness quality with imposing cliffs and rare plants, but is never far from civilisation.

Loch Ness

Loch Ness extends for approximately 23 miles southwest of Inverness down to Fort Augustus. Undoubtedly best known for its famous resident Nessie, a trip around this loch also offers great scenery, lovely walks and picnic spots, Urquhart Castle, boats rides etc

Johnstons of Elgin

Founded in 1797 Johnston’s of Elgin Cashmere Centre is situated in Elgin, about 40 minutres east along the coast. Even if you decide not to treat yourself to a luxurious item, the cafe is well worth a visit as is the ruined Cathedral nearby.