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Friendly Black Isle residents
The Black Isle is actually a peninsula that lies just to the north of Inverness. Cycling is a great way to explore the Black Isle as there are many quiet roads and a growing network of traffic-free routes too. You can cycle to the Black Isle from our base in Inverness, take your bike on the bus, or we can even deliver our hire bikes to you.
This 30 mile route from Inverness to the Black Isle follows mostly quiet country roads and takes in the Black Isle Wildlife Park, Black Isle Brewery (free tours) and the villages of Munlochy and Avoch.
The first couple of miles out of Inverness follows the national cycle network which avoids the worst of the city roads but is not the most scenic. Crossing the Beauly firth on the footpath of the Kessock Bridge offers great views to east, west and south to Inverness. Keep following signs for the National Cycle Network and you'll be led under the busy dual carriageway. On the other side follow signs for Drumsmittal and follow this road all the way up the hill to the wildlife park.
Keep on this road down the other side of the hill until you reach a T-junction with the B9161. Take care as you turn right onto this busier road. Carry on though Munlochy and across the A832 following NCN route 1 and signpost for Culbokie. Just past Killen turn right at the sign for Avoch and Fortrose and freewheel down to Avoch. At the foot of the hill you'll find the Station Hotel, a fine spot for lunch. Just past the hotel turn down on to Long Road, then Henrietta Street and follow this road all the way back to the A832. Turn left and return to Munlochy, taking the right at the church signposted Black Isle Brewery.
Stay with the National Cycle Network all the way back to Inverness.
Time of year - we recommend cycling this tour between April and October inclusive.