At a glance
Our experience
Chanonry Point, Black Isle
Chanonry Point was the first stop on my North Coast 500 adventure, and I was really hoping it would be the start of the trip with a wildlife encounter. I was pushed for time, but I'd deliberately tried to time my visit for when the dolphins would be most likely to appear.
Looking for Dolphins
I spent some time waiting and scanning the water, hoping to catch sight of the famous bottlenose dolphins that visit the Moray Firth. Unfortunately, I didn't have any luck this time.
While it would have been amazing to see them, I wasn't disappointed with the stop. Sometimes wildlife doesn't appear just because you've planned your visit around it, and Chanonry Point was still a beautiful place to spend some time.
The Coastline
After giving up on my dolphin search, I spent some time walking along the shore and taking in the coastline.
The weather that day was particularly wild and windy, and although it wasn't the calmest weather for exploring, I actually thought it added to the experience. The wind whipped across the Moray Firth and made the sea look incredibly wild, creating a dramatic scene in front of me.
It was one of those moments where the weather became part of the scenery rather than something that ruined the visit.
What I Liked Most
What I liked most about Chanonry Point was that even without seeing the dolphins, there was still something special about simply standing there and watching the sea.
The combination of the exposed coastline, the wide views across the Moray Firth and the wild weather made it a memorable first stop on my NC500 trip.
I'd definitely bring binoculars next time, though. After spending time watching the water and knowing that dolphins can be seen from the shore, I'd love to return and give myself another chance to spot them.
Would I Visit Again?
Absolutely.
Wildly Wandering rating: 5/5 ⭐
Even though I didn't see the dolphins on this visit, Chanonry Point was still a fantastic first stop on my NC500 adventure. The dramatic coastline, views across the Moray Firth and the chance of seeing wild dolphins make it somewhere I'd happily return to.
Wildly Wandering tip: If you're visiting specifically to see dolphins, check the tide times before you go and give yourself plenty of time to wait and watch. And don't forget your binoculars!
