Tain and Easter Ross

Tain – the oldest Royal Burgh in Scotland – is the ancient heart of this part of Easter Ross, between the Cromarty and Dornoch Firths, though today Alness and Invergordon are equally important. This is a much gentler landscape than the rugged west coast, with lower, more rolling hills sloping down to fertile farmland and the sea, dotted with attractive seaside villages such as Portmahomack and Shandwick.

There are forest walks in the hills, and some good viewpoints looking along the two Firths, but it is the coastline which wins most attention, with fine long sandy beaches.