Five places to enjoy eats after a walk
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As the days are lengthening, how about combining enjoyable eats with a bit of exercise and some good olf Hioghland air?
The North Gateway Café
Daviot Wood
The walk at Daviot Wood is a manageable 5km circle from the car park just off the A9 going north, or you can walk into it from Castleton Village in Milton of Leys.
Either way it's a walk of good solid path offering plenty of fresh air and, on a good day, at its highest point, some stirring views over the tree line.
The North Gateway Café, by the Forestry and Land Scotland car park, is a little gem offering soup and sandwich/ toastie type bites plus an a gorgeous selection of cakes.
The staff on the day I was there were lovely.
Basil Harbour Café
Nairn
On an outing to the seaside what, really, beats fish and chips? Well Basil's fish finger sandwich at the very least runs it close.
It's just one of the treats on offer at the small eatery by Nairn Harbour.
You're spoiled for choice when it comes to walks in this part of the world, but one of my favourites is to park at the Links and walk back "out of town" past the Sundancer restaurant and Basil's itself.
Cross the river and head through the caravan park to the woods and from there it's out again to the East Beach and back along the sands to Basil's for something warming.
The Three Bridges Café
Tomatin
Part of The Strathdearn village hub, the café offers stunning views of the Findhorn Viaduct and, as its name promises, two other crossings, presented in Insta-friendly glory courtesy of its panoramic windows.
Homemade meals and snacks are the order of the day in a bright and airy space, with vegan, veggie and gluten-free options including fresh daily baking.
As well as hot beverages and soft drinks you can also enjoy a selection of wines and beers from Cromarty Brewery with your repast (assuming you're not driving of course).
There are numerous walks to enjoy – journey from the heart of the village into Distillery Wood or, on a longer route, cross the River Findhorn and be prepared to climb for fantastic views of the valley.
See here for further details of this and other routes.
Museum Café
Strathpeffer
Head out from the café to Dingwall and back on the Peffery Way, rewarding yourself with a well-deserved bite to eat at the end of the seven-mile trek or, if you start in Dingwall, grab some sustenance at the end of the first leg before your return journey.
The quirky charm of the surroundings, at the old railway station, cannot be denied. Neither can the great service and array of choice when it comes to the eatables.
With the Highland Museum of Childhood on site, and a lovely gift shop besides, there's plenty to keep you occupied.
Tarvies Café
by Rogie Falls
Enjoy a stroll around the picture perfect setting of Rogie Falls with its suspension bridge the best spot for enjoying the power of the Black Water river at this point, or set yourself a longer challenge by walking into the site from the further out Contin Wood.
Either way a burger at the café, by the main A835 road, offers a hearty mouthful, with plenty other options on offer for both breakfast and lunch, snacks and more substantial meals.
