Hillhaven is ideall situated for hillwalkers wanting to take on Ben Nevis or Ben Wyvis, or the surrounding mountains.
Beginning at Avoch on the south side of the Black Isle, the route first follows the path of a now removed railway line to Fortrose (two miles). A short walk through the village then takes you to the path along the south shore of Chanonry Ness, to Chanonry Point. You then take the path along the beach on the north shore of Chanonry Ness nearly to Rosemarkie, thence cutting across the peninsula to rejoin the outward route. You can either do the complete walk - Avoch back to Avoch - or go on to Rosemarkie and take a bus back to Avoch, which would cut the walk to five miles. The path from Avoch to Fortrose can be muddy; no special footwear needed. Hope you see the dolphins.
In Avoch turn off the A832 at the turn-off signposted Killen, at the south end of the village (there's a bus stop there, too). Go up the hill for 200m and turn right into Braehead. The small car park is twenty metres into Braehead. For a shorter walk (with dolphins) park in Fortrose. There is a bus service between Inverness and Rosemarkie.
The inner Moray Firth is well-known for its resident bottle-nosed dolphins (and grey seals). Other than going on one of the dolphin cruises, eg from Avoch, the best chance of seeing the dolphins frolic is from Chanonry Point. It's a nice place to picnic, midway in the walk.
