Ross and Cromarty facts for kids
Ross and Cromarty is a beautiful area in the Highlands of Scotland. It's known for its amazing mountains and wide-open spaces, where not many people live. It's a great place to explore nature and see some incredible landscapes!
Contents
Discovering Ross and Cromarty
Ross and Cromarty is a historic part of Scotland, full of stunning scenery and interesting places. It used to be a very large county, but now it's part of the wider Highland Council area.
Where is Ross and Cromarty?
This region is located in the northern part of mainland Scotland. It stretches from the west coast, with its rugged coastline and islands, all the way across to the east coast, where you'll find more gentle landscapes and towns. It's a big area, covering a lot of different types of land.
Amazing Nature and Wildlife
Ross and Cromarty is famous for its wild and beautiful nature.
- Mountains: You'll find many tall mountains here, like An Teallach and Ben Wyvis. These mountains are popular for hiking and offer incredible views.
- Lochs and Rivers: The area has many freshwater lochs (lakes) and rivers, which are home to fish like salmon and trout.
- Coastline: The west coast is especially dramatic, with deep sea lochs, rocky cliffs, and sandy beaches. You might even spot seals, dolphins, or otters along the coast.
- Forests: There are also large areas of forest, including ancient Caledonian Forests, where you can see unique Scottish trees and plants.
- Wildlife: Keep an eye out for amazing animals like red deer, golden eagles, and red squirrels. The remote areas are perfect for wildlife spotting.
Towns and Villages
Even though it's a sparsely populated area, Ross and Cromarty has several charming towns and villages.
- Dingwall: This is a historic market town located on the east coast. It used to be the county town of Ross-shire.
- Ullapool: A picturesque fishing village on the west coast, Ullapool is a popular stop for tourists and a ferry port for the Outer Hebrides.
- Cromarty: A lovely historic town on the Black Isle peninsula, known for its well-preserved old buildings and connection to the sea.
- Kyle of Lochalsh: This village is famous as the gateway to the Isle of Skye, connected by the Skye Bridge.
What to See and Do
There's lots to do in Ross and Cromarty if you love the outdoors and history!
- Hiking and Walking: With so many mountains and trails, it's a fantastic place for walking, from easy strolls to challenging climbs.
- Water Sports: The lochs and coastal waters are great for kayaking, sailing, and fishing.
- Wildlife Watching: Join a boat trip to spot marine life or explore the forests for birds and animals.
- Historic Sites: Visit ancient castles, old churches, and even prehistoric standing stones, like the famous Callanish Stones on the Isle of Lewis (which is part of the wider historic area).
- Scenic Drives: The roads wind through incredible landscapes, offering breathtaking views around every corner.
Ross and Cromarty is a truly special part of Scotland, offering a mix of wild nature, quiet towns, and a rich history, making it an exciting place to learn about and explore.
Related pages
Images for kids
-
Sgurr Fiona and the Corrag Bhuidhe pinnacles on An Teallach in Wester Ross
-
Cromarty Bridge
-
Dingwall, with Ben Wyvis in the distance
-
Shieldaig
-
Ullapool
-
Stornoway
-
Eilean Bàn from the Skye Bridge, looking towards Kyle of Lochalsh
-
Shag birds on Longa Island
-
The Isle of Ewe
-
Cave on Garbh Eilean, Shiant Isles
-
The famous Callanish Stones on Lewis
-
Seana Chnoc (at left) and Bearasaigh from the south west. Stac nam Balg is just visible to the left of Seanna Chnoc
