Using Alcaig as a base, there are numerous places to visit in the surrounding area. Here are some examples of the more local ones.

Dingwall

Dingwall is the market town for Ross-shire and is the main shopping area outside of Inverness. As well as all the local shops there is a 24 hour Tesco Supermarket and there is a Farmers Market in the High St on the second Saturday of every month. Just outside the town is the Mart, which is the main livestock mart for the North. Also housed in the Mart is the Drovers Exhibition which tells the story of the old drove roads to market.

Victorian Strathpeffer

Strathpeffer is a Victorian Spa town with a restored Pump Room and Pavillion. The Pavillion is host to many traditional music events. Also in the Pavillion is the Red Poppy Restaurant. Other attractions in Strathpeffer include the Highland Museum of Childhood in the old station building. There is also an amazing chocolate shop where you can indulge in the most luxurious Hot Chocolate and handmade chocolates and a variety of craft and gift shops.

Strathconon
To the west of Strathpeffer is Strathconon, a wonderful Highland glen with its own unique beauty and the subject of the television series “A Glen for all Seasons”
Northwest of Strathpeffer are the spectacular Rogie Falls, and a walk down into the ravine and across the suspension bridge can be a perfect way to round off the day.

Beauly Priory
To the south, some six miles away, is Muir of Ord, home of the Glen Ord Distillery. Makers of an excellent 12 year old Single Malt, they have a visitor centre open most of the year and guided tours are available. At nearby Beauly are the ruins of the old Priory, and on the outskirts of this attractive town is the Made in Beauly Craft Shop. This may provide an opportunity to purchase a gift not available elsewhere.

Glen Affric

Just beyond Beauly, a right turn sees the road head off west towards Struy, Cannich and some of the most wonderful scenery in the Highlands. Glen Affric, beyond Cannich, is quite magnificent and provides ample opportunities for walking along the river and up into the hills.

Seal Colony
To the north-east beyond the Ardullie roundabout, on the main A9 trunk road, is an excellent viewpoint to see the local seal colony. Just ¼ mile past this is “The Storehouse” an excellent cafe/restaurant right on the shores of the Cromarty Firth.  

Fyrish

Overlooking Evanton and Alness is the monument on Fyrish Hill - a replica of a gateway to a town in India captured by a local General in 1781. Its construction provided work at a time of local unemployment in the area. The car park at the base of the hill is an ideal starting point, and a climb to the top, to enjoy the wonderful panoramic views, and back takes about 2 ½

hours

Tain
To the north-east is Tain, home to the Glenmorangie Distillery, makers of some of the finest single malt whiskies in the world. The visitor centre is open every weekday and guided tours are available. Tain claims to be Scotland's oldest Royal Burgh with a charter that dates back to 1066. As the birthplace of St. Duthac, the town was an important destination for pilgrims, and St. Duthac's chapel and surrounding buildings are part of the 'Tain through Time' guided tour - well worth a visit. Balintore, a few miles from Tain, is one of the driest and sunniest places in Britain, and offers pleasant walks along the foreshore. Boats are available in the harbour for charter which can be used for sea angling. Portmahomack is a lovely fishing village with a great beach.

Cromarty and the Black Isle
The Black Isle, reached by crossing the Cromarty Firth by the bridge at Ardullie, or via the ferry from Nigg, has many places of interest. At Cromarty, The Courthouse, Parish Church and Hugh Miller's Cottage are just some of the places to visit in this historic and picturesque coastal village. Near Munlochy is the Black Isle Wildlife and Country Park, an ideal entertainment for all the family.

Dolphin Viewpoint

At nearby Fortrose is the 14th century Cathedral, and between Rosemarkie and Fortrose is Chanonry Point, site of the lighthouse, and a terrific place to spot the resident Bottlenose Dolphin population.