waterfall
Rogie Falls
A series of waterfalls crossed by a bouncy suspension bridge where salmon leap, an easy forest stop near Contin.
10 km · about 20 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomScotland
Dingwall
Scotland, United Kingdom · Europe
About Dingwall
Dingwall works well as a base: 15 minutes from Strathpeffer, 30km from Loch Ness.
Dingwall is in Scotland, United Kingdom, with about 5,400 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Strathpeffer, about 7 km away.
Dingwall (Scots: Dingwal, Scottish Gaelic: Inbhir Pheofharain [ˈiɲɪɾʲ ˈfjɔhəɾɛɲ]) is a historic market town and former royal burgh on the Cromarty Firth in Easter Ross in the Highlands of Scotland. It has enjoyed the status of royal burgh since the 13th century, and its local government is the Highland Council. TheRead more
town has a population of 5,265 in 2022, and though today it lies inland, its topography used to be that of an east-coast harbour. At one time, it was a significant medieval port, a hub of foreign trading and customs collection. Dingwall’s medieval history affirms its status as an important country town and administrative centre, an extension perhaps of its history as a Viking settlement as evidenced by the Norse origin (Þingvǫllr) of its name.
The royal burgh is also the site of historic castles and clan skirmishes. Dingwall Castle was once the biggest castle north of Stirling. On the town's present-day outskirts lies Tulloch Castle, parts of which may date back to the 12th century. In 1411 the Battle of Dingwall is said to have taken place between the Clan Mackay and the Clan Donald.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Dingwall?
Within an hour or so of Dingwall: Rogie Falls (10 km), Chanonry Point (20 km), Culloden Battlefield (24 km), Culloden Battlefield (Outlander) (24 km).
Are there any good drives near Dingwall?
The nearest famous roads are A87 Glen Shiel to Skye, Mam Ratagan Pass (Glenelg road) and Bealach na Ba.
Where is Dingwall?
Dingwall is in Scotland, United Kingdom, about 7 km from Strathpeffer.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 5,360
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- Scotland
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 57.5953, -4.4272
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Dingwall
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
scenic viewpoint
Chanonry Point
One of the best places in Europe to spot bottlenose dolphins from the shore, a spit on the Black Isle near Inverness.
20 km · about 25 min drive
landmark
Culloden Battlefield
The moor where the 1746 Jacobite rising was crushed, now a moving memorial and visitor centre near Inverness.
24 km · about 25 min drive
film location
Culloden Battlefield (Outlander)
The moor east of Inverness where the 1746 battle central to Outlander was fought; the visitor centre marks the clan graves.
24 km · about 25 min drive
ancient ruins
Clava Cairns
A serene cluster of 4,000-year-old burial cairns and standing stones near Inverness, beloved by Outlander fans.
25 km · about 30 min drive
natural wonder
Loch Ness
Scotland's most legendary loch, containing more fresh water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined and home to the fabled monster Nessie.
30 km · about 35 min drive
castle
Urquhart Castle
Atmospheric ruins on the shores of Loch Ness with one of the best monster-spotting vantage points, dating back to the 13th century.
30 km · about 35 min drive
castle
Cawdor Castle
A turreted castle near Nairn built around a medieval tower, with a holly tree in the vault and gardens open in summer.
31 km · about 35 min drive
Driving roads near Dingwall
12 named roads, passes and coastal drives within 100km.
- 20 kmChanonry PointOne of the best places in Europe to spot bottlenose dolphins from the shore, a spit on the Black Isle near Inverness.
- 50 kmGlen AffricOften called Scotland's most beautiful glen, a wilderness of ancient Caledonian pines, lochs and red deer.
- 61 kmGlen TorridonA steep-sided glen on the A896 running beneath Liathach and Beinn Eighe, among the oldest mountain scenery in Britain.
- 67 kmStac PollaidhCompact but spectacular sandstone peak in Assynt with a deeply eroded pinnacled summit ridge and stunning views of the Coigach wilderness.
- 69 kmCairngorm Mountain FunicularA funicular railway climbing high into the Cairngorms near Aviemore for panoramic alpine views and winter snowsports.
- 70 kmA87 Glen Shiel to SkyeThe road along Loch Cluanie and beneath the Five Sisters of Kintail to Eilean Donan and the Skye Bridge - endless sweeping curves.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
May to September
Far northern latitude: short daylight hours outside summer make long drives harder.
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