Beauly
Beauly is located on the north bank of River Beauly 10 miles to the west of Inverness in Scotland. The main attraction is Beauly Priory or the Priory Church established in 1230 by John Bisset. This attractive town got its name from the French word “beau lieu” means beautiful place. It is also said that the name came from a comment made by Mary Queen of Scots when she visited here, she was much impressed by the place.
The sleepy little market town of Beauly is 10 miles west of Inverness, where the Beauly river flows into the Firth. It's a lovely wee place - hence its name. According to local legend, when Mary, Queen of Scots stayed here, at the priory, in 1564, she was so taken with the place that she cried (in French, of course) "Ah, quel beau lieu!" (What a beautiful place!).
Moving just three miles south of Beauly is located the Beaufort Castle, the chief seat of the Lovats. This fine modern mansion is built in the Scottish baronial style, and was established during the time of Alexander II, later it was besieged in 1303 by Edward I.
Apart from great historic past Beauly was also a centre for industrial activities with a range of different industries which were operating in Beauly from the mid 1700s when a distillery was opened here. After that many such distilleries functioned here with the time. One can also find few shops in this beautiful place which deals in antiques and other specialties.
The ancient town boasts many attractions for the visitors, the broad main square with the A862 passes through the centre of Beauly. Beauly is also known for the Beauly Shinty Club, which has won the Camanachd Cup three times and were the World Champions once. All these varieties makes it a worthy place to look for.
At the north end of the marketplace is the ruin of Beauly Priory, founded in 1230 for the Valliscaulian order, but like so much else of Scotland's ecclesiastical heritage, destroyed during the Reformation. Info - 11 June-30 Sep daily 0930-1830.
The A862 west to Beauly offers a more scenic alternative, and the chance to visit a 13th-century priory, and a distillery. South of Beauly, the A831 leads to two of Scotland's most beautiful glens, Glen Strathfarrar and Glen Affric.
Region
Inverness & Loch NessTravel Directions to Beauly
There are Inverness Traction buses, Tel. 239292, every hour to Beauly, and on to Muir of Ord, from Inverness and from Dingwall. There's also a Ross's Minibus service from Beauly 3 days a week, Tel. 761250.
Activities
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Canoeing at Kushi Adventures - Inverness
Experience a cool watery treat with mates and enjoy paddling on some of the most picturesque outdoors in Inverness in your canoeing day.
Local Sights & Activities for Beauly
Four miles east of Beauly, at Balchraggan just off the main Inverness road, is Moniack Castle Winery, where you can try a whole range of wines, including elderflower and birch. Info - Mon-Sat 1000-1700.
Four miles to the north is the Glen Ord Distillery, on the outskirts of Muir of Ord, just off the A832. Info - Mar-Oct Mon-Fri 0930-1700; Jul-Sep also Sat 0930-1700 and Sun 1230-1700. Tel. 01463-872004. Take a bus from Inverness or the train.
The River Beauly is one of Scotland's best salmon-fishing rivers, and five miles south of Beauly at Aigas is a fish lift, where you can watch salmon bypass the dam with the aid of technology. Info - Mon-Fri 1000-1500.
There is an interesting local holiday company that offers
Local Visitor Attractions
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Wild Rose Escapes Courses
Local holiday company that runs "local" courses that connect visitors with local resources and contexts
Beauly Hotels & Accommodation
The most expensive place to stay is The Priory Hotel, on the main street, Tel. 782309. Late Rooms Availability for Priory Hotel in Beauly
At the opposite end of the main street is the Lovat Arms Hotel, Tel. 782313, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , which is the best place to stay. A relaxed and comfortable place with an excellent restaurant and great bar food, lots of tartan and the occasional ceilidh. A cheaper B&B option is Ellengowan, Croyard Rd, Tel. 782273 (open Apr-Oct).
The best food is at the Lovat Arms Hotel, which offers cheap meals in the bar or an expensive 4-course dinner in the restaurant. Otherwise, you could try the Beauly Tandoori on The Square, Tel. 782221, for a cheap curry; or the Friary for an even cheaper fish supper.
Beauly Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
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Glen View Barn near Cannich Glen Affric - Sleeps 8
Lovely farm barn conversion close to the Highland village of Cannich by Glen Affric. Sleeps eight people in four bedrooms. Superb location in Scotland -
Muir of Ord Cottage, Highlands - Sleeps 6
In a picturesque, tranquil location, enjoying beautiful views over open countryside to the surrounding hills, this contemporary bungalow is fitted and furnished to an exceptional standard. Rooms .... -
Castleview, nr Beauly - Sleeps 5-6
Enjoying an elevated position with panoramic views across the beautiful rolling countryside, this very well presented detached bungalow has been furnished and equipped to a very good standard to ensure a m... -
Heathercroft, nr Beauly - Sleeps 6
Set in the Scottish Highlands and located in beautiful Strathglass, this detached holiday property is the perfect Highland retreat. Heathercroft is a very comfortable and well-equipped Scandinavian-style l... -
Tsitika Holiday Apartment, Beauly - Sleeps 2
This bright and attractive first floor holiday apartment, situated in the grounds of the owner’s property, enjoys stunning views across Strathglass. The balcony overlooks spacious gardens set in mature bir... -
Ornum Cottage, nr Beauly - Sleeps 4/5
This bright, wonderfully presented, single-storey cottage, adjoining the owner’s home enjoys stunning open views across the surrounding countryside. The cottage is wheelchair accessible and has been ... -
Beauly Cottage, nr Beauly - Sleeps 6
Spectacularly situated high above the pretty village of Beauly, this cottage enjoys magnificent views out to the Beauly Firth and Inverness. The property is furnished, equipped and decorated to a ....