Beauly can be explored across several periods: the Priory and the Market Cross point to medieval history, while the design of Lovat Bridge opens a later chapter. There are also routes with different paths and seasonal natural features. When planning your trip, you can therefore start by deciding whether history, routes or seasonal blooms should take priority.
Monastic history and the market cross
Beauly Priory was founded around 1230 by a member of the Bisset family. Its church contains several memorial monuments. The founding and the monuments lend the place two distinct historical accents: both the history of the Priory and the remembrance of people are central here. The Beauly Market Cross adds another perspective, with a surviving part of an older market cross dating from the 14th century.
The Beauly Market Cross is one of Scotland’s oldest surviving upright market crosses. According to historical accounts, Lord Hugh Fraser had the cross erected around 1430 on the high road above Beauly. This monument therefore brings together two separate dates: its reported erection around 1430 and the older market-cross section from the 14th century. Alongside the founding of the Priory around 1230, these details span several centuries without referring to the same structure or historical moment.
The design of Lovat Bridge
Lovat Bridge in Beauly was built by engineer Thomas Telford between 1811 and 1814. It is a four-span bridge made of dressed stone, with segmental arches and triangular cutwaters. Its features invite closer inspection: four spans divide the bridge into separate sections, while the segmental arches and triangular cutwaters define its distinctive construction. In date and design, the bridge differs from the town’s medieval landmarks.
Walking and cycling routes
The Beauly Road active travel route was officially opened; the Highland Council announced this on 29 July 2024. The new path near Beauly extends the existing route from Lovat Bridge and connects Dunballoch with the junction to the A833. The route accommodates walking, wheeling and cycling. As the opening announcement is historical information, it is worth checking current path conditions when planning a trip today.
The Aird Cycle circuit passes over Lovat Bridge and along Ferry Brae towards Beauly. For the River Beauly and Lovat Bridge circuit, you can start in Beauly by walking to Lovat Bridge. Both route names refer to the bridge, but offer different clues about the route: Ferry Brae is also mentioned for the Aird Cycle circuit, while the other circuit focuses on the river and the walk to the bridge. In early summer, it follows the River Beauly past flowering wildflowers.
Seasonal blooms and local specialties
The time of year also shapes what you can see: Beauly’s cherry trees are a notable sight in spring. Annual flower shows attract visitors from near and far. For early summer, the circuit along the River Beauly, with wildflowers in bloom, offers a different and specifically described highlight. When choosing when to travel, you can distinguish between the spring blooms and the wildflower stretch in early summer mentioned here.
Local offerings also include baked goods: Harry Gow sells Dream Rings, cakes, Morning Rolls and traditional Scottish baked goods. Campbell’s of Beauly offers a different kind of craftsmanship. All made-to-measure garments are made on site in its tailoring department. These two examples appeal to different interests—baked goods and tailoring—and complement the architectural history and routes with local products and craftsmanship.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Kinbrace, Strathpeffer, Bonar Bridge, Croy, Dundreggan, Isleornsay, Nethy Bridge, Bunchrew.
For the broader travel guide: Highland.
