The rain was still falling as we packed up and left Durness heading across the north coast, but soon after the rain stopped and blue skies began to appear.  

After we had driven round Loch Eriboll we headed almost due east to Tongue and then Bettyhill where we had a comfort stop.  

This part of the journey was on the North Coast 500 so the roads were much busier and the journey took a bit longer. There are some beautiful sandy beaches along this coast and the views over the sea are spectacular.  

We followed the A838 then A836 along the north coast passing the decommissioned Nuclear Power station at Dounreay and on to Thurso where we stopped for lunch in a very nice newly opened cafe.  

After being suitable refreshed, we set off for the most northerly point at Dunnet Head leaving the main road and following the B855 right out to the end and the lighthouse and beautiful views to the Orkney Isles.  

Back on the road and only a few miles further east, passing the Castle of Mey, we came to John o’Groats where we stopped for a while for photos and a look around before we took the tiny unclassified road out to Duncansby Head.  

We then headed south on the A99 to Wick and our overnight stop at the Norseman Hotel.  

Duncansby Head

Light lunch

Dinner together

                         Wick                         
 Day 11, South down the east coast alongside the North Sea then Loch Ness to Inverness

Published 31 October 2021
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