Brora - Wick - John o Groats - Castle of Mey - Dunnet Head - Melvich

Seems like I've just deleted my whole post for tonight that I was preparing..... Blahhh!!!

So, I'd better start again!!!

Today's journey

Had a lovely stay at Brora and the hotel was fantastic. Was old but comfy and had bit of character.

Set the gps for Wick and had a really enjoyable drive up the coast.

Journey along the coast road

Journey along the coast road

Journey along the coast road

 The sun was out but there were remnants of fog along the way making it a truly Scottish day. I put my Scottish music on  the sound system and felt very much immersed in the Scottish environment.

Could've stopped a million times for photo opportunities, but tried to be disciplined  and just kept driving until I reached Wick. Stopped for a coffee in the main street...

Wick

Wick

I can't believe how friendly the people are here in Scotland. I noticed it in Wick... everyone just smiled and said hello.

My next stop was John O'Groats. I had heard about this place and read about it for so long...

John O'Groats sign

John O'Groats Ferry

Lucky the day was calm!

The John O'Groats ferry was all primed to go across to the isle of Stroma, and the sea looked calm enough. But I wasn't fooled. Reading the signs around, it seems that this is a particularly rugged crossing

This sign talks about the waters around the Duncansby Lighthouse and the flows and the eddies

Went out to the Duncansby Lighthouse, for yet more views of the sea around this area...

See the water swirling

and again...

So, once again I hit the road and headed for Thurso and Melvich, where I am staying the night.

But there were two more places that I wanted to see along the way....

The first was the Castle of Mey, where the Queen Mum had her holiday home. When I first explored this route, this was one of my "must - do" on my list.
This was featured on the the series The Crown on Netflix.
I arrived about 1.50pm and the only way you can gain entry to the castle was via a guided tour and the next one was at 2pm. I tossed up whether I had enough time, but I'm not sure I will ever come this way again, so I thought I might as well....

Castle of Mey

Castle of Mey

The guided tour was very good but we weren't allowed to take pics inside the castle. But there were lots of memorabilia of the Queen Mum and lots of little stories about her stays there...
I found it very interesting and was glad I took the trouble to stay for the tour...

Next and final stop was Dunnet Head - which really is the most northerly point of the UK.... even further north than John O'Groats!

Britain's most northerly point

About the Dunnet Head Lighthouse

Views around Dunnet Head

Views around Dunnet Head

Dunnet Head lighthouse

So, after that I just headed for home! Came through Thurso and tried to get  a pic of the beach at Thurso, which is famous for its waves.... but I missed the turn off, so didn't get that pic!

Then I arrived at Melvich, where I am staying for the night at a B&B called The Sheiling. Very comfy and has a lovely view out the front.

View from the front door of the B&B

So, once again it's been a busy day... not sure when the pace will slow down and I can just rake time to smell the roses....

But each day has provided a different agenda and have to admit, I'm loving each day!!