As we had nothing else planned for the day after Smoo Cave, we decided to just drive and see where it took us. Our plan was to head towards Scourie and find somewhere to wild camp but between Smoo Cave and there we were flexible to stop where we wanted. Made a quick stop for lunch and a coffee at Kyle of Durness which had beautiful views.

Driving through Rhiconich, Ros spotted a sign for an 8 mile scenic drive (because the rest of the drive hasn’t been scenic at all………) and Mary insisted on heading in that direction. Some stunning views on the drive and ended at Sheigra Beach.

Took a wander down to the beach and realised it was another perfect opportunity to try paddleboarding again. Managed it with significantly more success. Both of us had a swim in the sea too which was very chilly but quite refreshing too. Cup of coffee and biscuits to celebrate before getting back in the van and heading back on the road.

Climbed down some steps, saw the cave. Bumped into a couple who we have seen at a few of the previous places we stopped which made us all laugh. Everyone we’ve met have been so friendly.

Caves very busy. Impressive but not the best thing we’ve seen.

Slow start this morning. Ros headed off down to the beach after breakfast to stretch her legs whilst Mary opted to stay in the van and read.

As we were parked with an excellent view of our first planned activity of the day, we decided to wait to see if it would be open as it doesn’t run when the weather is too windy.

Very fun and a brilliant view of the bay!

After a fairly challenging drive on winding, single track roads with some beautiful views, we found a wild camp spot in a lay-by overlooking the beach.

Both of us very tired so had a quick dinner of bacon sandwiches and were in bed by 19:40 watching the last two episodes of the TV program we have been watching.

Took a wander off the beaten track up to see the statue hidden in the glen.

Very impressive views of the heather and hills.

Chilly night in the van but still slept very well after our busy day yesterday.

Closed up the van nice and quickly and headed off to Tesco in Thurso to pick up provisions (more biscuits) and top the van up with fuel. Continued along the coast for a while and stopped on the headland above Strathy Point for coffee and biscuits.

On the way to our preplanned first stop, we drove past a sign for a beach that Ros had read about so we headed down there for a wander.

Decided that, as the weather was lovely and the water was calm, we would get the space hogging paddleboards out so that we actually got some use out of them. Getting on proved a bit tricky for Ros who has never boarded before so she had a sea swim (which was on her list of things to do) whilst Mary paddleboarded (which was on her list of things to do)

Both ended up very wet and sandy – possibly didn’t think this through with 2 nights of wild camping ahead of us…

Settled in for evening at our campsite for tonight. Felt very remote driving up to it but drove past a field of Highland Cows after Mary has been desperately looking for one to photograph.

Met the owner on the way in who was off to the shops and offered to pick up anything we might need. Facilities are basic but very well kept and the site is lovely and tidy.

Had a dinner of yet more pasta carbonara as we discussed the world changing news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Both of us took advantage of the lovely shower and we settled in for another boardgame, coffee and biscuit fueled evening.

After visiting John O’Groats, we decided to head to the actual most northerly point of Scotland.

The views were spectacular… coffee and biscuits to celebrate (a running theme…)

Well, we made it up north!

After driving through the fog and mist to what felt like the middle of nowhere, we came to the car park for our second stop of the day. Fairly blustery so get more layers of clothing added.

Walked the 10 minute walk through farmland down to the cliff edge to see the castle ruins. Not much visibility out over the sea but pretty impressive.

Lunch of sausage sandwiches in the van.