Inverness to Castletown (near John O’Groats)
Had a lovely dinner last night in Inverness town and were delighted to see many groups around the town performing Scottish dancing, bands, pipers etc.
After another sumptuous breakfast this morning we headed out of town towards the North Highlands. Took a couple of little side trips and had a bit of a walk around small towns on the way. Travelled on to our first serious stop the Glenorangie Whiskey distillery. We were lucky to strike a tour around the distillery lasting 45 min with a tasting at the finish. Very informative and enjoyable – especially the tasting (at 11 am!!). The Distillery was extremely impressive, clean and efficient. Of course we had to buy a bottle – primarily to share with Jan and Kevin when we meet up in France. A wee dram in the evening will probably go down pretty well after a hard day on the water!!
Travelled on on a mostly good and clear road to Golspie where we stopped for lunch. I had a crumbed haddock fillet with mushy peas and chips – absolutely beautiful and perfectly cooked, while Paul had a bacon sandwich I think. A short walk around the village, which boasts to have an ‘award winning’ beach. We are not quite sure why, as although it was picturesque, was covered in seaweed, rocks etc and not much sand. However, each to his own. It is Scotland’s school holidays at the moment and there are a few hardy families out sampling what Scotland has to offer in the way of beaches. Spotted some seals on the way too. On then towards the north, with a stop for some fresh air at a tiny fishing port at Lybster. Fascinating port with a few crab and lobster boats in the tiny harbour.
We were going to carry on to John o”groats and book for our day trip tomorrow, but Paul was getting tired, so went to find our B & B. Quite isolated but in an historic house which had been derelict until the young couple who own it resurrected it at great effort. We have a lovely big room. We decided not to go out to dinner tonight, so bought a few things at a supermarket on the way and are having nibbles in with a wine or whiskey.
Big day tomorrow, so will probably have an early night.