Today we departed Lower Towie Steading just outside of Drummuir to cross to the west coast and our next destination of Lochinver in Sutherland.

With rain threatening we headed for Inverness to pick up supplies for the coming week and fill up with fuel as there are no major centres close to Lochinver. As we didn't need to be at our next self-catering rental until 4pm there was no rush so we spent a leisurely time looking around the giant Tesco Extra at the Inverness Retail Park.

Armed with fresh provisions we filled up with diesel and were soon on our way again. With several hours to kill we decided not to take the route straight to Lochinver and instead opted to go through Dornoch before turning west.

It was an uneventful trip but being Saturday the roads were busier than usual and the rain was an added inconvenience. Even so, we made good time and arrived in Lochinver at 3.30pm; time for a quick stroll along the main street before checking into Torran Cottage at 4pm.

Another stunning rental, this old cottage with renovated and modern interior is perfect in every way. It is at the end of town, opposite the Culag Bridge and next to the old Royal Bank of Scotland premises but you would think you were in the middle of a remote wilderness. It is surrounded by woodland and when it's quiet you can hear the river as it passes under Culag Bridge just a hundred or so metres away.

We unpacked and soon settled in, ready for a week of new adventures and discoveries.