I'll add its part of the world with no chain hotels so it needed a little work booking a variation of B & B's before embarking. It was good to book ahead as most places were full, going hoping to find somewhere isn't really an option.
Day 6 :- Inverness to Wick - Hit the road early crossing the bridge north out of wick heading for a area at the other side of the water called "The Black Isle". With Cathy navigating we soon left the duel carriageway onto a b road only to find ourselves back and crossing back into Inverness. Next attempt we found our turnng and drove to Chanonry Point which is opposite side of the Moray Firth to Fort George (but watch out for stray golf balls as you drive through the course). The beach had a few people looking out and we soon found out why with lots of Dolphins entertaining us.
We drove to the the end of the black isle through some lovely scenary but were dissapointed when reaching Cromatarty to find the water area totally industrialised.
Then it was up to Lairg but not before diverting along a single track B road to visit the "Falls of Shin", It was pretty and apparently a good place to see Salmon jumping up the waterfall but we were a week or so early I believe.
Eventually had to make our way to the main coast road and on to Wick (really could have stopped anywhere).
Did make a few stops including a walk on the beach at Brora and then at the Badbea Historic Village where as it was friday had my weekly haircut much to Cathy's amusement.
On the evening in Wick just across the Harbour we found an excellent french restaurant called "Bord de L'eau" for our meal. Finally was over to Wetherspoons to finish the night before walking back to the B&B at 11pm still in daylight.
Not a long drive today but plenty of iconic places to visit including of course John O'Groats.
After a look at the views we went for a walk along the Cliff tops to the Stacks of Duncansby, nice view but the exercise was good.
Feeling a bit peckish we decided to then drive to Thurso to find some where for a snack. Ended up in a small cafe attached to a bakers and enjoyed a lovely meat pie.
Afterwards we drove to Strathy passing Reay Golf Club apparently the most northerley 18 hole course in the country.
Was another good walk from the car park, great to get some exercise on these road trips.
Finally got to our B & B a lovely little pub run by a Yorkshireman with 3 rooms to let, we got the one on the ground floor and were both impressed.
We ate at the Pub and the food was fantastic especially washed down with a few local brews. Cathy took the opportunity to try Old Pulteney Whisky which had been recommended to us. We also enjoyed the breakfast the following morning and would definately recommend the place to anyone touring he north coast.
A few photo stops of the amazing Scenary we eventually got to Durness where we stopped to get some supplies as we planned to eat at our B & B on the Evening.
Eventually arrived in Ullapool but had a drive around the other side of the Loch to our B & B which was basically at the end of a tiny lane. Lovely place had two rooms to let and a nice lounge for guests to chill out in. The owners actually had a pet sheep called "Pet" who after birth had been brought up by their dog, Read about it here Pet "The Sheep (dog)" .
Sun was still shining so we decided to crack open a bottle of wine to enjoy sat out on the lawn.
As the evening drew in we showered and changed before sitting in the lounge enjoying more wine with some cheese and biscuits we purchased earlier. The Landlady came in to say hello and we had a good chat, its a place i would recommend.
Back on the road it was a string of photo stops and admiring the fantastic scenery taking in Lochs, mountains and coast.
Onwards to Victoria Falls for more pics and short walk.
Lunch was at a lovely place overlooking a Loch called Shieldaig very scenic and Cathy managed to mug them with the cost of a couple of Shandy's and nice Sarnies.
Should have had something stronger to drink as the next part of the journey to Applecross was along a crazy road around the coast. Great fun and certainly got the adrenalin pumping.
Following a Ice cream stop in Applecross it was on a minor road over the mountains to our overnight stop in LochCarron. We seemed to climb for ages but then the down on the minor road was even more scary than previous roads, loved it. Did stop at the top of the road for a Photo Shoot.
Must add this was the place we tried Haggis with breakfast, better than expected I will add.
Did find one real beauty spot along the way with a stop at Rogie Falls.
No luck with the monster search we decided to drive up a mountain until we found a nice spot in a forest along the Great Glen way for a picnic lunch.
Then it was onto our hotel in Drumnadrochit which turned out to be part of the Nessie exhibition centre. Nice place we were in a block away from the main building, bar and restaurant was excellent for our evening meal.