Proceeding on the A9, we start our way to the North. After reaching Tain we follow the A836.

A few miles behind Lairg we pass Loch Shin and now a lonely ride through the wilderness starts.

Much to our surprise there is a sign in German language advising to beware of lambs.

We pass  Altnaharra before reaching Loch Loyal. We are back in civilization when reaching the Bay of Tongue.

Then a stop in  in Bettyhill is recommended and we take a short look at the fantastic beach, which we will visit later on.

After a few miles more we finally reach Kirtomy. Everything looks rustic and romantic. The ladies decide to sleep upstairs while the men have to sleep downstairs near the oven, just like 'real highlanders'.  

When strolling down to the marvellous bay we are followed by a sheep-dog who shows us all around.

When the sun sets we go to look for otters playing in the bay. Today no play, what a pity. .

We have to walk carefully since partly the way is going deeply down. We are not sure if a downfall of about 30 meters is advisable.

After returning from the bay we notice that we ran out of butter. A Scottish neighbor helps us out that day.

Unfortunately there is no chance to access the pebble beach and bathing activities are cancelled for today.

I feel like being home again and cannot get my fill of the landscape.

It is fantastic to spend the night in a rustic bed with a view to the mountains while I can hear the sound of the Atlantic Ocean. Nothing else is to be heard. I can't remember that I ever slept so well before.

We get up in the morning and everything is bathed in sunlight. After passing some glorious time on the terrace, we unfortunately we have to stop hanging around lazily because we have to buy food in Thurso. We pass the beaches of Armadale, Strathy and Melwich.

In the supermarket at Thurso we find that there is nothing at all in the rumour that in Scotland no fresh vegetables are to be got. We have a large choice.

In the late afternoon we are trying to have a barbecue. Unfortunately the coals are too wet and we have to give up after two hours when we just fry the sausages in a pan. Not that bad either.

I know I should not do so but I return a new package of butter to our Scottish neighbor. The old Scotman gets quite steamed up about it. Typical Scottish, that’s why I like them. 

The black dog which still accompanies us gets 'arrested' by a woman. She fears for the health of her sheep. Anyhow, when we are on the way to the cottage, another sheep-dog comes along with us.....

Another beautiful morning, so why make holidays in Southern Europe? On the terrace we feel like being on a Caribic island.

Today we are taking a look at the fantastic beach near Bettyhill. Nobody else is to be seen when we walk on this beautiful sandy beach. The water is clear, but cold. On the surrounding rocks a few sheep are grazing. .

The kiddies can’t wait to get into the crystal clear water...

...but soon they find out how cold water can be!

Afterwards there are Scones, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Cakes, und Shetland-Ice at the tourist information. Delicious pudding with cream, we love it and don’t count calories..

We get a tip to go to the border to Caithness for puffins und orkas. We see lots of them. When we are trying to get closer to them we have to walk through the moor.  We meet a big, black-yellow snake. No idea what this is but we hastily decide to make a strategic retreat.

As a late lunch we have some Baked Beans.  Not as delicious as sticky toffee pudding but easy to be cooked.