On our third day we had originally intended to travel across to Orkney to explore the island and all its wonders, but as we were travelling out of peak season there were limited ferries (which were not worth the cost for the limited time you would have been able to explore) so we decided against this. It probably worked out for the best in the end as it appeared that Orkney was covered in snow, so probably would not have been ideal to go off adventuring. The weather for the majority of our holiday was a mixture of snow, hail, rain and glorious sunshine, many of which appeared for short bursts all within a given day. However, it did not dampen our spirits and we just made sure we wrapped up warm. So, instead we decided to travel back east and go and visit the places we had noted that we would have liked to have seen. Our first stop was Dunnet Beach. We had intended to travel to Duncansby Head Lighthouse first, and then work our way back east. But a gap in the bad weather meant that the beach looked too good to miss! We made a quick stop and had a nice stroll along the beach, the views were spectacular, and the sunny weather made it all the more appealing. It may be advised to wear some waterproof shoes if you are not brave enough to barefoot the walk as we encountered a few little streams on our walk, which we jumped over without too much hassle.
We then decided to drive up to Dunnet Head Viewpoint, which if you decide to do the NC 500, I would advise that this is a must-see place. The views are stunning! We arrived just in time for a quick venture before we had lunch with an incredible view. As the weather shifted from the dreary rain to glorious sunshine, we managed to soak up the views and it was clear enough to see across to Orkney and John o’ Groats (where the weather yet again was not looking the best and was the way we were travelling shortly). If we had come a little later in the year, there would have been the opportunity to see a variety of different birds, including the puffin. I think we had just missed out on them returning, as on our boat trip later in the holiday a local had informed us that a lot of the birds are returning from the migrations later in the year. Hopefully, this is not a bad sign of the devastating effects of global warming!
After Dunnet’s head, we travelled further east to Duncansby Head Lighthouse. Again, I would say that this is a must see, although this is a place that is easy to miss as there was no brown sign. It was a good job that we researched places that we wanted to go to! However, if you do find yourself looking for this place, look out for the brown sign for Puffin Croft Petting Zoo and make a turn there. It baffled us the random brown signs that you will find across your journey! When you arrive at the car park you are again greeted with stunning views out of the north coast. We stopped for a quick view, before venturing out to follow the trail to the Duncansby Stack. Now, not everyone will want to view a stack of rock in the sea, but, in my opinion, you would be a fool to miss this! The sea is gorgeous, the view is spectacular, and the walk was not too shabby either. Our advice, wear appropriate shoes again! We decided to wear our trainers instead of our boots as the first part of the walk seemed to be dry and not to challenging. However, this was a bad decision. We made it out quite far before this became a problem. The fields just seemed to get muddier and muddier the further we went. We made it out a lot further then some, but given the chance, we would have probably gone further. However, we didn’t mind as we wanted a little rest before we ventured out into Thurso for tea and we still had plans to eye up Thurso castle and Old St Peter’s Church. This was just a quick stop and both seeping in history. (Had we known we would have been travelling back in that direction for tea, we would have just made the stop later that evening!).
Now on to the all-important food reviews. Although we planned to cook for the majority of our journey, we did schedule in a couple of nights out. After all, that is the best part of a holiday right? Nicole found a restaurant called Y Not Bar & Grill. She had been eyeing this up way before our holiday as it served quite a few vegan options and did not cost an arm and a leg! Nicole enjoyed the Jackfruit Curry served with couscous, although she said it was a little to spicy for her palette after the full meal. However, the added additions of pitta, poppadoms, and mango chutney made the meal all that much better. Now, I always enjoy a burger when I eat out, so I opted for the Hunter’s Chicken burger special. I devoured this! Although a little messy to eat, it was delicious, right down to the red cabbage coleslaw! And the meal only got better with dessert. They had sticky toffee pudding on the menu, which is always my go to, and I was not let down! My only qualm about this dessert was the toffee sauce was served in a little container for me to pour it over the sponge which does not give it chance to soak into the sponge. But, none the less, a very tasty dessert that I would choose all over again! Nicole opted for a chocolate brownie sundae (no sharing desserts this time!). The brownie was chopped into chunks, and served alongside scoops of chocolate and vanilla ice cream, before being finished with whipped cream and crushed malteasers. Nicole said that this was delicious, but you will have to take her word of this, as I didn’t try it! Maybe that is why she opted for that dessert, knowing it would not appeal to me at all and she wouldn’t have to share!
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