A run on the wee ZSB 125 north to Gills (215 miles).
The year is moving on. The days are shorter. It is getting colder. There is high air pressure over the UK just now and the forecast was for a nice day if a bit windy. So take the chance and go off for a jolly.
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I left home just before 9.00 and headed down to Alness to LIDL to get extra supplies for the day – a LIDL ‘Speedy Noodles’, a bar of chocolate and a piece of Millionaire Shortbread. I had taken other food items from home along with my trusty stove and kettle.
After leaving LIDL my first stop was by Loch Fleet, just to stretch the old legs and have something to eat.
I next stopped at the Carn Liath Broch before Brora as my Satnav had stopped working, The power cable wasn’t seated correctly. I sorted this and on I went.
The next stop was on the Ord of Caithness. I needed to!
The ZSB and its driver headed further north and turned off the A9 after Lybster stopping at the Grey Cairns of Camster. I haven’t been here in a long time. I walked to them and round them but did not go in them such is my age and courage. I have been in them many years ago.
Going on just a little bit further is this new wind-farm. They are every where in Caithness and I utterly hate them. Our lovely Highland landscape has been desecrated by our obnoxious MSPs in the unholy alliance between the SNP with the Green Party.
A quick stop by Loch Watten.
Finally I reached the north coast at Gills and went down to the ferry terminal. I have never been down here. I was reconnoitring ahead of a possible trip over to Orkney on the BSA maybe next year.
The ZSB retraced it’s ‘steps’ for a short distance to Upper Gills and branched west. The wind really hit me as I headed west. I stopped just a few miles on above Mey for my lunch. It wasn’t the most ideal of spots being in a bit of a bog but I managed to shelter the stove from the wind and make the ‘Speedy Noodles’ and some coffee. The ‘Speedy Noodles’ were quite delicious. So was the ‘Millionaire Shortbread’. LIDL’s own is one of the best.
The Satnav was set to follow back roads to Castletown. This is nearing Castletown looking to Dunnet Head.
After Castletown I followed more back roads to Thurso where I filled up with petrol.
I thought I had the Satnav set up to take me by back roads to Reay but it took me along the North Coast instead. The wind was horrendous and the wee ZSB could only make about 35 mph on good bits! This is at Dounreay looking down to the original prototype fast breeder reactor. We once led the world in nuclear research. Our usual pathetic knee jerk reaction to Chernobyl and Three Mile Island made the UK abandon further research into producing nuclear energy. That was the early days of ‘woke’ before the word came into existence.
This is Reay Parish Church. The well known Finlay Cook became minister of Reay in 1835. He is buried here. At the Disruption of the Church of Scotland in 1843 he sided with the Free Church of Scotland.
I went down to Sandside Bay and Reay Harbour. It is rather lovely down here. Looking out to Dounreay.
I stopped on the Caithness/Sutherland border. Looking back.
The way ahead into my ‘home’ county.
It was a relief to get onto the Halladale road beyond Reay but before Melvich as the wind was from the side and I could make more speed. I stopped just off the Halladale road to rest and eat. It was a super spot. I even had a wee table and a seat.
The Halladale River.
This photo was taken between Forsinard and Kinbrace; probably of Ben Griam Mor and Ben Griam Beag.
I think the loch is Loch an Ruathair.
Of course I had to go by the spectacular Glen Loth. Morven really stands out.
It was really cold up here and the wind was savage.
It was then down to the A9, through Brora, Golspie and over the Dornoch Bridge. I went by Edderton and up to Aultnamain. This stop was between Edderton and Aultnamain only 11 miles from home but I was so sore in the bottom, knees and shoulders I had to stop. My old body can’t take the strain anymore! That is Struie Hill.
I arrived home just before 6.00 a bit sore and weary. But what a great trip. It was great to be back in Caithness.