Day 11 - John o'Groats to Boat of Garten

After spending 2 nights in John o'Groats, today plan was to travel to Boat of Garten where Paula's brother Nuno and his family live.

Gordon prepared another great breakfast and we spoke about maritime traffic in those parts of the world and even tracked the Orkney ferry and a cargo boat on the way to Montreal that went through the Pentland Firth. I have really enjoyed staying at the Hamnavoe B&B. Room was great, so was breakfast and price.

Eventually I decided to face the harsh weather (it was drizzling and quite cold), get on the bike and make a short trip (2 miles) to Duncansby Head and visit the beach and the Duncansby Stacks.

But before going there, stopped by the village of JoG to visit the first and last house, buy a couple of souvenirs and have a coffee and cup cake.

 

Once I arrived at Duncansby, I spent over two hours walking the area, going down to the beach to see the seals closer by and just sit and enjoy the unspoiled view of the stacks

 

The views were magnificent and it will be a visit I will not forget. I specially enjoyed going down the face of the cliff to the beach. Not for the weak at heart as it was very slippery as the grass and stones were quite wet.

 

But hour was getting late and needed to ride 150 miles with not so good weather and difficult road that has some tricky parts and lots of traffic.

The ride was not easy as there was a lot of splash (quite dirty) whenever you followed a car or when a car or truck crossed the other way. The road was quite wet and not in good condition in some parts so all caution was needed.

One of the highlights of the trip was stopping at Dunrobin castle which is seat for the Countess and Clan of Sutherland. The castle was already closed for the winter so could not visit any of the 185 rooms, but the gardens were open for public viewing. Externally, the castle has elements based on French architecture. The French influence extends into the gardens. These were completed in 1850, taking inspiration for the formal parterres from the French formal style of the Gardens of Versailles.

What a sight !

 

Arrived as night was coming in to Boat of Garten and very happy with hotel.

The restaurant is well known and has a won a number of awards. The roast chicken and cheese platter were excellent.

 

Tomorrow we continue south as we make our way back to Finland where we plan to arrive on Monday next week.

 

VIDEOS

 

 

Click HERE for all the pictures for Day 11

 

Posted by Armando