Cycling on the open roads of Caithness

Today in contrast to yesterday was a lovely fine day in the eastern part of Caithness, although towards the west there were persistent stormy showers. Definitely time to get out of the bike. I did a very enjoyable 60-mile circuit from John O'Groats along largely deserted roads – many of them very straight.  

My route from John O'Groats took me via Canisbay to Lyth onto Watten then Westerdale onto the railway station at Scotscalder to northward to Thurso and the final 20 miles back to John O'Groats via Castletown.  

Caithness' open country on the way to Lyth

Straight and deserted roads 

– heading to Lyth

Loch Watten

Bright sunshine in the east but stormy showers in the west

Water mill by the River Thurso

@Westerdale

Contend SL by the River Thurso

 Looking north: headed to Thurso in bright sunshine

Taken at same time above – very different outlook!

The road away from Thurso

High summer @ John O'Groats

Lighthouse at Duncansby Head.

Today it is unmanned and runs automatically

Staying for five nights at the Natural Retreats at John O'Groats.The wet and windy weather during from mid-morning through to early afternoon illustrated the potential harshness of the climate up here even during summer. Despite the weather we ventured up to Duncansby Head for a short walk. Duncansby Head is the most north easterly point of mainland Scotland.   

Plaque showing the Pentland Firth between 

Duncansby Head and the Orkneys.

The Pentland Firth is a busy but potentially dangerous 

channel between the Atlantic and the North Sea

Looking westwards towards John O'Groats 

There are fine views across from Duncansby Head 

across to the Orkneys

(above and below)

Signpost to the Stacks

The Stacks of Duncansby