Day 3 – North West Sutherland

Awoke with goosebumps in our rather uncomfortable bunk beds. Had quick shower and breakfast, and then decided to re-trace our steps to see some of the scenery that we had missed in the dark the night before. We drove towards Loch Ericoll, and stumbled across a gorgeous Kearvaig Bay, with lovely sands glistening in the low morning sun. Howard took a run along the beach, whilst I took photos. We then back-tracked to the west side of Loch Eriboll. And took a few photos of the stunning snow-clad Ben Hope in the distance.
With then turned around and headed back towards Durness. We diverted along to Balnakeil Bay, on the promise of a cafe, which turned out to be closed. Back in Durness, we took a look at Sango Sands, but the wind was brutal, and it was hard even to stand up. Howard heroically had a quick stretch on the sands and took some remarkably good iPhone photos of four oystercatchers. We proceeded west towards the Kyle of Durness, and stopped for lunch looking to over a wonderful view of the Kyle with snow clad mountains in the distance.
It was a relatively short drive on to Kinlochbervie.
We found the Britstop Aire at Kinlochbervie, which seemed relatively sheltered out of the persisting wind – so walked round to the local Spa shop to pay the £15 for a nights stay with hook-up.
We took a short drive along the peninsula towards Sandwood Bay. The car park stops 4 miles short of the bay, and it was pissing with rain, so we decided against a walk. We drove the short distance down to Polin Pier, and then re-traced our steps back to Kinlochbervie.
We decided on our ‘pitch’ and proceeded to put on the roof topper, windscreen covers, and plugged in the electric. Pleased with our progress, we opened a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, and proceeded to cook tea of toasted cheese, tomato and onion sandwiches and baked beans. Maybe our culinary skills need to be improved!!!
But the wine flowed, we completed our step count dancing to music, and then finished off the evening with a Caorunn gin. Quite wonderfull!