Day 15, 9/10/26, Wick to Thurso

A very small part of the Nybster Broch, about 4-5 metres across, there was an extensive series of paths etc, all set down in the cliff edge foreground like this.

Red Campion, silena dioca, Scottish wildflower. Surviving in the old rock of the walls of the broch.

We found a path down to the beach, and a small waterfall.

 It rained overnight, but the sun came out so looking like we'll have a nice day again. Nybster broch was our first stop. Am always amazed at the amount of work put into the stonewalls etc, with none of the mechanization we have to assist. Scotland really is built out of rock!

Then off to Duncansby Lighthouse and the stacks of  Duncansby. Being a lighthouse it's on a very exposed point, and the wind was appropriately strong, blowing plumes of sea spray up the 67 mt high cliffs. It's a short walk across the headland to the stacks, brilliant short green grass, though very muddy in spots from all the foot traffic. It's like walking on a sponge, all springy, so easy walking. The stacks are impressive and I spotted what looked like a seal. Then we had a quick sprint back, as the weather changed, and we were blasted with freezing rain, so cold it felt like icicles hitting my face.

Duncansby Lighthouse, doesn't look like the wind could blow you off your feet, but each gust I was bracing myself.

The Stacks of Duncansby.

Geo of Sclaites, I think.

Another cold windy spot followed,  the most north-eastern point of Mainland Scotland at John O'Groats. Very cute coloured houses, washed clean and sparkling in the sunshine after the rain. 

Naarah made it, and so did I, to take the photo.

Colourful houses.

On my wish list was to see a working Watermill. It's currently not in use, but aiming to be grinding flour sometime next year. It's been lovingly restored. Still nice, and then we got to buy and try some beremeal butter biscuits. Bere is an ancient grain, only grown and milled at Barony mill, Orkney islands. It's a type of barley superbly adapted to the soil and very short growing season here.

The first big stones used to start the process of grinding.

A container that measured 1 bushell of grain. 

The closest you can see the water wheel, hiding in the dark door to right hand side of building.

Off to another point, this time the most Northerly at Dunnet head. Again there's a lighthouse to keep the boats safe, and a walk. Again windy, and ground muddy. Waterproof hiking boots, or I see some in rubber boots, are a must. 

Suitably rugged up against the cold.

Dunnet head lighthouse.

Then a spontaneous stop, as I spotted the Toll Gallery, with what looked like landscapes displayed. With 15 minutes to closing we sprinted in, and it was worth it. The sole artist, now in his 80s has been painting Scottish landscapes for 50+ years, and his work is beautiful. Unfortunately he's very old school, so not online, and not even a small postcard you could buy, and the pictures definitely too big to bring back. Just had to enjoy them. 

Finally,  time to check in. Love the excitement of a new place to inspect. The Beach House at Thurso did not disappoint. Set with views from the windows of the beach we enjoyed our brief stay,  unfortunately though we had views of the northern sky, and I took photos, no northern lights to be seen, but that's another story.

The beach house was part of Braehead House.

We found a cute  round rock seat to take selfies in.

The beach.