Having left one of our early highlights of the trip, the tour around the Glenmorangie distillery, we got back to our planned route north with our aim to get up towards John O’Groats. We usually choose to stick to the coastal roads as they are often quieter and more picturesque, however, as it is pretty much the only main road up the east coast, it was a little busier than I had envisaged. However, as we were in no hurry, the reduced speed meant that we saw more.

As we passed through Golspie and Brora we decided that we would aim for Helmsdale for lunch and a walk around. As we neared the small town there was a break in the weather and the sun came out for us to get out on our feet and explore.

Helmsdale harbour, Helmsdale, Scotland

The harbour area looks like something you would see on a postcard. It was full of small fishing vessels, many brightly painted, and to top off the view, two fishermen were chatting away on the pontoon.

Before we settle down for a spot of lunch we decided to have a small walk up the estuary and into the middle of the small town. It turned out to be a stroke of genius as the roads were small, the shops were quaint and the homes and businesses were from a bygone era. So much more enjoyable and relaxed to see on foot. The town stood resolutely looking out towards the North Sea. It looked very exposed to the elements, and even though the sun was shining for us, we could imagine that this place would look and feel very different in mid-winter or during a storm.

Our lunch spot next to the sea walls, Helmsdale, Scotland

With us recharged with a bit of fresh air and lunch, we got back on the road and on towards John O’Groats for our free camping spot.