It’s been a busy day! We left Inverness to start the North Coast 500, a scenic route around the north coast of Scotland and, because the sun is still shining, couldn’t resist doing two interesting walks.
Our first stop was Alness where we climbed through woodland to the Fyrish Monument (453 metres), which was built by General Sir Hector Munro around 1783 to celebrate capturing the port of Negapatam in India.
The huge monument is amazing, looking out over wonderful views of the Cromarty Firth and Moray Firth beyond.
After making our way back downhill we drove along the coast to Golspie where we’re staying for the night. We have a great spot right next to the beach!
Our second walk was to an enormous statue of the First Duke of Sutherland, infamous for evicting tenants from their homes during the Highland Clearances, and perched high on Ben Bhraggie (397 metres).
On the way up the mountain we visited Big Burn, a gorge criss-crossed by wooden bridges, with a beautiful waterfall tucked away.
Leaving the burn, we headed uphill, through yellow gorse smelling of coconut, then wound our way up the mountain on a wide track through heather, under hot sunshine.
Having removed all our layers on the way up, we soon put them back on when reached the statue because the wind on top was strong and cold! The statue on its plinth towered above us… John is just a dot in the second photo!
We could see Molly Moho from the mountain, and were pleased to reach her before the showers began. Our neighbours in the van next door had to abandon their BBQ on the beach! Now we’re tucked up warm and cosy, watching the sunset with a glass of wine.
Ramblings 
Not sure which direction you’re going in, but I hope you get to Applecross on the north eastern coast; if you do, you must stop for fish and chips – was one of the best meals we had in Scotland, with the most magnificent view.
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We aren’t going there this time, sadly, but we’ll definitely be up here again. We think we’ll combine that part of the NC500 with a trip to Skye.
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