After experiencing a peaceful night’s sleep alongside the tranquil waters of Gairloch, we set out on our journey towards the complete east of Scotland. Our route would take us along the entire northern shoreline, from west to east.

Stepping outside the hotel, we were greeted by the true Scottish weather – cloudy skies and ominous rain clouds lurking on the horizon. However, we have been fortunate with the weather thus far, and we remain hopeful that it will not mar our journey. Let’s continue to embrace the adventure ahead and make the most of every moment. It wasn’t very warm, only about 4 degrees Celsius, but the winding roads and breathtaking natural scenery filled every corner. Every hundred meters, I asked my wife to stop the car so I could capture photos of the never-ending beauty. The dramatic sky made it even more wonderful. Although we hadn’t reached the far North of Scotland yet, the countryside kept changing to a more rugged and aggressive view.

We are in Wester Ross, which is located in the western watershed of Ross-shire. The mountains here are made of a very old type of rock called Torridonian sandstone formation, which was deposited during the Mesoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic eras. This rock formation is just a small part of what was once a huge supercontinent that existed in parts of Scandinavia and North America. The rocks in this area are of Archaean and Paleoproterozoic age, dating back 3.0-1.7 billion years ago.

We are currently travelling in the north and we have been intrigued by two ruins located at the east end of Loch Assynt. Calda House’s shell is situated near the road, while the remains of Ardvreck Castle can be found a little further west, on a promontory that extends into the loch. Visiting Calda House requires a short walk beside the road; however, potential visitors should be aware that the structure remains dangerous and can only be viewed from a safe distance to avoid any risk of falling masonry. It’s also important to note that Ardvreck Castle is only a fragment of its former glory. The walk towards it is enjoyable, and the views from the nearby island on which it is perched are truly breathtaking, showcasing some of the best mountain landscapes in central Sutherland

The rugged and untamed landscape of Assynt is simply awe-inspiring. The strong, cold wind blowing across the hills and lochans does nothing to detract from its natural beauty. It’s like discovering a hidden paradise that stretches on forever, with stunning scenery that is nothing short of remarkable. I’ve managed to capture some of these moments on camera, and they are truly captivating. If you are a nature lover, the unique landscape of Assynt, with its rolling cnocs and crystal-clear lochans, is a must-see.

The rugged and untamed landscape of Assynt is simply awe-inspiring. The strong, cold wind blowing across the hills and lochans does nothing to detract from its natural beauty. It’s like discovering a hidden paradise that stretches on forever, with stunning scenery that is nothing short of remarkable. I’ve managed to capture some of these moments on camera, and they are truly captivating. If you are a nature lover, the unique landscape of Assynt, with its rolling cnocs and crystal-clear lochans, is a must-see.

We are currently on our journey towards Sutherland, a historic county located in the northern part of the UK. One of the things that make Sutherland stand out is its diverse landscape, which can be divided into three main areas: the coastal regions, the inland glens, and the heather-covered moorland, and the flow country, which is a marshy peatland that constitutes the oldest and largest single ecosystem in Britain. Sutherland is the only county in the UK that boasts of three coastlines: on the north, east, and west. Here, you will come across stunning cliff faces and rock stacks, miles upon miles of empty white sand beaches and bottle-green seas.

The incredible wide views are breathtaking, and you can easily lose track of time in this magnificent place. There is only one small concrete road separating this complete north, and it is stunning to be able to ride here, especially if you’re coming from a crowded city. However, with this touristy NC500 route and many campers already on the road, it is essential to be cautious and let each other pass carefully as there is very little space. Currently, it looks quiet, but in the summer, it will be packed with campers.

As we venture forth, we eventually arrive at Keodale. Gazing out into the distance, we are greeted with the incredible sight of the Kyle of Durness bay inlet and a standing stone in the foreground. It’s worth noting that this particular standing stone is a modern creation, established in 2000 to honor the rich Celtic heritage and celebrate the local history of the Scottish Highlands in Scotland, UK. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the wonder and beauty of this incredible piece of history.

The majority of Sutherland’s beautiful sea-front villages are also located around the coast. The biggest of these is Dornoch, which is situated on the east coast and offers the most activity. However, each village has its unique charm and something special to offer.

We are approaching one of the most stunning beaches I have ever seen. Sango Bay, located in the Scottish Highlands, is a remarkable beach with its cliffs, rocks, and sand dunes. The beach’s golden sands, rocky formations, and many sheltered outcrops provide a variety of dynamic shooting opportunities, especially during low tide and sunrise.

We have finally reached the destination that I have been eagerly looking forward to. It is known as John o’ Groats, or Taigh Iain Ghròt in Scottish Gaelic. This village is located 2.5 miles (4 km) northeast of Canisbay in Caithness, which is in the far north of Scotland. John o’ Groats is situated on Great Britain’s northeastern tip and is a popular tourist spot as it’s the most remote point on the mainland, located 876 miles (1,410 km) southwest from Land’s End in Cornwall. The northernmost point of mainland Great Britain, Dunnet Head, is also located nearby.

Our first stop is the renowned Duncansby Head Lighthouse, which was constructed by David Alan Stevenson in 1924. A minor public road connects John o’ Groats to Duncansby Head, which makes Duncansby Head the farthest point accessible by road from Land’s End.

Next to the lighthouse lies a stunning nature reserve. John o’Groats is widely known as the northeastern corner of the British Mainland, attracting a vast number of tourists each year. However, the true northeasterly point is located in nearby Duncansby Head, which boasts two breathtaking sea-stacks to the south.

The Duncansby Stacks are a geological wonder. Three immense sandstone pyramids rise above the sea to heights exceeding 60m. In total, there are three stacks, with the tallest one called the Great Stack, which is even higher than the mainland! These stacks were formed due to the land’s weathering and erosion over thousands of years, and they serve as a reminder that Scotland is always changing. They are remnants of where the coastline used to be.

The weather wasn’t ideal and the wind was particularly strong, but that’s just nature, and it made the experience all the more memorable. The sights we saw today were so breathtaking that it left us awestruck and speechless. We were able to forget about our daily worries and just immerse ourselves in the moment. The silence of the ocean and the sound of the wind all contributed to an unforgettable adventure. We’ve arrived at our sleeping quarters and are preparing to embark on a journey to the beautiful city of Edinburgh in Scotland.

P.S. All the images were captured with my trusty Hasselblad camera. It’s like an extension of my hand, and I hope the images we captured today do justice to the beauty we witnessed. Have a fantastic day!

Thank you.