Route Details – Leg 2 – John O Groats to Mallaig

12th July, John O Groats – Bettyhill – (59miles) – All geared up for the second leg of this mammoth trip we will head west towards Dunnet. We will head out to Dunnet head lighthouse before heading further west to Thurso. We will follow the coast roads right along passed Dounreay, Strathy then onto Beatty Hill.  No huge plans on this stretch but I can imagine we will stop off in many place to take in the views. We have been offered a caravan for the night at Craigdhu Caravan Park thanks to a friend of Bobbys. Cheers Mick. I will enjoy having a bit more space for the night where we can relax a bit more.

13th July, Bettyhill – Scourie – (61miles) – Shortest driving day so far but there are so many things we want to do.  We will follow the main road south towards Auchnabourin, then west towards Borgie. From here we plan to head north towards Torrisdale, then onto Skerry and Modary where we hope to see some nice views. We will then head to Kyles of Tongue causeway where we have decided to stop off at Olivers food truck, this was a must after seeing lots of amazing review on the place. Our next big stop is the golden eagle zip line. All of us fancy this but Becca and Dechlan fancy doing the free fall jump aswell. We will head here passing Hope, Eriboll, Laid before reaching Ceannabeinne Beach. From here we will head to Durness to explore smoo caves before heading south towards Scourie. We are hoping to get a pitch at Scourie Caravan Park but it is on a first come first serve basis. The owner has been lovely though and reassured us we should get a space no problem.

14th July, Scourie – Ullapool – (72 miles) – We will head south to Kylesku over the bridge before following the road further west towards Drumbeg, Clachtoll where we might even stop off to try some paddle boarding. We will of course be visiting the many beaches in this area especial Achmelvich. We also plan a visit to the Hermit House. We will continue back inland passed Loch Assynt, passing Ardvreck Castle and then onto Bone Cave where we plan to make the 2hr trip up and back to visit the caves. From here we will head south to Admair before making our way to Ullapool. We have our fingers crossed we will get a spot at Broomfield Holiday Park. There is a regatta on the weekend we arrive but we hope to still get a spot.

15th July, Ullapool – Sheildaig – (92miles) –  Early rise today with the plan to continue south towards braemore before hitting the small roads out west towards Dundonnell, Badcaul, Laid, Drumchork, poolewe, charleston and back around to kinlochewe, before heading out to Torridon and Sheildaig. (There is some weird names there, but I promise they are real places!) We have nothing set and stone for the day. Having a free day with no huge plans allows us to enjoy and take in the views. We have booked into Sheildaig camping site for the night.

16th July, Sheildaig – Skye – (73miles) – Today will be the drive we are eagerly looking forward too but I am also very much anxious about. Today is the day we will take on the Bealach na Ba pass. First off we head south before cutting off the A896 where we enter the smaller road heading back north west towards Ardheslaig, Kenmore and Fearnmore. From here we will follow the road south towards Applecross passing by Lonbain and Applecross sands. I will gather myself and hope for a beautiful day before we head onto the Bealach na Ba pass which will no doubt be incredible. We will come out the pass at Tornapress and head east towards Loch carron. From here we will head south passed Strathcarron, Ardnarff, Plockton and down to the kyles of Lochalsh before heading over the Skye bridge. We will head towards broadford and then Corrie where we have been kindly given a discounted rate at Camping Skye, so will rest here for the night.

17th July, Skye – Mallaig – (23miles) – Another early rise needed today as we head south on the Isle of Skye towards Armadale. Here we hope to catch an early morning ferry over to Mallaig. This will be a well needed rest from driving. The crossing will give us time to reflect on the 2nd leg of our journey as when we arrive in mallaig that will be complete. The full 390+Miles.

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