Day 77, Farr Bay Inn to Melvich.

We started this morning with a steep climb out of Farr Bay and once again we were on open moorland. We couldn’t believe it when the first thing we daw was a recycling centre! Today’s route has followed the coast more closely and we have been lucky to have views of The North Sea at different times throughout the day, even catching a glimpse of The Orkney Islands.

Once again, there was quite a strong wind, quite cold as well today. This area was different to yesterday as there were a few crofts dotted about and we saw sheep and cattle grazing on the roadside. There were also narrow pathways along the roadside for much of the day. We also passed through several small hamlets. First came Armadale which was just a few houses. Shortly after this we met Gregor who was cycling the North Coast 500. It was great to have a chat about some of the similar routes we have followed. We also discovered we all live in Hampshire, one of the furthest counties from where we had met! Good luck on the rest of your adventure Gregor.

We had a very lucky find for our lunch stop today, a bus stop in Strathy with a wonderful view. Thank you Highland Regional Council, it was one of our best lunch breaks of LEJOG. We then continued through Strathy and discovered it is quite a large place with a Strathy East, Strathy West and even a short pavement! The views out to Strathy Point were very special too.

Our final stop today is in the coastal village of Melvich with amazing views of The North Sea.

Just three days to go now and we can almost smell John O’ Groats! 18 miles to Thurso tomorrow!