We left Thurso under grey and drizzly skys this morning. While it was damp, it wasn’t wet enough to put on the wets. But it was wet (and cold) enough to use added caution when riding as the surface looked slippery.

They tell me the roads get narrower from here on in, and by Betty Hill, they sure did.

Anyone who has ridden with me knows that I love riding backroads. I enjoy their technically and the need to accurately place the bike in the right place to see around corners before committing to the corner. You certainly need all those this skill on these roads and lots of concentration.

You also need to know how to dance.

Okay, not dance in the traditional sense but there is a dance you need to do with other motorists, even on a bike.

I grew up at the end of a single lane tar road, but these aren’t roads where approaching cars just drop a wheel into the dirt to get by hardly slowing down … no on these roads motorists need to negotiate who will stop/use the passing points and who will proceed.

Sometimes the dance is clear, and sometimes someone gets their toes trodden on, and have to back up.

Here are a few photos and short videos of the roads.

I have to say I had a ball today on these roads and look forward to tomorrow for more of the same.

The other highlight today was the stunning scenery from landscapes that time looks to have forgotten to picturesque back drops.

Just a sample of the many photos we took.

And the different flowers we saw by the side of the road.

Today’s lunch outlook from a single store village tucked into this stunning scenery.

What we haven’t seen a lot of is highland cows. We were expecting them to be a common sight … but the only place they are common is as stuffed toys in tourist shops. So far, we’ve only seen a couple each day.

Are they also a mythical creature…?

Ardverk Castle

20 miles out of Ullapool stands the remnants of the Ardverk Castle on a small lonely peninsula not far from the road.

Tonights destination is Ullapool and today’s total distance – 160 miles