Scotland NC500 Dunnet Bay to Tongue
Dunnet Bay to Tongue Left Dunnet Bay at 11:57am.
The scenery along the route was quite barren in places, but there were moments of real beauty, especially as we approached certain bends and could see the stunning sandy coves below.
We pulled over for a few minutes at one of the lookout platforms above the sea to get our bearings.
We decided that if we could find somewhere in Bettyhill (which seemed to be the next decent stop), we’d have a bite to eat there.
We reached the café in Bettyhill at 1:11pm.
It’s a really pretty little place, and there's an interesting museum attached to what used to be an old chapel. It tells the story of the Highland Clearances, when tenant farmers were forced off the land by landowners in the 1800s. It's a fascinating history but brutal.
At the café, I had a toasted tuna sandwich with salad, and Richard had the same, along with a tomato soup. The food was excellent. He finished off with a delicious rum and raisin ice cream, plus a scoop of honey and whisky. He was very happy!
We left the café at 3:01pm and arrived in Tongue at 3:37pm.
Our stop for the night was the Kyle of Tongue Hostel & Campsite. Although their sign says they don’t take bookings until after 4pm, I’d strongly recommend turning up earlier—you’ll get a much better pitch overlooking the estuary. We didn’t, and the spot we got was a bit disappointing. Still, it’s a lovely site with clean facilities and far-reaching views that are absolutely stunning.
Conclusion There’s a small shop on the campsite that seems to stock most things. Shower block clean and tidy. Price per night £30.00. The scenery is beautiful, and it’s a fantastic place to stay.