The Top of Britain

Posted bypamlinesartPosted inArt

Started the day driving out of Thurso in the rain. The first stop was Dunnet Headland which is the most northern piece of land in Britain. COLD and WINDY but what a view. There is a lighthouse, still operating, old WWII bunkers and a private residence.

Magnificent coastline. Orkney Islands in the distance.
A stone commemorating the most northern point of Britain. The lighthouse beyond.

After freezing ourselves we traveled further south to the Castle of Mey. It was the residence of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.

King Charles III now resides there sometimes.

This time we actually went into the castle, not just the loo. The first area we went into was the walled garden. I love a good wall around a garden. I wasn’t allowed to take photos inside the castle though.

We checked out the veges.I was soooo tempted to pick and eat a carrot. They really looked scrummy. Looking back I think I made a good decision.
Inside the walled garden.
Outside the walled garden. Just sheep grazing. I don’t think anything else but grass grows outside a walled garden.

When my parents did their OE in 1976 they had their photo taken at John O’Groats standing against a signpost with number of miles to different parts of the world. I’m sure the sign said Wellington NZ, but don’t quote me. I remember that photo very clearly. So today Ken and I had our photo under the sign. There was no NZ there or anywhere close so we stood under the New York arrow and thought of Catie, our brave granddaughter who has just started George Washington Uni at DC. Close enough.

For Catie

Our next stop was Wick. The sun had come out and everything looked more cheery.

Wick Harbour
The sun was out really!!

By accident (not really) we turned down a road that lead to the harbour of Latheronwheel. Or as I like to call it Later on wheel. Cliffs , paths and even houses made out of the granite in the cliffs.

Only just noticed the rainbow. Didn’t see it when I took the photo.
Derelict crofters cottage Later on wheel harbour.
Fabulous monument shapes sitting in the water at the entrance to the harbour.
Sitting in the sun sketching the harbour wall and the rocky outcrops.
Crofters Museum.

Sat too long in the sun and by the time we got to the museum it was closed. Cute little building with thatched roof. Pity it was closed.

We had the brilliant idea to catch the Nigg ferry back to Cromarty. It would take 50mins off our trip home. We rolled up to the ferry slipway and saw the ferry in the distance doing the trip back over to Cromarty, we had just missed it. Never mind the board said they ran every half hour til 8.30. It was almost seven. After 10 minutes we noticed the boat wasn’t coming back. We waited another 20 minutes while we watched this go by.

Cruise ship in Cromarty Firth.

There was no ferry coming. (They run to their own schedule) so we had to get back in the car and drive another 50 minutes to get back to Cromarty.

Talk tomorrow. Pamela.

Published by pamlinesart

I am a full time watercolour artist living in the beautiful village of Waihi Beach in New Zealand.

3 thoughts on “The Top of Britain”

  3. What a fascinating time you have had Pam! An artist’s paradise! We are off to Perth, WA and the Kimberley on Saturday. Totally different landscape! Should take my sketchbook hehe!

    We are back October 11th.

    All the best for the rest of your trip!

    Marg

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