The East Coast

Your first stop for the day is the Neil Gunn Viewpoint!
Standing in homage to one of Scotland's greatest writers, the Neill Gunn Memorial offers a fantastic, short walk and absolutely stunning, panoramic views of the highlands!

Head down the incredible road and don't forget to take in the astonishing beauty of the scenery whizzing past!
Another great place to stop and stretch your legs is Cairn Liath!
After a short walk, you will reach Cairn Liath, a great example of a Scottish broch - a particular type of fortified settlement, first being built around 2,300 years ago!
Cairn Liath is one of the very best-preserved examples of a broch, anywhere in Scotland!

Lunchtime!
Make a stop in the coastal town of Helmsdale, where you will find C Food & Eat, a fantastic little, family-run restaurant on the harbour side that serves some of the absolute best shellfish you can eat anywhere in the Scottish Isles, which, given Scotlands reputation for delicious, fresh seafood is quite the feat!
Check out their Facebook here for more information!

Your next east coast stop is Dunbeath Castle!
While the building itself is privately owned and not open to public viewing, the real reason to visit this is the truly stunning location!
The castle gardens are open for viewing by appointment and from the castle grounds you have spectacular views of the coastline!
Check out their website here for more information on the castle and how to book your access to the gardens!

Just a short drive up the coastline is another of the east coast's ancient fascinations, the Hill O'Many Stanes!
Thought to be around 4,000 years old, these rows of more than 200 stones are believed to have been the gathering place for an ancient civilization and most probably have some religious significance!
Arrangements like this are few and far between and have only been discovered in a small number of places in Europe!

Next stop, the Whaligoe Steps!
Surrounded on 3 sides by incredible, vertical cliffs, Whaligoe Haven is one of, if not the most amazing harbours found anywhere in Scotland!
The 365 Whaligoe steps wind down the cliffs themselves into the harbour, and offer an exhilarating experience as you descend the route that once would have been teaming with local fisherwomen bring their catch up the cliffs!
PLEASE NOTE. While the steps are well-maintained, they can get slippery when wet and great care should be taken in these conditions!

Time for dinner!
Welcome to Wick, another of Scotland's charming, seaside towns and home to Bord De L'eau, a cozy restaurant that is consistently reviewed as one of the very best eateries in town!
The menu offers a nice selection of French favourites, with vegan and vegetarian options featuring on the menu!
PLEASE NOTE. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.

Just a 5-minute drive from the restaurant is Mackay's Hotel!
Time for bed! I hope you've had a fantastic day, and you're looking forward to continuing the adventure tomorrow!