We started off at dawn (8am) from Edinburgh to make our way to Bettyhill on the north coast of Scotland. After making it to Culloden just near Inverness we stopped to explore the visitor centre and museum, and to walk around the battlefield. Aside from the constant drizzle outside this was a great historical site and we were glad we had stopped. Then it was back on the road and into the north where the roads are narrow, the hillsides are barren, the brooks babble beside the road, sheep have right of way and for the last hour and half of driving the road was single lane which made for a slow trip. We managed to arrive in Bettyhill by 4:30 and found our stone cottage about five minutes up the road at Kirtomy. The decor is rustic with mats on the slate floor, an open fire, pictures of salmon and lots of crocheted throws on the lounge. It was also freezing when we arrived so we spent quite a bit of time working how to light the fire with coals (rather than wood). It took about 4 attempts but I think it’s going now. Luckily there are also electric heaters in every room! The two downsides…no mobile reception AND NO SHOWER….only a bath. Suffice to say I will be embracing the British stereotype and having a bit of a wash. I shall also be wearing a beanie until we get to Ullapool when I can wash my hair.