Stop 13 – The Cromarty Firth, Sleeping giants, and Udale Bay. Mileometer 27 miles

Drive away from the harbour following the shore and head along the North Side of the Cromarty Firth.

You are likely to see many oil rigs and exploration vessels in the firth. As the oil industry winds down there will be a huge challenge to ensure these massive structures get decommissioned safely with no impact on the environment. No mean task.

Just past 31 miles you will drive through a small settlement called Jemimaville. It’s worth noting this tiny hamlet saw action in world war one when the battle ships Lyon and Queen Mary based in the firth thought they had seen surfacing U Boats in the distance and let off a volley of shells. Several houses were damaged and one poor infant badly injured when the roof of the house collapsed on her cot. The hamlet is named after Jemima Poyntz a Dutch woman who married one of the local lairds. The estate they lived on is now named Poyntzfield and you will see signs for it as you drive on.

A short distance away at 32 miles you will see Udale Bay a Royal Society for the Protection of Birds nature reserve. There is a hide and a car park where you can, if you choose, spend some time watching for Pink Footed Geese, Redshanks, or Scaup amongst many other species. It is a beautiful and tranquil spot.

Slightly further on you will reach a T junction. Go right towards Culbokie and Conon Bridge. Follow this road round to the right, again signposted for Conon Bridge and Dingwall. At around 33 miles you will see Kirkmichael just off the road on the right. Pull in and play stop 14.