We were now coming towards the end of the tour, only one more day after this. After quite a long previous day in the saddle for North Coast 500 Day 10, and cycling that mainly avoided the traffic, this North Coast 500 Day 11 promised much the same.

Upon leaving the Sutherland Inn which was situated on the A9, we quickly crossed the river and turned off the main road into Gordonbush Road. The original North Coast 500 follows the A9, but we had decided this was too busy and were following the alternative cycling version of the route.

This road follows the River Brora for a few miles.

The River Brora flows out of Loch Brora and into the sea.

However, we were cycling away from the coast and towards the top end of the Loch.

Once again, because we were following the alternative route, it was lovely and peaceful with very little traffic.

We crossed the River Bora at Balnacoll Bridge.

The forecast for the day had been another one of strong winds. So far we had been cycling with the winds to our side, but as we turned southerly we now began to feel their force.

Having reached the top of our first major hill of the day at Rhilochan we now had a fine downhill.

Of course, what goes down must go up! Or at least, that seemed to be the case around every corner of this tour.

Having joined the A839, we cycled towards Lairg.

In Lairg, we met Nicholl and enjoyed lunch at The Pier Cafe. Lairg is located at the southern end of Loch Shin. We had visited this cafe before when cycling the JOGLE.

At Lairg, following lunch, we rejoined NCN Route EV12 again, as well as picked up the A836. We were also retracing one of the sections of the JOGLE tour.

Leaving Lairg, we followed the meandering River Shin, crossed over it and then followed the road up through Achany Glen.

We decided to stop off and take a quick look at the Falls of Shin.

It provides a good viewing point to watch salmon return to their spawning point. Sadly, we visited at the wrong time of year. Nonetheless, the falls are an interesting place to visit.

Further on we passed through Invershin.

Then cycled alongside the Kyle of Sutherland.

Eventually, we reached Bonar Bridge and stopped for another break.

We had hoped to enjoy a cafe inside The Caley Cafe but they were only serving takeaway drinks. It would have to do.

Rested, we began the final push of our North Coast 500 Day 11 route.

Having turned on to the B9176, we cycled up the side of Struie Hill. This afforded some fine views out over the Dornoch Firth.

In the distance, we could see the Dornoch Firth Bridge.

We were getting tired now, and the hill just kept going up.

At least once we got to the top there was a fabulous downhill section into Alness. In Alness, we were staying at Westmore Bed & Breakfast.

In the evening we had planned to eat at the local Indian restaurant. However, it was fully booked. Then having taken a little time out at a local hostelry, when searching for somewhere else to eat we found everywhere closed. We just managed to catch the local chippy as they were closing too, but very helpfully they agreed to cook us some food. We were grateful!

This had been another challenging day. Again, however, that challenge had been helped by enjoying some fabulous scenery.

You can view our North Coast 500 Day 11 route from Brora, through Lairg and Bonar Bridge, and on to Alness below:

Tomorrow we complete our cycle tour and cycle back to Inverness.