There is an hourly bus service between Wick and Thurso, that runs past the end of our lane. Both towns have the usual supermarkets, takeaways and so on. There is a petrol station, a small shop and a pub in Watten village, two miles from the croft. On Tuesday evenings there is a mobile takeaway van in the village, who make excellent chips.
The coast is ten miles to the west, east and north, with many beautiful beaches and an incredible diversity of wildlife. Dolphins, whales and orcas are regularly seen off the coast, seals breed on the beaches and the cliffs are teeming with birds, including puffins. Even in summer, the beaches are very quiet. The sea fishing is among the best in the country.
The croft overlooks Loch Watten. You can bring your own canoe or kayak, or rowing boats are available to hire in Watten village. The fishing on the loch is excellent.
John O Groats is 20 miles away with its famous sign, and ferries to Orkney, world famous for its archaeological sites.