Originally Posted by lwildernorva

It's the A897 which is to the west of Reay on the A836 and travels down to Helmsdale. It's a one-track road for most of the trip, and the road is empty for most of the way. Nonetheless, lorries use the road which will remind a driver of the importance of using the turnouts at the side of the road to allow a vehicle to pass. There are some tight twists and turns, but I wouldn't necessarily say that the road itself is fun to drive if you're a driving enthusiast.

There is no town of significant size between Reay and Helmsdale--make sure you have a snack and something to drink with you! I found the scenery dramatic with a brook running alongside the road for most of the way. If you do the entire drive, you can save time on the way back by taking the A9 at Helmsdale to Thurso and then the A836 back to Reay or if you're thinking of driving only part of the road, a good stopping point might be near Loch an Ruathair, which is a little over halfway to Helmsdale.

Originally Posted by farci

For planning a trip by public transport please refer to this website which gives you all options
http://http://www.travelinescotland.com/node/19