The walk from The Captains along the banks of the River Naver to the pier is a gentle way to while away a few hours.
Although you could climb over the fence opposite if you fancy it, it is easier to walk a few metres down the road and let yourself into the field via the gate - just remember to shut it again behind you.
Ramble over the rough field downhill to the wire fence at the bottom. There isn't a gate here so it is a matter of climbing over. If you hit the right spot, you can find a length of fence with no barbed wire and a conveniently placed rock that helps with straddling the fence.
At low tide, it is possible to paddle out to the little island here even in wellies. If you look carefully, you can see small flat fish darting away from your feet. It can be fun to bring a fishing net with you and pitch your wits against these furtive creatures. Or search amongst the gravel for fragments of old pottery and glass, probably washed out of an old midden from Victorian times. There might be the occasional bone too, although most likely nothing more exciting than a sheep vertebrae or rabbit skull.
Although there is no made footpath here, it is relatively easy to walk along the edge of the river, sometimes on gravel, some times on tufty grass. Just keep an eye on where you are placing your feet, though, as the river washes gorges and holes out of the tufts.
A gentle meander later, and you will notice a change as the river widens into the Naver Estuary and the edge of the river becomes more beach like with pebbles, sand and rocks, and beautiful views across to Torrisdale Beach. Maybe stop for a while and find suitably flat stones to skim.
Continuing on, you will come to the Bettyhill Pier, a concrete mooring point for fishing boats. Poking around with your net here might bag you a few shrimp or even a pipe fish.
If you walk up and out of the gate and follow the access road uphill, on the other side you will find the ruins of the old salmon fishery and icehouse. There are information boards here and it forms part of the Strathnaver Trail, mainly looking at the history of the highland clearances.
Having explored this far, you may feel it is a good point to turn round and head back the way you came to The Captains, and if you are lucky and know what to look for, you might even see ospreys hunting above the river.
Alternatively, you could follow the road up into Bettyhill, passing Bettyhill Garage and leading to the right turn towards The Store. Or, if you still have energy and an adventurous spirit, you can continue on and out onto the headland, the home of interesting flora including some rare orchids, and at the end, a scramble down a steep slope to a narrow pebbly beach that can be interesting pickings for flotsam and jetsam.
Notes on accessibility for visitors with limited mobility:
The River Naver can be viewed from The Captains doorway and front garden and all along the road from the bridge to the post office. At the bridge there is a parking area which is quite close to the river but other than that it is not possible to get the river banks without walking and possibly climbing over fences. It is possible to drive to Bettyhill Pier by taking the road to the left just past the post office and then another left after The Store. Here you can also enjoy a good view across Torrisdale Bay and the headland, and can see the old salmon fishery buildings and icehouse, and read the information board about them.