The final day...or is it?

Hi All!

That's it then!  Lands End to John O'Groats in 60 days.

On and on and on and on and on and .....

17 miles on the last day from Wick to John O'Groats and and it was tough physically and psychologically.  The wind was blowing and it was cold too and you can see the road ahead of you stretching for miles and miles.  It's one of them, "Will this road ever end?!" 

...on and on and on and Oooh!  The Orkneys!

It does of course.  As you crest a hill just outside John O'Groats the views open out and there in front of you are the Orkney Isles.

Cute!

One particularly interesting thing I did see today was a Stoat!  You hardly ever see one out and about.

It is hard to accept that I've now completed the challenge.  Thank you all for your support.

Please, please don't forget to make a donation for Alder Hey if you haven't already. 

Click here to donate.

I know people have really enjoyed the blog, clicking on links and seeing pictures of things along the way.  I'm going to be staying up in Scotland for another few days now making the most of the opportunity of being here and exploring some more points of interest. 

So, I thought I'd also continue with some more posts on this blog about the things I see - things like the most Northerly point, a few of the islands around here and so on.

I've got loads of photos and stuff to upload too so I'll get around to posting them soon.

So do check back and see and learn more stuff about our wonderful country.

Thanks all!  Blog soon!

I've Done It ! ! !

Hi All

Hooray! Signpost at John O'Groats

Arrived John O'Groats at 2.15 this afternoon!!! W A H A Y !!!

I'll update more later on, just wanted to let you all know.

I'VE DONE IT! :-)

24 little hours...

..to go!  Can you believe it?

Today was19 miles today from Latheron to Wick.  A dry day but VERY cold winds, woolly hat and gloves time.

Wick Castle - more Shrek than Lord Farquaad ;-)

The first part of the journey was through what I would describe as Crofter land, lots of small-holdings some more modern looking than others.

Near Latheron and I think this one is for sale.

If you are interested there are lots of houses and land for sale here - perhaps the weather is too much!  You'd have to be a hardy soul to live here during winter, that's for sure.

After about 12 miles I crested a hill and could see for miles with the mountains in the far distance.  It reminded me of the Somerset Levels.

This is my final night under canvas.   One more day's walk and I will have done it!

How do you make gold soup?

Put 24 carrots in it! Had a lovely day off yesterday although I'm somewhat disappointed to report I didn't find any gold!

Guess what's for tea then?

18 miles today from Helmsdale to Latheron with a heck of a lot of very steep ups and downs.  It's practically like walking along the cliffs.

Along the cliffs near Latheron

I lose the A9 tomorrow as it splits off to go to Thurso and I hit the A99 for Wick.

Left for Thurso, Right for Wick

This is my penultimate night under canvas on this walk by the way!

Updates tomorrow...

There's gold in them thar hills...

...but not on the A9 which I have been walking all day.  Yawn!  The views were ok sometimes, to be fair, but not that inspiring after the recent scenery.

A9 Entering Helmsdale

12 miles today from Brora to Helmsdale near Scottish Gold Rush area.  I'm sorry dear readers but there really is not much to say about the walk; there may have been more had I looked for it but it was busy on the road at times with cars screaming by.  I didn't even have the heart to play my "Count the Cars" game it was so busy.

View over Helmsdale - A cheery sight after the road walk

If you'd like to see a Google Earth view in 3D - click here (no glasses required!)
Tomorrow I can afford a day off before the final push so will stay in a small pub/hotel this evening and spend the day in Helmsdale tomorrow, maybe even pan for some gold!

I know there is some gold in thar somewhere!

Thanks for your comments all, they've given me a laugh and helped keep my spirits up.

Back on Wednesday, xx

The land of the midnight sun

Hi All.

Before we get going I just want to say a quick "Happy Birthday" to my Grandson Charlie who was 5 on Sunday.  "Happy Birthday Charlie"

So 18 miles from Dornoch to Brora on Sunday.  The first part of the walk was on single track road out of Dornoch and around Loch Fleet. 

The Beach at Brora

I started thinking of my friend Alan the Fish (guess what he does for a living) when I saw lots of his favourite mammals, seals, basking on the sands.

Seals dreaming of fish for dinner. Cheers Alan!

The walk took me past Dunrobin Castle - looks like something from Shrek. Come to think of it Shrek has a Scottish accent doesn't he?

Dunrobin Castle
Quote from the movie;  Shrek[observing a giant building]
"That must be Lord Farquaad's castle... Do you think he's maybe compensating for something?"

I also visited a Broch on the beach south of Strathsteven - now that was incredible.

Cairn Liath Broch - also known as Strathsteven Broch
(click on the pic for more info)

I'm camped at a very basic campsite at Brora and tomorrow I'm off to the Gold Rush area of Scotland.

Before I go though there is something I have been meaning to mention on the blog.  That is it has never really got dark at night in this part of the world, ok it is not really sunny but even at midnight it is still quite light.  I've taken to sleeping with my woollen hat pulled down over my eyes.

Sixty

Saturday took me 22 miles from Alness to Dornoch today and it was dry!

500 year old Dornoch Castle - now a hotel

By the way just want to wish my son and daughter in law a "Happy 10th Wedding Anniversary".  If I'd have done this walk the other way around I'd be in Cornwall now and could have picked you up a nice tin gift!

That was day 55 from a walking point of view so as I am 60 years old I've decided that I'll try and take another 5 walking days to get to John O'Groats  That would be cool 60 days in my 60th year.

Last night the Old School House B&B I stayed in let me have a self-contained flat for the price of an ordinary room.  Very generous and pure luxury!  If you are up this way, stay there!

I'd recommend here for a stay.

Anyway, back to today.  At a place called Scotburn I met a chap called James LcLaren whol kindly invited me in to his house for a cuppa where I met his lovely wife called Carol.  10 minutes after leaving their house they pulled up longside me in their car and donated £10 to the charity.  What a lovely couple and such a kind gesture!  How kind is that?!!

Dornoch Bridge

The other highlight today was crossing the Dornoch Bridge, its the oldest of its kind in the world and give some great views.

Dornoch Beach - wish I'd brought my bucket and spade!

Tonight I'm camped by the beach in Durnoch.

The Final Countdown

Hi All.

Another 20 miles today - Inverness to Alness.

Alness High Street

I've just added up the miles.  I've completed 874 so far and have less than 120 to do!  I should be finished in about a week's time.  Where did the time and the miles go?

Time is running out if you haven't sponsored me yet.  Thank you to everyone who has

I am having a great time but this walk is for Alder Hey Kids  through Liverpool Unites charity. 

 CLICK HERE >>>Please do donate <<<CLICK HERE

By the way If you do click on the sponsor site it says there are more days left to go than there actually are.

Strangely majestic I think.

A mixed day today with both sunshine and rain.  The views were over Cromarty Firth and all the oil rigs in the bay.  The name Cromarty always makes me think of the Radio 4 Shipping Forecast.

I'm planning to stay in a B & B tonight to prepare for a 20 mile road walk on Saturday.

The High of the Highlands

Great day's walking today, 22 miles from Drumnadrochit to Inverness.

It was a steep climb out of Drum, up to 2000 feet, then never came below 1100 feet until the descent down to Inverness.

Lots of great views over Loch Ness then open moorland, mixed forest and some road walking with more fantastic views over Beauly Firth.

Views over Beauly Firth

I found a cafe in the middle of nowhere called the Abriachan Eco Cafe and Campsite.  It is run by a lady called Sheila.  It is a great place and an "Eco" cafe, brilliant!

I've really enjoyed my time on the Great Glen Way.  The Highlands of Scotland really are special.

The Great Glen Way - Very Special Indeed!

I start up towards the East Coast tomorrow and I wonder what that has in store for me.

I'll soon drop off....

Wednesday evening and I'm sittting in a tent on the side of a hill, and I do mean on the side of a hill, at about a 20 degree angle!  I'll probably roll down the darn thing if I turn over in my sleep.  It is right near the Loch Ness Monster visitor centre.

Fancy a paddle?

Anyhow, 22 miles today from Fort Augustus to Drumnadrochit - now I know why this area is called The Highlands!  It was hard work but the views over Loch Ness and the mountains of Strathnairn are fantastic.

Beautiful eh?

Another long walk on Thursday to Inverness.

By the way, Colin was spot on about Fort Augustus, I'd go there again.

Nearing Nessie

After 22 miles today from Gairlochy I am now in Fort Augustus at the end of Loch Ness.

Loch Ness - can you see her?

First bit of the walk (10 miles) was pouring with rain and meant walking up and down a conifer forest trail - I really don't like these types of forest.  The second half, however, was along a broad leaf forest trail alongside Loch Lochy.

Loch Lochy - very, well,...lochy!

The second half was much better as the views opened out and there was much more daylight. 


The amazing thing was the trees looked like they were growing hair because of the long lichen growing on them.  (By the way, lichen makes great tinder for lighting camp fires!)

Get a hair cut!

Set up camp at Cumberlands Campsite and will be here for two nights.

Having a day off on Tuesday so will blog again soon!  Bye for now....

You snooze you lose!

Well I did have a bit of a lie in, it is Sunday after all, and didn't start walking until 09:30 - pure luxury!  It was dry again and it is always better to pack up a dry tent.

Along the Caledonian Canal

The walk was only 11 miles from Fort William to Gairlochy mostly along the tow path of the Caledonian Canal.  It is very peaceful looking at Ben Nevis from this angle, it does still look dramatic though.

The mountains loom over the campsite don't you think?

The campsite tonight  Gairlochy Holiday Park has wonderful views .

Tomorrow I'm off to Fort Augustus, I hope its as good as Colin Fabb says it is!  I'll report back Colin.

More tomorrow...

Is it nearly bedtime?

Hello from a very tired walker.

17 miles today, Saturday, from Kinlochleven to Fort William so that's the West Highland Way done and dusted!  It lived up to my expectations with some very wonderful sights as well as some hard walking.

Scree what I mean?

The trail today was a nightmare!  VERY big scree all the way except for two short miles.  It takes it out of you knees, hips and feet let me tell you.

At the end of the High Street in Fort William - watching walkers come back from the West Highland Way

Tonight I'm camping at the base of Ben Nevis at the Glen Nevis campsite.  The RAF rescue helicopter was out early so I hope it was just a training exercise.

Wonderful views from my tent

Tomorrow I'm heading for the Great Glen Way and I hope that is as good as this stretch has been.

A short hop...

...of 9 miles from Glencoe to Kinlochleven today and all in glorious sunshine!

Near Kinlochleven

I set out at 7am Friday morning sould I had the mountain to myself, let me tell you that was the most enjoyable walk so far.  I just took my time and drank in the wonder of these mountains.

Near to Stob Mhic

To explore the area in 3D click here.  If you know how to use Google Earth you are in for a treat and there is a help section if you don't!

As I came over the top of Stob Mhic I could see Ben Nevis in the distance, it had snow on the top!

Ben Nevis - what more can I add?

The whole area is from another world, just magical.

Fort William on Saturday so keep your fingers crossed for more good weather.

The Heart of the Highlands

Thursday and I'm sitting on a bridge by the Kings House Hotel in Glencoe with the breeze blowing and the sun shining.

Home for the night!

This is the most amazing scenery here in the Cairngorms.

13 miles today from Bridge of Orchy to Glencoe.

The weather was really, really bad so decided to stay at the hotel.  I had planned to do a 20-miler but now, instead of having 2 days rest at Fort William I'll have one.

Red Deer from Kings House Hotel - Spectacular!

The view from the hotel is amazing, I can see red deer grazing with wonderful views right down the valley.

I can see clearly...

..now the rain has gone!

A 19 miler today from Inveroran to Bridge of Orchy.

Troll free I'm pleased to report

The first half of the walk was typical.  That is, pouring down with rain, walking over rough terrain through forest.  The second half, however, was fantastic!!!

OMG!

The clouds lifted, the sun shone and the mountains showed themselves properly.  They're awesome, most around 3,000 feet - it was like being in the Alps.

Don't have to put this 'un up in the rain!

After the wet tent of yesterday, staying in a camping "pod" tonight at Pine Trees Site in Tyndrum - it has proper beds AND electricity.  Having chicken in mustard and honey sauce with lyonnaise potatoes for dinner - not bad for a camp fire meal hey?