Not far to go

It's the road sign before the Cromarty Firth Bridge....first mention of the promised land.

The rain and wind got worse as the day went on.

Pleased with my leg, for the last 10 miles I abandoned my stick...I needed both hands to hold onto the brolly!

I can't imagine walking without a brolly, it is my most important item.

Fwd: YELLOW

>
> It's a bit murky but two shades of yellow is always good.
>
> I am a yellow person....a cheerful colour.
>
> Have just stopped at a diner and had a healthy Scottish fried egg roll.....again it was nice and yellow!
>

Change in the weather

Sue is worse again, a shame as it is spoiling her holiday.

I was up and out early and have just crossed the Kessock Bridge. The weather has changed to drizzle and fog....very murky.

Ewen....Scotland is awful, terrible weather!!

Drumnadrochit to Invernessi

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High Tea

Another great Scottish tradition.

Toast to start. Then the main meal. Finally tea and cakes. They have nearly gone....the rest are going in the rucksack for tomorrow.

Sue is still struggling. She is getting the coach back to Fort William tomorrow to pick the car up. We will then meet up at Alness (who will get there first?....I shall be out the door early for a head start!)

The smart money is on me....there is a promise of a 'wee nip in the jacuzzi.

Foggy Inverness

It was warm and sunny to start the day. I put the sun lotion on and then the fog rolled in!

Great for walking but not for photo's!

Forest Trail

I love walking through forest's. The mystery of where the path is going?

Weather looking good again

It is going to be another hot one. Mustn't complain....it could be raining.

A good nights sleep and a good breakfast and I am on my way. Through the Redwoods and down past Nessie Land before a big climb on my way to Inverness.

Sue isn't feeling great so we have made the right decision re the bus.

A Hot Day

What a scorcher, the hottest day of my walk...so far!

Sue did well but struggled today. She has caught a cold, big climbs, hot day and a fair mileage.

It is probably a 20 plus day tomorrow so we have decided that it will be for the best if she gets the bus to Inverness tomorrow.

B&B is really nice...landlady is a bit grumpy.

Vicky.....there are four 150 foot Soquoia's in the front garden...majestic.

Loch Ness

The climbs were hard but well worth the views looking down at Lock Ness

Essence of Coconut

The gorse was in full bloom all along our route. Strong smell of coconut everywhere.

Hector

Hector and his pal.

Me thinks he has got an easier day ahead than us!

7 days to go.

Well only one week to go. Obviously it will be a great achievement, and in that respect it will be good to finish.

However, I have hugely enjoyed my journey and the thought of it ending saddens me.

I have loved the 'getting away from it all'. I have listened to no news. Half of the time I don't even know what day of the week it is!

The interaction of the blog has been fun.

I definitely have an issue with my calf, which is a concern, but overall the fitness is fantastic. I was in reasonable shape before I started but I have definitely gone up a few gears.

Change of accommodation

Our B&B last night had a disaster. A water leak through the ceiling, the place was in turmoil. Luckily they also ran a chalet park and we had a nice little chalet for the night.

Another £5 donation. This time from Ros and Anita, (sisters walking the great Glen way that we keep bumping into).

Off to Drumnadrochit today (great name!), the locals call it Drum.

South Laggan to Invermoriston

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Invermoriston

The River Moriston tumbling down to Loch Ness.

The Caledonian Canal

Another nice view of the canal. I really am spoilt for choice, amazing views everywhere.

Loch Oich

Looking back from Loch Oich.

The Nevis Range in the distance as we begin to leave the Highlands.

Feeling Guilty

We have just set off and I am feeling guilty about calling my B&B 'grotty.'

They are really nice people going through hard times, they cooked us a nice breakfasts AND they gave me a £5 donation.

£5 from them is huge...they have made me feel very humble.

Gairlochy to South Laggan

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Who said it rains in Scotland?

Izy was asking about the weather. It has been glorious again. I think that it is a myth made up by the scots that it rains all of the time ....it keeps people away, they want to keep it all to themselves.

I have been in Scotland for 11 days and I have only had my brolly up once.

The accommodation is pretty grotty tonight! Overall I have stayed at some lovely places. Out of my 35 nights only 3 have been poor....I feel sorry for Sue as she has stayed at 2 of them.

The Banks of Loch Lochey

Very Bonny.

Forest Path

A very pretty walk along the forest paths of the Caledonian Pinewoods.

It rained heavily last night and it is so green.

The tall trees were mainly Scots Pines, it was also great to see lots of Giant Redwoods......I could have been in the Santa Cruz Mountains!

South Laggan

The destination today is South Laggan. The route following forest paths and tracks alongside Loch Lochy.

It feels strange to me having another late start. We only have around 14 miles today, there are no cafés or pubs on the way and we can't book in until 4pm. So a nice leisurely breakfast (scotch pancakes and scrambled egg...yummy) and will start walking around 10.

Fort William to Gairlochy

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A canal with a view

I have walked many canals. None with views like this.

We had a good day. My leg wasn't too bad, I am learning to live with it. I still hope it will repair itself by Inverness...in reality it won't get better until it gets rest days.

Sue did well. She is not used to a big backpack and that was always a concern.

Our B&B is called Dalcomera in Gairlochy. Very very nice, I highly recommend.

Neptunes Staircase

A big boat waiting to come down the series of lock gates.

It takes one and a half hours.

Sue

First stretch of the Great Glen Way today. A fairly short walk to Gairlochy.

Sue is all geared up and raring to go. She was originally concerned about slowing me down, the boot is now on the other foot!

The photo shows the start of the Caladonian Canal.

Kinlochleven to Fort William

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Fort William

Not my favourite Town. It's so commercialised, I guess that's what people want...not for me.

The walk went well and hopefully the calf will continue to get better.

Some people think that I am nearly finished! Scotland is huge and I still have 200 miles to go. On my reckoning that is 80% gone.

It is great seeing Sue.

Sue will walk with me on the next part of the adventure.....'The Great Glen Way'

View from Hotel

A lovely view sitting on the patio at the Hotel.

Job done for today, feet up time.

The 'Big One'

Ben Nevis......perhaps another time!

The 'Big Pass'

Started with a good climb and then a lovely walk through the Lairigmor Pass.

I am looking down on Lochan Lunn Da Bhra. In ancient times Macbeth was said to have resided on this tiny island.

From here I am taking the shorter route on the country lane down to Fort William.... Sensible Joe!

Tigh Na Cheo

Had a nice night at Tigh Na Cheo Guest House (house in the mist). Martin and Jacqui also generously donated £20 to the charity.

They had a guy stay with them last year doing the same walk as me and he had spent a week in hospital with his feet!

It's a nice morning for a walk to Fort William.

Bridge of Orchy to Kinlochleven

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Another day done.

Glad to get that one behind me.

I did ok, it just felt SO slow. I am being sensible and protecting my calf.

The West Highland Way is amazing, the only issue I have is the surface. It uses the old Drover's and Military Road and is all stone. A tarmac road in comparison to stone is luxury. The stone is brutal on the feet.....again my feet are not happy!

Tomorrow I walk to Fort William. A relatively short day of probably 17 miles. Stones again so it will be slow.

The Great Glen Way in a couple of days. Sue is driving up to join me and walk with me....Happy Days.

Top of 'The Devils Staircase'

This was my view looking across at Buachaille Etive Beag.

Ed, I will never be a Munro bagger but I can understand why you do it.

Snow on the tops

Looking across up at Glencoe.

A Boggy Wilderness

Hauntingly Beautiful

Up and out at first light.

It is so peaceful, slightly misty giving a mystical feel. Looking across the moor there are lots of deer and grouse....very wary of me.

It is dry at the moment. I don't expect to see the sun and it's rain forecast for later on.

Inverarnon to Bridge of Orchy

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Balmaha to Inverarnon

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A challenging day tomorrow.

I had been looking forward to tomorrow. Now that I have an injury to nurse it is a day that I just want done.

The first part is across Rannoch Moor
(The UK's largest wilderness at 50 square miles). It is a 10 mile path with no bale out points.

The second part includes the 'Devils Staircase'. It actually sounds a lot worse than it is. Just that my poor little calf muscle doesn't like hills!

Hopefully the weather will be kind. It should be really pretty.

An Injury

A difficult day. I picked up an injury to my calf a couple of days ago which I thought I was managing ok but after just three miles today I was limping.

I rung Jenny and she says that it is the Soleus muscle (the little one that lies behind the big ones). Jenny has given me specific stretching exercises to do and I have to apply ice.

I bought a walking stick and providing I slow down and don't do any further damage then hopefully I will be ok.

Bridge of Orchy Hotel

My 'Posh' Hotel for the night.

My most expensive night, sometimes you just have to treat yourself.

Mountain Goat Country

Very difficult terrain today. Boulders, stony, and steep up and downs. It was pretty though, following the shoreline of Loch Lomond.

I was also amazed at the size of the packs that people were carrying.

The biggest and craziest was carried by an American guy. His was 35 kilo's!!!......ridiculous. He was struggling, I asked where he was staying tonight....he said that he didn't have a schedule and would stop when he got tired.

I got tired just looking at it!

He will probably complete the WHW but only if he ditches half his gear.

Rowardennan

The War Memorial at Rowardennan.

The 'bonny banks'

Today's walk is mainly through woodland following the 'bonny banks' of Loch Lomond.

I finally leave Loch Lomond descending into Glen Falloch before reaching my destination of Inverarnon.

A Proper Scottish Dinner

Dinner was at the pub across the road 'The Oak Tree Inn'

I had.....

Cullen Skink

'Locally Caught' Haggis with Clapshot and Creamy Whiskey Sauce

Warm Clouty Dumpling and Custard.

Plus a couple of pints of 80 Shillings to swill it down.


I am trying to keep my calories up....had to roll back across the road!

Milngavie to Balmaha

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Where was your Best Hot Tub?

My Hot Tub has great views across Loch Lomand. It has to be in my all time top three!

Two others spring to mind. Both shared with Vicky and Sue.

Number One was up in Bonny Doon, in Vicky's back garden. Nestled in the Redwoods with a million stars and the sound of the Bull Frogs.

Number Three would be Lake Tahoe. Snow on the ground, really cold, and the snow flakes falling.

Loch Lomand

Looking down from Conic Hill the view over Loch Lomand was amazing. I could have sat there all day.

I even managed to capture the small plane that was circling overhead.

Drumgoyach

Drumgoyach, only a wee fella. All of his big brothers are waiting.

My welcome to the Highlands.

Mugdock Wood

The first few miles are through the Ancient Woods of Mugdock.

Haven't seen any Hobbits yet!

The West Highland Way

It's a lovely day again for the start of my journey along the West Highland Way.

My destination today is Bay Cottage at Balmaha.

There are Tea and Scones on arrival and a hot tub on the deck. Reward indeed!

Botanic Gardens

The Rhododendrons were out at the Botanic Gardens.

Take note Kew...Free entry!!

Loads of people which was good to see.

'George Square'

Glasgow's famous central square.

Today I feel less of a walker and more a tourist.

Second Breakfast

I have covered my 10 miles into Glasgow by 9.00. The place is deserted.

Luckily found a great place for my 'second' breakfast. 'Cafe Gandolfi'.

I had their special muesli, yoghurt and fruit....it was a tough decision as there was also pancakes and French toast! The place was packed and had a great atmosphere.

On the table next to me they were having there porridge.....shovelling on the salt!

Walking Machines

We really are designed as perfect walking machines. Every morning I get up and 'walk', it seems such a natural thing to do. It doesn't seem to make a lot of difference how far I walk or at what speed, it just feels right.

We all live such busy lives. I am such a lucky guy being able to do what I am doing.

Abington to Hamilton

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Easier days to come

Today was another long one. The last six days have averaged 27 miles each day.

The next eleven days however will be luxury, only averaging 20. This will enable me to 'enjoy' the sights.

Tomorrow I am off to Milngavie. I go through the centre of Glasgow and can allow myself a few extra miles to wander around the city. I always think that people underestimate it....it has a lot to offer.

And then!!! The real highlight of the whole journey....the 'West Highland Way' and the 'Great Glen Way'.

A kind donation

I stopped for a break in a nice little coffee shop in Lesmahagow.

I got talking to Andrew Lacey and his wife about my walk. Andrew has kindly donated £10. Andrew's mum Elsie also donated£10.

Elsie is a lovely lady and is 93 .

She has requested that when she reaches 100, can I do the walk again!

A beautiful sunny morning

Happy Easter and Happy Holidays.

Commiserations to Izy and Lynton as the invasion of Cornwall begins.

I hope your weather is as good as mine. It is one of those gloriously sunny early mornings, crisp and frosty, a walking paradise.

Newton Wamphray to Abington

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Today

First of all, apologies for no photo's today. It was beautiful scenery but the weather was bleak and there were no inspirational moments.

Today was probably the hardest day since Dartmoor (without the snow!)

Lots of driving rain showers but what made it really difficult was the strong northerly wind that I was battling against!. I did however make good time again.

I am stopping at the Days Inn in Abington. I was having a laugh earlier with Mick Webb about out trip to the US last year. Our first night in Atlanta we stayed at a Days Inn....it was without doubt the very worst place I have ever stayed in.. It was awful!

Thankfully my room tonight is very good.

Dinner is a different matter. I do try and eat healthily. All I can see at the moment is a Burger King!

Walking a Straight Line?

For the road days I am now using GPS rather than maps.

I set the route in the morning and it gives me the exact mileage. It is really bugging me that I always walk farther!! AND it's not a small amount, normally one or two miles extra!!

I put this down to body movement and not walking in a straight line.

Perhaps I should go back to my maps!

A Lonely day today

There are no cafés on route today, just a long lonely road. it will however be very pretty and the weather looks ok, perhaps a few showers.

Last night at the 'Red House' was excellent, I highly recommend a stay. Audrey and John were great hosts. I had a really good dinner with them and then we all sat chatting in the lounge in front of a log fire. The dogs and cats joined us as well!

Audrey has made me a huge packed lunch. My bag weighs a ton, but I look forward to chomping my way through it.

They have also invited Sue and I to stop on our way back home.

They are offering a free dinner to hear my story!

Gretna to Newton Wamphray

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Legs and Feet!

My legs and feet have been having a discussion!

My legs are doing really well whilst the soles of my feet are a little sore at the end of the day. Last night I went for a walk around Gretna...my legs were loving it while my feet did a lot of grumbling.

So today I tried to walk a little bit quicker! The theory being that it is harder on the legs but I spend less time on my feet.

My legs are now the 'good guys'.

Is that logical, what do you think?

The Simplicity of a Country Lane

Great Sculptures

Still Loyal to the Crown?

The whole issue of an Independent Scotland is fascinating.

Talking to people up here the 'Yes' campaign is gathering momentum.
A lot of this is being fuelled by the arrogant 'English' Parliament and it's scaremongering tactics.

I personally hope it's a No.

Mind you if I lived up here I would probably be voting Yes.

I shouldn't be talking politics but it is such a huge issue.

My Body Clock

After struggling with sleep my body clock had finally adjusted into a great routine.

I am now regularly off to bed at 9 and up at 5.

This works so well. I am out early walking in the 'cool' weather and completing 15 to 20 miles by lunchtime. This also gives me plenty of time mid afternoon and evening for recovery.

The body is a wonderful thing.

Off to Newton Wamphray

My objective for the next 4 days is to get to Milngavie and the start of the West Highland Way.

I will be following the old main A74. This has been downgrade to a quiet b road since they built the M74.

Today's destination is the Red House in Newton Wamphray. I have requested an evening meal and they have invited me to join them.

This is a Scottish tradition where you become part of the family.....a lovely way of meeting people.

Greystoke to Gretna

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A bit of a slog!

Today was definitely a slog.

The first stretch from Greystoke to Carlisle was Lowland farming country and very pleasant. The problem from a walking perspective was that it was a dead straight road for about 15 miles. I made good time but it seemed to take for ever

Then I went through Carlisle which is not one of my favourite city's. The final section ran adjacent to the motorway up to Gretna.

The really good news is that I am in Scotland !!!!

I also went quicker today....it will be interesting to see how I feel tomorrow.

SCOTLAND

It has taken me 24 days and I have covered 599.5 miles.

A good warm up for the challenges ahead.

Border Country

I have noticed a lot of the Manor Houses and Halls have been castellated.

A turbulent past.

A Frosty Start

Out the door for 6.30. I love the early mornings, at home I will be out before sunrise. It is so peaceful with that soft light of the new day. Today has the bonus of a frost....I feel a bit silly, have put sun screen on and it is quite cold.

The pub was good. They had live music on which I listened to before sneaking off to bed.

I always try and be quiet and not disturb other people. I crept downstairs to find a load of cyclists in sleeping bags on the floor, needless to say I woke them up!

Apparently this is on the classic cycling route for Lands End to John O Groats...they may be doing the same as me....I didn't stop to ask!

The Falls

Thank you Annie. They are great.

Ingleton Waterfalls

A couple of stunning photo's of the falls taken by Annie at the week end.

Tebay to Greystoke

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Eden Valley

Well I know that I keep waxing lyrical, but today was a joy.

Another area that I didn't know.

Up from Tebay into the Eden Valley.

I wandered through the delightful villages of Crosby Ravensworth, Maulds Meaburn and Morland. Again it is another area that I will return to.

AND, sorry Cornwall and Devon, I had my best Cream Tea...in Cumbria!

The local stone

Another fascination is the different colouring of the local stone.

This one I particularly like.

So Diverse

The scenery has changed yet again.

It is amazing how in such short distances the landscapes are completely different.

We might be a small island but we have a little bIt of everything.

We often go to places and think that 'the grass is greener'. I go to Vicky's in California and am blown away by the Ocean, the Redwoods and the Mountains.

Then I come home again, and realise that what we have is quite unique, and truly wonderful.

I wouldn't want to leave our green and pleasant land.

Goodbye Pennines

Have just climbed my last big hill until Scotland!

Looking back at the village of Orton and the hills in the distance where I came from.

Greystoke

Today I am off to Cumbria.

I had a really good nights sleep and it's one of those lovely sunny days with a bit of a nip in the air...perfect for walking.

My destination is the village of Greystoke, about 4 miles west of Penrith. It is famous for 'Tarzan' and the Gordon Richards racing stables.

More importantly for me is the Boot and Shoe Inn where I am staying. It has a great reputation for food and entertainment. Tonight is an open night where people come along and do gigs.

Ingleton to Tebay

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Tebay

I am stopping at Tebay tonight. Not a particularly pretty place but my digs are at The Old School House which is very nice. They also do an evening meal which means my legs can have a proper rest.

My legs were aching today, I have neglected them. The weekend was great and I wouldn't have changed it, but by doing such a lot the legs didn't get the full rest and recuperation that they need.

Needless to say I shan't be doing a lot tonight!

The Yorkshire Fells

Back into hills and dales country.

A lot of upland fells today. I was looking at the severity of the slopes.I always think about the fell runners and how amazing they are.

They absolutely fly down the hills. I talked to one once asking him how he did it. He said that you 'just let yourself go and trust to instinct'.

I haven't got the bottle!

I should have bought my rods.

Another Hilly Day

Another hilly day is looming in front of me. That will be 6 tough days in a row. But hey, nobody said that this was going to be easy. I am still feeling good. I was on the road for 7.00 and the weather is set fair until lunchtime.

One question that I keep pondering. Will I walk 1000 miles?

When I plotted the route I new that it would be around about the 1000. None of the days have been the same as planned, so I really don't know.

Yesterday brought my total up to 520.
That was in 21 days. I have 22 days left but a lot of the Scotland days are shorter!

So will I, or won't i ?

Clitheroe to Ingleton

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Morris

Had a lovely end to the day with Sue, Annie and Mark at the Old Hill Inn in Chapel le Dale.

It was Morris who stole the show.

He is 18 and has totally lost his sense of balance. The Landlady said he is old and keeps falling over....

A bit like me after a couple of pints of Black Sheep!!

The Forest of Bowland

Not many trees to be seen.

I wasn't disappointed. Stunning scenery. Upland fells of heather and bog. We saw lots of grouse and partridge.

Very much a feel of wilderness .....that is it's charm.

My Companion for today

This is Barry, a big golfing Buddie of mine.

Barry is a proper walker...not an amateur like me. Heavily involved with the Ramblers and Chair of the Warwickshire Section.

Waddington

This was a nice surprise.

Forest of Bowland

I had a reasonably early start, a compromise at 7.30. I am still waking up at 5.30 and itching to get started.

Had a lovely night with Sue, Pat and Barry. The Pub food was excellent and a great selection of real ales.

Barry is joining me at Slaidburn to walk. Pat is off to Settle to take photo's of the Viaduct. Sue is meeting up with Mark and Anne who are driving up to Ingleton, they are doing the 'Waterfall Walk' again taking photo's.

So what will the Forest of Bowland be like? I have took a big diversion to the West to find out!

HALF WAY.!!!

Well I have got to half way in one piece.

I have just got to do the same again!

My legs and feet are good and surely I must be getting a tad fitter. Plus, I have Scotland to look forward to.

The first part of my walk today out of Hebdon Bridge and across Widdop Moor was absolutely awesome, just amazing.

The final push up and over Pendle Hill was spectacular.

Pendle Hill

My road up and over Pendle Hill.

Beware the Witches!!

Heptonstall