Reflections

Overall there isn't much that I would change. The thing that pleased me most was the way that everything went like clockwork. It was all down to 2 years in the preparation and a great 6 months final build up.


The Body..

I was amazed at the body's power of recovery. I had read about the legs 'normalising into a routine'....for me day's 5 and 6 were the most difficult, long and hilly, my legs were really throbbing....then, day 7 was to my surprise very much easy and routine.

Then there was the calf injury on day 30, that was worrying and I was limping. I was expecting to struggle the rest of the way but again it gradually got better....even without a rest and with the continual high mileage.

For the 3 days after finishing I was so tired. During the walk I wasn't tired at all. The mind had kept the body going until it knew that it was time to shutdown and recover.


The Daily Mileage

The original plan was to set myself a difficult but achievable target.

I was looking to complete in 40 days. This changed to accommodate Sue walking the Great Glen Way with me, and the difficulty getting B&B's in the right places on the West Highland Way. So 43 days it was.

I think that I pitched it about right. In my own mind I definitely could have completed in less time but then I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much.

I also think that it was the correct decision not having any days off. My body just got into a great routine. It worked for me.


The Rucksack

This was a big concern.

Again I got it about right. I would have struggled with a heavier pack. The weight started the day at 19 lbs but was down to 15 when the food and water had gone.

The weight was crucial and with more research I think that I could have reduced by a couple of pounds. Ultra Lightweight Packing is the way to go.


The Route...

For England the worst bit was in and out of Birmingham...it was however important for me to pop into Wragge's.

I was happy diverting across at Hebdon Bridge....Widdop Moor, The Forest of Bowland and The Eden Valley were lovely surprises.

The first section in Scotland from Gretna to Glasgow was pretty but the road was straight and monotonous and I would probably change that.

I would also look to not using the A9 north of Inverness. This was probably the worst bit, very nice to be by the sea but awful having heavy lorry's hurtling past.



It was a truly great adventure.

The diversity of landscape, the people I have met, the weather was kind, no midgies, the blog was fun to do, I could go on and on!

It was an escape, don't get me wrong as I have a great life anyway, but it was something totally different. To really explore the body's capabilities. To get away from TV and news. To not know or care what day of the week it is.

'Everybody should have a Journey'.

Thank You's

I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my journey.

It has been fun doing the blog and I hope you have enjoyed reading it.

A number of Thank You's....

First of all to Sue for going along with my crazy idea. For ferrying me around and looking after the house......there is bound to be a big list of jobs waiting for my return !!

To everybody that has very generously donated to my charity.

To Mark, Katie and Laura at Wragges for there support and assistance.

To Jenny for the advice on my feet and calf, I would have struggled without it.

To Izy and Lynton for looking after me in Cornwall.

To Dave Somen... My Blog man.

To the people that have walked with me.....Sue, Mark and Katie, Ed Jones, Jenny and Ewen, Mark Shea, and Barry Jordon.

To everyone that has commented on my blog (especially Vicky).

1001.5 Miles

I knew it would be close, those of you checking the Strava link will see that I did an extra loop near the end just to make sure.

We now have the long drive back spending 5 nights coming down the west coast. This will give me time to reflect on the past 43 days

I will do a posting on our return with my many Thank You's and a final summary.

Thrumster to John o Groats

Check out my activity on Strava
https://www.strava.com/activities/137422845

The John o Groats Hotel

The old hotel has been revamped into self catering apartments.

The addition at the end is on a Norwegian theme....very nicely done.

John o Groats

Well I really am stuck for what to say.

Such a fabulous journey and I have finally arrived.

I can quite honestly say that I have enjoyed every last little minute of it.

We have a lovely B&B tonight (the John o Groats Guest House) with a home cooked dinner... plus a nice bottle of Red to celebrate.

Graveyards facing the Sea

I have been fascinated by all of the elaborate graveyards looking out to sea.

This used to be a huge fishing area. A hard life, so many fishermen lost at their work.

12 miles to go

Looks like the long road to no where!

And, John o Groats.

Coffee?

It's a Sunday morning and Wick is deserted.

I had given up on the idea of a coffee break, and then, right at the end of town...a Tesco's.

I hate Tesco's, normally I would give it a wide berth. Today, all moral's out of the window.. it's Costa time.

Last Day

I am a little sad as it is my last day.

It is a foggy start at Thrumster. If it were clear I would see Wick....beyond Wick there is nothing until John o Groats.

Ousdale to Thrumster

Check out my activity on Strava
https://www.strava.com/activities/136940033

A successful day

Well it was mission accomplished today leaving myself an easier day tomorrow of about 22 miles.

It was interesting meeting 2 guys both starting out but going the other way.

The one looked very fit and had given himself 8 weeks which I think he will achieve comfortably.

The other had a heavy pack and was camping. He intended to walk the first 4 days and then run the rest, completing in 21 days. I might be doing him a complete disservice but I thought he was in cloud cuckoo land! Just looking at him and his gear he has no chance, plus he was totally unassisted.

The B&B has great panoramic views across the sea. We are dining there as well...Cullen Skink using fish from there own smoke house, then Roast Pork from there own hand reared pigs.

A nice bath and a four poster bed....luxury. It is amazing how the accommodation has differed as they have all been a similar cost.

A Canny Race

They do say that the Scot's are 'careful' with there money.

Why buy a new one if the old one still works!

An old croft

Berriedale Hill

Morning all, I won't bore you with a weather report, needless to say that the sunscreen is going on very soon.

I am just about to go up Berriedale Hill with its infamous hairpin bend. This is my last big climb of the walk... fairly flat all the way to the top from here.

Cambusmore Lodge to Ousdale

Check out my activity on Strava
https://www.strava.com/activities/136543418

A good day

I walked over 28 miles today at a good pace. I think that it was the inspiration of the scenery plus the fact that I am nearly there!

I have 2 days left to do about 50 miles. AND by my reckoning I have completed over 952 miles.... I should reach the 1000 mile mark.

Where am I

Perhaps the South of France, or maybe the Riviera... wrong!

It's the glorious coastline of Scotland.

Ewen, why did you ever leave? It is absolutely stunning.

Vicky, there were times today that I thought I was on Highway One. The Sea on one side, lowland farming and mountains on the other.

Where are all the Kilts?

I have nearly walked the entire length of Scotland and haven't seen one kilt.

Perhaps these 'roughty toughty' scots only put them on when it's warm!

Mind you, what about the midgies!

Long day today

I now have about 75 miles left which in reality is over 80.

I need a big day today and am back to my early starts. A perfect day beckons, clear blue sky's and not too hot.

Alness to Cambersmore Lodge

Check out my activity on Strava
https://www.strava.com/activities/136181689

1st Hole at Royal Dornach

Similar 1st hole to Sutton.

Same distance....come away with a par and be grateful.

A long way to the beach.

My last beach was in Cornwall.

I have walked over 900 miles to get to this one. The things people do for a paddle!

Golfing Country

I am looking forward to my destination today.

Dornoch has one of the finest golf courses in the country. And, it is a nice town, and, it has a nice beach for Sue.

The whole area is a golfing paradise with Golspie, Brora, and Tain.

I should have brought my clubs!