Written on a mobile in a tent – apologies for any formatting issues!
This was one of the longest “get to the start” journeys I have had on a bike trip. It began on Sunday afternoon with a train to London. From London I took the overnight Caledonian Sleeper train to Inverness and then a very slow local train up to Wick. From Wick was a 16 mile ride to John O’Groats (which turned into 21 miles due to a wrong turn)
I slept the night in a wooden shed in the grounds of the Seaview hotel – much more comfortable than it looks in photos, but slightly disturbed by the bleating of the surrounding sheep and lambs.
The following morning I set off for the signpost at John O’Groats to get the traditional photo, pointing the way to Lands End. 874 miles as the crow flies.
Heading west out of JOG I followed the coast for a large part of the day. A coupe of decent sized climbs to warm the legs up! the countryside up here is barren, rugged and beautiful.
I stopped for lunch at a roadside cafe selling a range of homemade produce, just outside of Thurso before turning south, inland and heading for Loch Naver. A total of 74 miles for the day with 1129 meters of climbing. Not a bad start!
I pitched for the night beside Loch Naver in howling wind, too tired to cook, I slept.
