Orc30- the journey has begun

"Our trip along Loch Ness began at Fort Augustus where we stopped for a late lunch on route to Inverness. After our jacket potatos we headed off along the north shore. Had the weather been better we would have taken the southern shore for better views and reduced traffic.
Who came up with this road sign? (this had a sign about disabled drivers 100 yards)
It seemed liked forever that we had Loch Ness on our right as we headed for Inverness. We eventually reached the end at the aptly named Loch End. We then enjoyed a nice long downhill swoop into Inverness. We arrived at the hostel had been invaded by 3 coach loads of kids. We ordered a take away and then struggled to locate some dishes and eating irons to enjoy our spoils.
On leaving the hostel Inverness continued to provide grey skies and cold weather, however as we headed across the Black Isle the skies brightened and we soon found the layers being peeled off and sun cream being applied.
Heading across the Black Isle we reached Cromarty where we boarded a ferry for a quick trip across to the other side where we continued our trek north with the end nearly in sight.
The end of day 11 was to be spent in Helmsdale. On route we stopped in Tain for lunch and paused outside Dunrobin castle for Sian to pose for this picture. Once in Helmsdale we were treated to a fish and chips supper at La Mirage, where we got the largest portions of fish and chips we had ever seen. We stopped in the local Spar to pick up supplies for the final day's breakfast and lunch.
The final day saw sandwich production go into full swing in preparation for our push up the Strath before, heading across the north coast to John O'Groats.
Again the weather was cold and wet as we headed out. What happened to the summer weather we had all hoped for? As we headed up the Strath, a beautiful untouched area of land, the weather did brighten a little.
Even in the cold and wet you can always find time for icecream! Even if it is sheltering in a bus shelter.
As we headed east towards John O'Groats the weather closed in again bringing the cold and rain with it. This made the last few miles hard work and very uncomfortable.
Eventually we got there, arriving to a frenzy of media attention (okay mum, David, Sarah, Sue and Dave). 1026 miles since beginning in Lands End 12 days ago.
Once the photos and signing of the end to end book we were treated to cake and a nice meal. What next? Well first some well earned rest and relaxation, and then we'll see!"

Thanks Eamesy for keeping everybody posted. I'm back!

And Alex all the rain in Scotland happened as we headed east. The Isle of Aaran was the warmest, driest part of Scotland.

"orc30"

And Alex all the rain in Scotland happened as we headed east. The Isle of Aaran was the warmest, driest part of Scotland.[/quote said:


🤔 Don't believe you!! 😜 the west coast is always WET!!!!

We did have a few wet days on the East coast though this week but generally speaking we are the driest part of the country 😉

Im Jealous you have been on Aaran. I would love to go there (infact I would love to have the money to go Island hopping around Scotland)