Day 118 Wick

This morning the weather had changed. It was overcast but clear and much chillier. I had to wear an extra layer. I also put on my waterproof trousers initially to protect me from wet grass on the verges but later to keep me warm.

Lybster Main Street this morning looking towards the sea

I had had a good night’s sleep on the strange but comfortable memory foam mattress. I had also had a good breakfast and was looking forward to a good selection of pies at the local shop. Alas it was not to be-the shop wasn’t open at 9.20 (a passerby said the shopkeeper was a bit unreliable in his opening times) so I swallowed my disappointment and headed for the A99.

Old stamp dispensing machine outside the Post Office. I’ll spare you the postbox although you can see it in the picture of the street

The road was very quiet which was a good thing as the verge was a little lacking in places. I saw the Race Across Britain bike race support bus but didn’t see any riders (although my spies -Tim actually-tell me they reached JOG and there was a very long queue for photos). I plodded along, thinking disparaging thoughts about motorhome drivers (who never move over to pass me even when there is nothing coming in the other direction), and pleasant thoughts about the drivers of local cars (SY on the number plate-I’m guessing it’s local, there’s a lot of them and they move right across the road to avoid me).

I almost missed the turn to Whaligoe as it wasn’t signposted. Whaligoe Haven is a small harbour which was improved at some point in the late eighteenth century so that ships could unload salt and herrings for curing. There are over 300 steps down to the harbour. They have been closed for a while but re-opened about six weeks ago and the mason was there today carrying in with his work. I didn’t go to the bottom but did go part of the way.

The harbour from above with two people for scale and a day trip boat from Wick

From Whaligoe it was only three miles to Thrumster where there was a pub. I didn’t want a full pub lunch but did have a Coke and a packet of crisps to keep me going.

I reached Wick at about 3.45 having walked 14.5 miles. I have had a bath, and dinner and am planning my day in Wick tomorrow as once again I have been Too Speedy so have another rest day. Whilst it is a bit frustrating, my feet are getting a rest after all the road pounding they have been doing. Which is a good thing.