Today I reached John O’Groats.
I set off after breakfast at 9am. I had decided to do some road walking and then I would take to the cliff tops. The views are stunning and the path is described as Easy Walking. That means no fences to climb or rivers to ford rather than a gentle stroll.
The weather looked alright, not sunny like yesterday but not wet or windy-always a bonus on a cliff top walk. The road was still pretty empty so I powered through the first four miles. Then I turned off onto a smaller road taking me through the village of Skirza to the coast. I had just walked through a farmyard when I saw a backpacker coming towards me. His name is Dean. He had a stroke last year and is walking to raise money for the Stroke Association (@Dean260566 on Instagram). He is aiming for 12-15 miles/day. He confirmed the path ahead was fine so, feeling confident, off I went. Oh dear. It turns out I’m not very good with heights. The path (and there was a clear path to follow) wasn’t dangerous but it was close to the edge of the cliffs. I found looking down at the water made me feel very sweaty, and my heart started racing. I decided not to look at the sea.
I toyed with the idea of going back and walking along the road but it was a long way round so I kept on. Past another geo (the local word for an indent in the cliffs) or two and then, my problems dissolved away because the mist came down so the sea was no longer visible at all.
I had no idea how long it would take me to reach John O’Groats. The path goes around Duncansby Head-which is actually the most north-easterly point on the mainland and has a lighthouse- and winds round the north coast to John O’Groats. I could see nothing. I heard seals singing though which was pretty good. I’d had people tell me that the moment you come over the hill and see the north coast is quite emotional and the views of the sea stacks (the Stacks of Duncansby) are phenomenal. I still couldn’t see anything. I plodded on, watching where I put my feet, it was a bit boggy in places, then looked up and realised I could see people. Quite a few of them. People without backpacks who looked as if they were out for a short walk.
I realised I was a only a mile or so from the end. At that point, I suddenly felt exhausted. I would have sat down (no benches) but decided that maybe a snack was in order. A Snickers bar and an apple later I felt a bit better and headed away from the other people to round the corner of Duncansby Head.
The mist started to clear and I found a place to sit and eat my Co-op sandwich, observed by some sheep. Fortified, I carried on. The path became more defined and the mist lifted. I could see Stroma, one of the Orkney islands
And then I could see the old John O’Groats hotel, and that was the moment I felt emotional
Buoyed up by the prospect of finishing I made my way along the path, stopping to talk to a few people who asked me how far I had walked. I asked someone to take a photo of me as I finished the John O’Groats Trail.
I made my way to the signpost and who should I see coming towards me but Matthew. Then I was definitely emotional -it was a total surprise.
It was such a good feeling to be finished, although difficult to take in. Matthew, as part of his mad dash to arrive on time had risked nipping into Lidl in Wick to buy me something to celebrate with. And we both had ice creams
The clouds seemed to be lifting so we drove (yes, in a car, it was so fast) back to Duncansby Head to look at the Stacks.
And that was the last day of my walk. All that was left was to get home again.
Rose's LEJOG 
Woohoo!!!!!
LikeLike
I know, it was a great feeling to finish at long last.
LikeLike
Well done Rose! I will miss the daily updates 😀🥂X
LikeLike
Thanks Emma!
LikeLike
Congratulations, amazing, amazing job! I have really enjoyed your daily blogs, thank you for all the effort you put into writing them.
LikeLike
I’m glad you’ve enjoyed them Esther. Some days they were quite an effort but I knew I’d enjoy looking back on them!
LikeLike
Amazing Rose. Fantastic blog and pics to the very end !
Congrats 🍾🍾🍾🎉🎉🎉
LikeLike
Well done Rose! I feel I have walked the country with you reading your blogs and seeing the photos everyday. It’s been a great experience, not one I expect to do in reality but maybe a single long distance path sometime. Enjoy some feet up time 🥳🍾🤩
LikeLike
Amaaaaazing!! I will miss the blogs. Thanks for writing them!
LikeLike
Such an amazing thing you have done! We are very proud of you but will miss the posts. Have a safe journey home and we will see you soon. Jxx
LikeLike
Amazing!! A thousand well dones. And thank you too for your daily blog – I’ve really enjoyed reading of your exploits, pasties, puddings and paths. You write so well – a book awaits?? It’ll take a while to sink in that you don’t have to keep walking – or maybe you will? Orkney and Shetland next?? Enjoy the journey home x
LikeLike
Congratulations Rose, what a finish! I’m looking forward to reading the first hundred days to see how you got here. Privileged to walk a few days with you
LikeLike
Congrats! What an amazing achievement. I will miss the daily updates and “visiting” all the stops along the way, following you on Google Earth, and enjoying your photos. Thanks for sharing this experience
LikeLike
I’m glad you enjoyed the trip!
LikeLike
A brilliant achievement: well done, Rose! And thank you for sharing your experiences with us in text and wonderful photos. Hope to see you soon – swapping walking boots for cycling shoes?
LikeLike
The cycling muscles will need a bit of work!
LikeLike
Brilliant achievement. Well done Rose. You will be eying up the PCT next!! Nigel
LikeLike
Wow well done Rose! What an amazing way to spend the summer months. I have loved reading your blog and seeing your photos. How lucky we are to live in such a beautiful and varied part of the world in the UK.
Hope you can enjoy plenty of down time now.
LikeLike
also well done from me and what a lovely finish with Matthew turning up
LikeLike
Thanks Marion! It was indeed a lovely finish!
LikeLike
I’ve enjoyed dipping into your blog, Rose. What a fantastic achievement! I hope you’re having a well earned rest back in Oxford. Look forward to seeing you soon, but maybe on two wheels? Karen (Wolff)
LikeLike
Thanks Karen! I’ve been practising on the bike -first trip into town and back today!
LikeLike