Today was the beginning of the last challenge to the prize that is John O’Groats.
This trail is still in working progress, which means that one could come across wild sections, unsigned sections or obstacles that would need to be negotiated.
Today was actually overall very good apart from one wild footpath through farmland and two locked gates that naturally I did the appropriate thing! No, I did not do a detour!! With the aid of my ipad and signage on the trail, I managed to navigate well today.
The route followed a combination of footpaths, gravel roads, cycle paths and road side walking. I cannot lie that road side walking is exciting, but often there is no other choice.
Leaving Inverness, the first part of the route took me through forests, which were steep at places, but quite manageable. Walking through a forest at dawn is magical - it would be even believable to come across characters from Midsummer Nights Dream and I would not blink an eyelet. No, sorry to disappoint, I had not become crazy yet!!
Then the scenery changed completely as I walked along the shore of Munlochy Bay, which is part of the Moray Firth.
After a long section along forest and farmland roads, I walked through a town, known by the name of Culbokie. Leaving Culbokie, there was another long bridge to cross to negotiate the Cromarty Firth.
The rest of the route followed cycle paths that basically followed the main road through Alness to Invergordon.
Lorinda and Alex picked me up at Invergordon as accommodation for the night was back at Ancarraig Lodges in Drumnadrochit. This would be the last night at the lodges.
Dinner was at The Loch Ness Inn in Drumnadrochit with my family. It is so special to have them with me in the evenings.
Route: North Kessock, Inverness to Invergordon
John O’Groats Trail
Distance: 43.5km
Steps: 61127
Cal: 2902 act kcal