This day, I would easily class as one of the most difficult days of Lejog. Even my John O’Groats Trail guidebook described a part of it as challenging. The trail today had all the elements thrown together to make it very very technical. There were steep ravines. There were overgrown vegetation - in some places, ferns up to chest level. The path underfoot was uneven with unexpected rocks or holes or hidden streams. The vegetation was wet and therefore soggy socks and shoes. There were hidden nettles and brambles - my pet hates! There were slippery grass and rocks - I fell numerous times! Although signage is generally good, the trail is in working progress and quite frequently, I lost my way. I could not rely on my digital maps as it had not been updated with all sections of the trail. My common sense, signage and the provisional guide book by Andy Robinson had been my only aids. Sometimes common sense was my only resort and that in itself was very dodgy!
At one point, after about 30km, I decided that the best approach would be to leave the trail by walking to the A9 so that I could find the route signage in the following town.
As I was walking along the road close to Latheronwheel, who drove past?? It was none other than Lorinda, Alex and Nicholas. Lorinda had gone to Inverness to pick up Nicholas, who had flown in earlier.
Impulsively, Nicholas decided to walk with me for the remainder of the walk! What an adventure that turned out to be! In the town, we easily found signage for the route.
Scenery was stunning, but progress like the rest if the day was painstakingly slow as the trail did not become easier! A few times, we lost the trail, but managed to find it again.
Having a walking partner made navigation so much easier. It actually was so special having my son walk with me - moments to treasure. In restrospect, Nicholas had unknowingly chosen the most technically demanding section of all of Lejog to walk with me! However, an adventure it certainly was!
When finally we had to admit that we had again lost the route and could not find any signage, we made the sensible decision to walk to the road. Naturally, a few barbed fences had to be crossed on the way! Lorinda and Alex in the red Mini of Michael had been waiting to rescue us!
For the next two nights we would be staying in Wick, where we met up with Callum for dinner at Weatherspoons. For those who wonder where Michael is? He has gone to a activity packed church camp with friends that had been arranged a while back and regrettable could not join us for the last stretch of Lejog. We miss him knowing that, in his heart, he would have loved to be with us.
Route: Helmsdale to Lybster
John O’Groats Trail
Distance: 42km
Steps: 66329
Cal: 3299 act kcal