19 miles from Bunchrew to Evanton
Beginning to believe!
Left Inverness over Kessock Bridge, the last sizeable town or city.
I've now received my last parcel containing Gyp's food and my maps all the way to John O'Groats. The sea will be on my right for the last 100 miles, so flat walking with no navigation problems The weather forecast is good. Dozens of mountains, a thousand miles and billions of midges are now all behind me.
WHAT CAN POSSIBLY GO WRONG? as Danny Baker would ask.
After walking 2 miles to get back to Inverness I went round the Muirtown Basin, over the end of the Caledonian Canal and then over the River Ness. Looking down on Inverness reinforced my liking for the place and I will definitely visit again and have a good mooch around.
We then went over Kessock Bridge to The Black Isle. After a mile along the A9 I took a minor road North to Munlochy and then a single-track country lane to Culbokie. The White Wave theme continued with May blossom, rowan blossom and cow parsley dominating the views. Sweet ciciley (wild aniseed) added a pleasant aroma to the scene.
Then it was down the hill and time to cross the Cromarty Firth.
We have crossed many bridges on our journey but never have I felt so vulnerable. The path was very narrow and there was no safety barrier between us and the traffic thundering past.
Then it was simply a short walk down a B-road to our campsite at Evanton.
The weather has been warm but overcast - shorts and short-sleeved shirt on all day.
You should never ask that question Pete. Touch wood and carry on. Lets hope the remainder of your pilgrimage is as happy as the memories you have put on record. I'm only sorry that we will not be at home to welcome you. Peter and I go to Pentney Park in Norfolk tomorrow night. You are welcome to join us for some R&R and Abbots ales if you have any desire to travel another 200 miles (by wheeled vehicle this time!). Great stuff man! See you soon.
ReplyDeleteRay.
John, Andy, Pete and Steve:
ReplyDeleteFollowing your postings since April has become a part of my daily routine. Although you all walked a similar route under similar conditions, your daily reports were delightfully different. With John, Andy and Alfie having finished, and Steve, Pete and Gyp within a week or so of completion, I’m beginning to suffer withdrawals. The thought of not having your postings to look forward to leaves me with the same melancholy feeling I have at the end of a good movie – only more so.
Congratulations to all of you on your awesome achievements, and thanks for sharing your wonderful blogs. I hope I can find something to fill the void left by their cessation.
All the best.
Ken