Day 81: Thurso – John O’Groats

Sunday, 09/07/2017
Distance: 35,3 km (21,9 mi) for a total of 2260,6 km (1404,6 mi)

Ascent (ca.): 210 m (690 ft)

Weather: Overcast in the morning, brightening in the afternoon

So, this was it. With a pickup time agreed I calculated some buffer to make sure that I’d made it to JOG when the taxi would arrive. Having a quick breakfast in the hostel’s kitchen I was joined by two young women who had cycled from Land’s End and were to finish today as well, wanting to catch a train to Inverness in Wick and going back to London from there.

It felt strange not having the backpack with me, but there was simply no need for it as I could carry everything for the day by other means.  Thus I tried to speed up a bit. The road wasn’t more interesting than the last days, but at least the sea sometimes was closer.

I reached JOG in good time with two immediate effects. First, I was surprised by the bustle and the number of tourists. I had some problems getting a picture of the signpost without other people on it.

Second, I felt that the faster walking not only had led to burning soles but also to stiffened legs and a hurting back. There was no chance I would directly walk on to Duncansby Head which would be the real north-east end point. I entered one of the cafes there for a much needed rest and a light lunch. By the time I finished and had recovered sufficiently it was clear that the remaining time wouldn’t allow to walk to the lighthouse and back.

I went signing the book and looked through the last two, three pages for some names. I found Jimmy’s entry as well as the one of Mina and James  🙂  I treated myself to an ice cream and at least walked along the shore to Ness of Duncansby. The sound of the waves and the smell of the sea reminded me how long I haven’t been on holiday on the German North Sea coast.

Finally I returned and waited for my taxi. The driver went for a more scenic route which allowed me at least a look at the Castle of Mey before going back to Thurso where I will have a celebratory beer this evening.