Day 75 Golspie to Helmsdale

The sun on the sea - but never on the land today!

(Written a day late)

It turns out that the ladies who run out excellent B+B in Golspie are good friends with Beth Webster - one of the Eggheads on TV. She has stayed there. One of the landladies was very interested in my quiz connections and watched/likes all the same quiz programmes that I do.

I was feeling another 10% better than yesterday, but still not 100%, so was worried to be embarking on what was expected to be - and indeed was - the longest day of this trip. I was expecting over 18 miles, though it came in at 17.88.

Simon looking intrepid

Simon thought he should not start the trip with a long day, so he too the train on to Brora, while I walked the first 6 miles. We than had an early lunch (in my case a waffle the size of Hampstead) in an excellent coffee shop there, before a bit of a route-march on to Helmsdale.

All on the A9 - the traffic is now manageable and the verges are good. The path alternative had risks - further, not on map so risk of getting lost, talk of cattle and fording rivers. We had not regrets staying on the road.

I feel rather guilty saying the day's walk was a bit dull, but in contrast the most days this trip it was. No sunshine, rolling rather the dramatic hillside, grey sea, nothing much to break the pattern. I have clearly been spoilt by many days of incredible scenery! The sun was promised on the forecast but did not put in an appearance all day.

We arrived at Helmsdale at 4.30, and went to our different hotels. Mine was rather run down - though very nice host and (it turner out next day) very good breakfast. No working wifi (thus the late Blog) - but the electrics were amazing. There was a sign saying to not switch on the heater between 6.00 and 8.00 when the kitchen was in action, because it would cause a power surge and trip the fuses. When I did put the heater on, it meant the socket next to it stopped working - it was not possible to run the heater and a phone charger at the same time. I stayed well away from the kettle!

Simon and I ate in the Bannockburn Inn - very good meal. An interesting reflection is that nearly all the landlords and landladies up here are English -I wonder why that is?

Stats: today 17.88 miles, this trip 183.5, since Land's End 1165.19.

Just realised to my delight that I can do the other (today's)blog in the morning as we have agreed a late start (short day). It is only 9.00 now but I am so ready to sleep!!