Stats: Distance - 47.2 miles Ascent - 1840 ft Average Speed - 11.7 mph Moving Time - 4 hr
After a delicious breakfast in Pentland Lodge Hotel, Kim, Carol and I met up with Gwen in the persistent, unrelenting rain. Murray, Neil, Linda and Jillian had gone ahead as usual. Murray and Neil onto Wick to find B and B, Linda/Jillian stopping at John O'Groats then cycling back to meet us. The plan was to make a detour of 10 miles to Dunnet Head, the most northerly point of mainland Britain, a bleak, barren, isolated peninsula. We loved the route and clicked away in front of the lighthouse. On this journey we can't stop for very long as although dressed for the elements we chill down very quickly. Back on the main road we met up with Linda and Jillian who suggested an unplanned stop at the Castle of Mey, the Queen Mother's home, we were sorry we couldn't linger for a proper look round. Beautifully kept grounds and visitors buildings, the workmanship of a privately funded enterprise was obvious. An 'A frame' welcoming you into the Tearoom proudly proclaimed 'Isle of Arran Dairies Ice Cream Sold Here '. Alistair Dobson gets everywhere ! Indeed we had noticed Arran products on sale in many places that we past through. Onwards to John O'Groats with the rain easing a little, which was fortunate for the compulsory photoshoot in front of the famous sign. I suddenly realised I was wearing the same rain jacket that I had on 7 years ago for my LEJOG photo. Well done 'Gore', still keeping me dry if a bit faded. I chatted to two male cyclists who like us were doing the NC500 and also heading for Wick, They said LEJOG was easy compared to this. they maybe have a point !!! One other cyclist had just finished LEJOG, brilliant. JOG has vastly improved since I was last there, nice restaurant and hotel spruced up. Tom joined us for a lovely filling lunch - word came through from Murray that Wick was full up but he had managed to get a room for Tom/Carol and a family room again for Murray/Kim and I. The three of us are getting very friendly but it is just too miserable for Kim to camp. We have turned the North East corner of Scotland so southwards onto the A99. We made excellent time and although the traffic was now faster and a few lorries, it was not too busy. Arriving in Wick, Courier Murray was by the roadside and guided us to our hotel, rooms and campsite. Again the room is lovely but up 3 flights of stairs, feels like six, and with no lift !!!! After a hard days cycling I was swaying all over the place threatening to take out all those on the stairs behind me. Tonight we were dining in Linda/Jillian's camper van and what a feast they had prepared - chicken, pork pie, prawn, salami, caper berries, artichoke, various salads - absolutely delicious. My two meringues had miraculously survived been driven round the Scottish Coast, cream was quickly whisked, strawberries prepared and two pavlovas were devoured. Wine, beer, and prosecco were flowing. What a fabulous night, good fun, great company, Neil had us helpless with laughter as he recalled incidents of our trip. Although it has been gruelling we have giggled, sang and joked the whole way round. What a wonderful group, we have had such fun, unfortunately tomorrow is our second last day, it will all be coming to end soon. Good to go out on a high though when still having fun, fun, fun !!!
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| Dunnet Head Britains Most Northerly Mainland Poin |
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| Angel of the North !! |
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| Kim, Gwen and Neil stuffed !!! |
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| John O'Groats |
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| Linda/Jillian's Meal Meal- Absolutely Gorgeous |
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| Two Meringues Survived the Journey |
