Weather today:
Daily Miles Covered:
Total Miles Covered:
Things of Interest:
Personal Comments: Many congratulations, Frank on a brilliant achievement! As most people know, I had to "pull out" in Peebles after 51 days of walking (having covered 718.6 miles), due to contracting a severe infection which settled on my hips and put me in hospital for 19 days. (I was discharged 2 days ago on 25th June)
I would like all the blog readers to know that whilst I was obviously disappointed when I dropped out, I realised whilst in hospital, that recovery, and good health were more important to me than seeing John O'Groats.
Hopefully, I am now on the road to a full recovery and am extremely happy for Frank.
Tomorrow is another day as they say, and as such I might well rise from the ashes (so to speak) in the future and 'march north' from Peebles!
Final comment - "Alls well that ends well" (In every respect)
Phil Chip
We are two adventurous guys from deepest Lancashire,England who will be walking from Lands End to John O'Groats ( starting off on April 1st 2008). We are trying to avoid roads where possible by linking together recognised long distance paths and thus following the most scenic routes from start to finish. Total distance approx. 1,350 miles. You can return to our main website by clicking on this link 'http://www.landsendtojohnogroats.com'
Friday, June 27, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Wick to John o' Groats (Duncansby Head)
Weather today: Sunny cool breezy
Daily Miles Covered: 19.2
Total Miles Covered: 1071.7
Things of Interest: John O' Groats
Personal Comments: Well I made it. I knew I could do it, because I wanted do do it. I've waited 40 years for this opportunity, and I wasn't going to let it pass me by. I had a good back up team, thank you to all of them, Andrew, Ross, and Harry, bad luck to Phil, his turn will come again. There was no pipe band at the end, but I never thought there would be. I completed it in 87 days (71 walking days, 16 rest days) I walked 1071 miles, maybe more because GPS doesn't work in deep woods, certainly no less. It's a record set by me, never to be beaten by me! I've enjoyed it all, some days were tough, some were easy.
Finally, I'd like to thank all of those generous people of the UK. who gave us free accomodation, who gave us free meals and beer,all in the good name of Macmillan.
For all the people who have pledged money now is the time. It's not to late to donate money online via the website. the site will stay open until October. If you have cash Sue Johnson C/O The Peel Park Hotel, Turkey St., Accrington will put it into the fund. Whatever you do, don't forget about Macmillan Cancer Support, they will always be there for you.
Good luck, Frank Whittaker (and Philip Chippendale)
Thank you for reading
Daily Miles Covered: 19.2
Total Miles Covered: 1071.7
Things of Interest: John O' Groats
Personal Comments: Well I made it. I knew I could do it, because I wanted do do it. I've waited 40 years for this opportunity, and I wasn't going to let it pass me by. I had a good back up team, thank you to all of them, Andrew, Ross, and Harry, bad luck to Phil, his turn will come again. There was no pipe band at the end, but I never thought there would be. I completed it in 87 days (71 walking days, 16 rest days) I walked 1071 miles, maybe more because GPS doesn't work in deep woods, certainly no less. It's a record set by me, never to be beaten by me! I've enjoyed it all, some days were tough, some were easy.
Finally, I'd like to thank all of those generous people of the UK. who gave us free accomodation, who gave us free meals and beer,all in the good name of Macmillan.
For all the people who have pledged money now is the time. It's not to late to donate money online via the website. the site will stay open until October. If you have cash Sue Johnson C/O The Peel Park Hotel, Turkey St., Accrington will put it into the fund. Whatever you do, don't forget about Macmillan Cancer Support, they will always be there for you.
Good luck, Frank Whittaker (and Philip Chippendale)
Thank you for reading
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Latheron to Wick
Weather today: Gale force winds, rain
Daily Miles Covered: 19
Total Miles Covered: 1052.5
Things of Interest: People phoning me, en route.
Personal Comments: Caithness is low lying, with moors and peat bogs that stretch to the sea, and consequently when the wind blows there isn't a lot to stop it, today was no exception, where are the pine trees when you need them. The wind was a howling gale, shoving me all the time into the road, so I had to walk leaning to my right for most of the way, again concentrating fully. Lisa, my daughter phoned me up asked of my welfare, then a friend Dave called asked me when I was starting this trek! I think he knew really. All the way on the A99 the weather for June was atrocious, the rain didn't relent all day. Small villages came and went, but there never seemed to be anyone around. There were lots of abandoned cottages and farmsteads that could easily be rectified, because when the sun shines the views all around would be tremendous.
I entered Wick with the rain still lashing down, and found Harry on a Somerfield car park, I got out of my wet gear, had a brew, and knew that tomorrow would be the last day, it's a strange feeling I'll tell you.
Daily Miles Covered: 19
Total Miles Covered: 1052.5
Things of Interest: People phoning me, en route.
Personal Comments: Caithness is low lying, with moors and peat bogs that stretch to the sea, and consequently when the wind blows there isn't a lot to stop it, today was no exception, where are the pine trees when you need them. The wind was a howling gale, shoving me all the time into the road, so I had to walk leaning to my right for most of the way, again concentrating fully. Lisa, my daughter phoned me up asked of my welfare, then a friend Dave called asked me when I was starting this trek! I think he knew really. All the way on the A99 the weather for June was atrocious, the rain didn't relent all day. Small villages came and went, but there never seemed to be anyone around. There were lots of abandoned cottages and farmsteads that could easily be rectified, because when the sun shines the views all around would be tremendous.
I entered Wick with the rain still lashing down, and found Harry on a Somerfield car park, I got out of my wet gear, had a brew, and knew that tomorrow would be the last day, it's a strange feeling I'll tell you.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Helmsdale to Latheron (Caithness)
Weather today: Sunny all day
Daily Miles Covered: 20.2
Total Miles Covered: 1033.5
Things of Interest: Badbea clearance village
Personal Comments: First of all we would like to thank Les and Greta of La Mirage restaurant Helmsdale for their generosity in providing us with a free supper last night. Ross organised it, he is still looking after us in another country. Usual early start up the A9 to where they were building a new section of road. I was told by an official looking chap with a hard hat on, not to proceed up the new part as it wasn't allowed. Ok I said until I saw that it went parallel with the old road and there wasn't a vehicle in sight. He wasn't walking to John O' Groats I was, you can guess the rest! 6 miles further I came to Badbea an ancient village which became a place where people took refuge, when they had been forced to leave their homes by the Lairds. The Lairds decided they could make more money dealing in sheep, than collecting rent from the tenant farmers. It became known as The Highland Clearances, mans inhumanity to man!. What I would like to know is why they built the village next to the A9!.
Further along at Ramscraig I met Eve and Ann who live at The Schoolhouse, they kindly gave me £20 for Macmillan, well done both of you. The day was really warm so I took lunch behind a wall next to the road. Soon I came into Latheron where Harry was parked. A welcome brew went down well, rested for a short while, then I looked at the map for tomorrow, I'll make Wick, then just one day left
Daily Miles Covered: 20.2
Total Miles Covered: 1033.5
Things of Interest: Badbea clearance village
Personal Comments: First of all we would like to thank Les and Greta of La Mirage restaurant Helmsdale for their generosity in providing us with a free supper last night. Ross organised it, he is still looking after us in another country. Usual early start up the A9 to where they were building a new section of road. I was told by an official looking chap with a hard hat on, not to proceed up the new part as it wasn't allowed. Ok I said until I saw that it went parallel with the old road and there wasn't a vehicle in sight. He wasn't walking to John O' Groats I was, you can guess the rest! 6 miles further I came to Badbea an ancient village which became a place where people took refuge, when they had been forced to leave their homes by the Lairds. The Lairds decided they could make more money dealing in sheep, than collecting rent from the tenant farmers. It became known as The Highland Clearances, mans inhumanity to man!. What I would like to know is why they built the village next to the A9!.
Further along at Ramscraig I met Eve and Ann who live at The Schoolhouse, they kindly gave me £20 for Macmillan, well done both of you. The day was really warm so I took lunch behind a wall next to the road. Soon I came into Latheron where Harry was parked. A welcome brew went down well, rested for a short while, then I looked at the map for tomorrow, I'll make Wick, then just one day left
Monday, June 23, 2008
Brora to Helmsdale
Weather today: Sunny, showers
Daily Miles Covered: 13.2
Total Miles Covered: 1013.3
Things of Interest: Arctic terns
Personal Comments: What a difference a day makes, today I awoke a little later due to an easier day, and clear blue sky, a little on the cool side, but what the heck. Today, again would be a trip up the A9, and being a member of the self preservation society, I intend to keep well to the right!. I tried to walk up the beach again, but because of the river flowing through Brora, I had to cross it in the town, so I gave up and went A9. There was a pavement to take me out of town, once that had gone the lunacy returned. This is one part of the walk I wont miss.
The views to the north were good, and likewise looking back to Brora. I kept my concentration going watching for motorist who don't know the width of their cars it seems.
Approaching Helmsdale I came across a colony of Arctic Terns, it seems they take great exception to anyone being in the same county as them, they were dive bombing me for a couple of minutes until I was out of their territory. Quite a graceful bird undulating flight pattern, with a screech to wake the dead. Helmsdale has a delightful harbour area, and when the sun shines it is a nice place to have lunch, so I did. Tomorrow will be 20 or so up the A9, yes I know!
Daily Miles Covered: 13.2
Total Miles Covered: 1013.3
Things of Interest: Arctic terns
Personal Comments: What a difference a day makes, today I awoke a little later due to an easier day, and clear blue sky, a little on the cool side, but what the heck. Today, again would be a trip up the A9, and being a member of the self preservation society, I intend to keep well to the right!. I tried to walk up the beach again, but because of the river flowing through Brora, I had to cross it in the town, so I gave up and went A9. There was a pavement to take me out of town, once that had gone the lunacy returned. This is one part of the walk I wont miss.
The views to the north were good, and likewise looking back to Brora. I kept my concentration going watching for motorist who don't know the width of their cars it seems.
Approaching Helmsdale I came across a colony of Arctic Terns, it seems they take great exception to anyone being in the same county as them, they were dive bombing me for a couple of minutes until I was out of their territory. Quite a graceful bird undulating flight pattern, with a screech to wake the dead. Helmsdale has a delightful harbour area, and when the sun shines it is a nice place to have lunch, so I did. Tomorrow will be 20 or so up the A9, yes I know!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Tain to Brora (Sutherland (no more!))
Weather today: Rain, 70mph winds
Daily Miles Covered: 23
Total Miles Covered: 1000.1
Things of Interest: Nothing
Personal Comments: If anybody asks me which day did you like best I was going to say all of them, now, today I can't. Today was horrendous, incessant rain all day, but worst of all was the wind. Before I set off I knew it would be bad, but nothing could have prepared me for crossing The Dornoch Firth. Leaving Tain by the A9, I was buffeted by high winds trying to send me across the carriageway into the traffic. I walked as far to the right as I could, but it was hard keeping a straight line. 2 miles down the road it became more exposed, and the wind increased in force. As I started to cross the firth the wind became almost double the strength it was before.
On the bridge the mesh which provided protection to stop people dropping into the sea below, was causing the wind to howl and scream like a banshee, I had to hold on to my hat with one hand, with the other I held on to the rail. At one point it was difficult to breathe, the wind was so strong in my face. Half way across I met a young girl who was carrying her bicycle, it was impossible to ride, I think she was carrying it for ballast. We had an animated conversation for a minute I wished her well. Once across, the wind died down to gale force proportions, and I carried on up the A9. I had lunch at Golspie, where everybody was indoors for obvious reasons.
2 miles beyond Golspie I found a path leading to a beach, and luckily it took me to Brora and to complete the day I had just covered my 1000th mile, yippee.
Daily Miles Covered: 23
Total Miles Covered: 1000.1
Things of Interest: Nothing
Personal Comments: If anybody asks me which day did you like best I was going to say all of them, now, today I can't. Today was horrendous, incessant rain all day, but worst of all was the wind. Before I set off I knew it would be bad, but nothing could have prepared me for crossing The Dornoch Firth. Leaving Tain by the A9, I was buffeted by high winds trying to send me across the carriageway into the traffic. I walked as far to the right as I could, but it was hard keeping a straight line. 2 miles down the road it became more exposed, and the wind increased in force. As I started to cross the firth the wind became almost double the strength it was before.
On the bridge the mesh which provided protection to stop people dropping into the sea below, was causing the wind to howl and scream like a banshee, I had to hold on to my hat with one hand, with the other I held on to the rail. At one point it was difficult to breathe, the wind was so strong in my face. Half way across I met a young girl who was carrying her bicycle, it was impossible to ride, I think she was carrying it for ballast. We had an animated conversation for a minute I wished her well. Once across, the wind died down to gale force proportions, and I carried on up the A9. I had lunch at Golspie, where everybody was indoors for obvious reasons.
2 miles beyond Golspie I found a path leading to a beach, and luckily it took me to Brora and to complete the day I had just covered my 1000th mile, yippee.
Dingwall to Tain
Weather today: Sunny, warm
Daily Miles Covered: 26.1
Total Miles Covered: 977.1
Things of Interest: Cromarty firth
Personal Comments: A full days road walking today was the order, but there was no alternative. Leaving Dingwall a found a minor road which was slightly longer than the main road, but it would be better. Going parallel with The Cromarty Firth, it gave good views to the sea and all around. I passed through small villages en route, until I came to Alness which was a lovely market town. The sun was shining, people were doing their shopping, and going about their business in general. Today I thought I hadn't brought enough food, so I bought 3 pies to keep me going. After Alness there is little to report, a country lane that took me all the way to Tain through pleasant countryside. Once in Tain, a short walk down the A9, I found Harry parked in a lay-bye. After 26 miles, I thought a drink would go down well, so we called for one in The St. Duthus hotel, and did it taste good. More of the same on Sunday I'm afraid but that's the way it is now
Daily Miles Covered: 26.1
Total Miles Covered: 977.1
Things of Interest: Cromarty firth
Personal Comments: A full days road walking today was the order, but there was no alternative. Leaving Dingwall a found a minor road which was slightly longer than the main road, but it would be better. Going parallel with The Cromarty Firth, it gave good views to the sea and all around. I passed through small villages en route, until I came to Alness which was a lovely market town. The sun was shining, people were doing their shopping, and going about their business in general. Today I thought I hadn't brought enough food, so I bought 3 pies to keep me going. After Alness there is little to report, a country lane that took me all the way to Tain through pleasant countryside. Once in Tain, a short walk down the A9, I found Harry parked in a lay-bye. After 26 miles, I thought a drink would go down well, so we called for one in The St. Duthus hotel, and did it taste good. More of the same on Sunday I'm afraid but that's the way it is now