Hullo. How are you? I hope you are having a good day. I’m Mark and I’m walking from Land’s End to John O’Groats…
After a very good nights sleep at The Sutherland hotel and an ample breakfast served by their friendly team, I walked the short distance through the village to the golf course and onto the dunes.
Dropping down onto the beach, it was nice to walk alongside the sea in the morning mist.
With the tide slowly going out, I was able to walk along the beach for several miles. Approaching Lothbeg, I rejoined the path through fields to where the path crosses Loth Burn, which was knee deep and an easy wade across.
The trail then passed through a caravan and camping park before arriving at Scotland’s only official naturist beach, which was unsurprisingly empty.
I walked along the beach again for a while, which gave some great views of the terns nesting and enjoying the sun, which was now breaking through the mist.
Walking along the grass path again, I was soon approaching the rail crossing, where the trail leaves the coast for the final three miles of the walk to Helmsdale.
As I ascended the hills, the beating sun was now rapidly increasing the temperature and the rest of the walk felt like a midsummer trek.
Descending the other side of the hills, Helmsdale comes into view and its harbour sends a very clear signal about its important fishing history – the village once had one of the largest herring fleets in Europe.
As I entered the village, I took some time to visit the statue standing movingly on a hill as a reminder of Helmsdale’s past, when the village, like much of Highland underwent an exodus of people seeking prosperity elsewhere.
I then crossed the road bridge into the village, which gives a good view of the older, Thomas Telford bridge across the river Helmsdale.
At the end of another gloriously sunny and warm day, I arrived at my hotel and immediately headed to the bar for something cold.
The Day 65 Vlog
Fundraising for MacMillan Cancer Support
As I walk from Land’s End to John O’Groats, I am hoping to raise £10,000 for MacMillan Cancer Support, who do such a wonderful job of supporting families through the most difficult times. If you are able to spare any amount and would like to donate to MacMillan, please do so through my Just Giving Page.
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