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…
It was a grey, wet, misty start to the final day of my little adventure, but my spirits were high as I set off on the last 13 miles of the walk.
I walked down the hill from the B&B to meet the coastline again and started along the cliff top path, with nobody in sight except for a lone fishing boat making its way through the mist.
It wasn’t long until the mist started to clear and the cliffs revealed themselves and the clear seas beneath.
From then on it was dramatic view after dramatic view, with geos, stacks, caves and blowholes all along the walk and the path often clinging to the very edge of the cliffs, giving an added sense of adventure – on a couple of occasions, the path was simply gone; fallen into the sea. So, I pressed my feet against the cliff and grabbed the barbed wire fence to pull myself along. It was great fun.
I was soon approaching the remains of Bucholly Castle, which sits precariously on a high cliff. I clambered over to for a quick explore before setting off again.
From the castle, I followed the cliffs to Freswick Bay, dropping down onto the beach and fording the river that flows into the bay.
The trail then leaves the coast for a little while, following a track and then a village lane through Skirza before returning to the cliffs once more.
I was not heading directly to John O’Groats, but instead following the coast to Duncansby Head, which is the most northeasterly point in mainland Britain (a lot of people assume John O’Groats is, but not so and I wanted to ensure I ticked the box).
The final stretch of cliff walking is perhaps the most impressive with the Stacks of Duncansby being particularly mighty.
The walk then joins a well work track to the lighthouse at Duncansby Head, which thronged with tourists who did not stray far from their cars.
And that was it. I had arrived.
But now to complete the journey, I headed southwest towards John O’Groats, which is a lovely walk from Duncansby Head along two fine bays on easy paths.
And before I knew it, I had reached the signpost at John O’Groats. I have walked approximately 1360 miles (of which 1010 miles is my plotted route, which you can download on this website and a further 350 miles from my little detours and exploring in the evenings), and have climbed the equivalent of Mount Everest more than three times over, which feels like an accomplishment.
I was both delighted and saddened to reach the end. Delighted and super excited to be going home, yet sad the adventure had come to an end.
As I completed the walk, I posted a photograph on social media and my phone immediately went wild with texts and phone calls from family and friends. That was a very heartwarming experience.
I’m hugely grateful I have had the opportunity to walk from Land’s End to John O’Groats and glad I have been able to make those memories, which will stay with me for life.
But, for now, the walk is over.
The Day 70 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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