Reaching John O'Groats 3rd August

After various trials, including a replacement bottom bracket, new wheel and U bolts to attach the front rack; not being able to get two bikes on any train or bus up to JOG this weekend; Liz having to work flat out to launch a website and get everything done; we decided to drive and we finally left Kendal at 5pm on saturday 2nd Aug!

We got as far as Pitlochry and then found somewhere to wild camp, we were tucked in by midnight, then back on the road about 8.30am. With empty roads and beautiful coastal scenery, we had a great drive up and we arrived in JOG around 4pm today. After seeing no-one for miles and miles, when you get here there are suddenly loads of people and it's a hive of activity. And the sun was shining too.

Our main concern was what to do with the car whilst cycling, but after some investigation we found a spot and someone to keep an eye on it for us. Not the norm so don't try this out as you might not be so lucky. But phew, thank goodness for nice people!

We saw 3 cyclists arriving from Land's End, looking very happy indeed. We also saw a couple getting ready to set off - all of these people seems to have tiny panniers and very little to carry - we've got 6 panniers bewteen us... hmmn. However, we are camping and are pretty self sufficient, so we have a fair amount of stuff.

So after a short ride to Duncansby Head and back, we got the tent up and cooked some dinner, then sat back and admired the view (whilst dodging dive-bombing midges!).

Duncansby Head, John O' Groats, Scotland.

Looking forward to some kip and then a good day tomorrow. We are heading towards Thurso and then on to Bettyhill along the very top of Scotland, should be very pretty and hopefully not too hilly.