I'm so excited

After the poor start yesterday the day improved, weather got better and I found somewhere for breakfast. Its amazing what a bacon roll and a cup of tea can do for your outlook on life.
I was soon in Drymen ( if you call 8.5 hours soon), arriving too early to check in I bought supplies for the next day and settled down in a corner of the bar in the Clachan Inn. Houstons Peters Well was a good choice.
Russell Whitmore, a LEJOG end to ender from Redditch called in and we shared tales of the road for an hour before agreeing to meet back there later for a meal.
Russell brought further news of Sam, who he had met further down the country but still soldiering on.
We wished each other well and agreed to meet up after I get home.
Today I am only going 13 miles to Milngavie - I can't believe I am using the word only with 13 miles but that's how its starting to feel.
Its exciting to know that David will be meeting me, the first family and friend in 3 weeks. I will have completed my first stage.
I leave you to decide which of these is Russell.
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Yesterday

What great day it was, beautiful weather and a lovely place to stay.
When you book a bunkhouse you don't expect a lot but at Inversnaid Bunkhouse you get to stay in a lovingly restored old church, with a top notch licensed bistro thrown in. They've even retained the stained glass windows.
I had the pan fried beef in chocolate and cayenne pepper, with whisky jus. Washed down with two bottles of Marstons Oyster Stout.
If you're hostelling round here this is a must
Only shame was that I couldn't stay for breakfast.
Out at 6.30 today in the mist and rain, then took a wrong turn which hhas added 30 mins to my 22 miles for the day.
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Walking on sunshine

Just sitting on Crianlarich station platform awaiting the 9.36 to take me to my start for the day. Its a lovely sunny morning and the knees may get an airing this morning.
There's lots of people walking WHW and this place is end of day 3 for most of them. Listening to the stories of blisters and aches and pains, seeing people gingerly hobbling around reminds me of myself only a week ago. They say time is a great healer.
Jim and his group of 6 Glaswegians shared my room last night, two could barely walk and one had already missed a 15 mile stage. Still they managed 3 hours in the Rod and Reel. I also met Scott from Warrington who had to miss a day because of blisters. Hope they are all back on track today.
Some pics on Loch Lomond taken yesterday.
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I'm just a boy who can't say no

David, you're on for camping. I must be mad.
Bev, what a surprise. If you've got my email address get in touch.
Only place in the village for an orange signal is here on the station platform.
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Trains and boats and planes

I've done them all now. Today is a day off but, like all council people I've gone to work.
I get really bored on my rest days and as I was feeling so good this morning I jumped the train to Ardlui on the west side of Loch Lomond and got the ferry over to the east to pick up the WHW path back to Crianlarich. Tomorrow I will do the same train and ferry then head south. Hopefully it will make the next two days easier.
For the last 10 days or so e very time I've been near woods I've heard a Cuckoo calling. After a while it seems as though its shouting You Fool, You Fool. yesterday I started calling back to see if I could quieten it, was I embarrassed when I turned the corner and walked into a large group of walkers.
Country is good for mountain goats as I hope the pic shows
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Mad dogs and Englishmen

Have now arrived at Tyndrum, halfway stage of day 14. Two pretty good days for weather and walking. Highlight of yesterday was meeting David and Mack in the bar of the Inveroran Hotel. They were Dundee supporters who had come out to the wilderness to escape the SFA cup final.
We had a good chat about football and they donated 5 quid to the cause. Fair play lads, there's always next sreason.
Also met an 87 year old walking from LE to JOG, amazing.
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Why oh why would I want to be anywhere else

Just woken up after a good sleep, watched Ashes to Ashes before bed. Its pouring down and I've got a 7k uphill stretch to start before I get to the Devils Staircase.
Fire up the quattro.
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Hit the road Jack

I suppose that I should start by saying that my stop at Fort William Backpackers was not nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be and here's a pic to prove it. My room did have 7 blokes each night but I was lucky in not having anyone in the bunk above me.
Last night I ended having a most interesting conversation with Robert, a Pole, and Yudi, an Indonesian. Does life get more surreal than that?
On my walk today I was obviously going the wrong way as I counted more than 60 going to FW.
I stopped and chatted to quite a few and two lovely young ladies - they told me to put that in - gave me 10 quid from their drinks kitty.
When I got to Kinlochleven I asked directions to the pub from the school crossing lady. She hailed from Wavertree so we had a conversation about the Picton Clock.
At the MacDonald Hotel I had a pint of Atlas brewery 3 sisters ale, brewed in the village and very nice it was too.
While there I overheard the three Belgians at the next table ringing someone about a Lost Property note they had discovered on the trail. They obviously had the item of lost clothing
At the same time a phone rang at the other end of the bar and, you've guessed it, it was the owner of the lost trousers.
Todays pics are some views from the walk today, finishing with a view over Kinlochleven.


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Always look on the bright side of life

Since my rather downbeat last post things have improved a bit. I've worked out that I'm now 20 percent through and have covered 188 miles, I will break the 200 barrier tomorrow. The house went quiet enough for me to have a good long shower and I phoned Reg to wish him happy 86th birthday. Not at the same time I hasten to add.
Had a couple of pints in the Grog and Gruel, Cairngorm White Lady and Ullapool Kildonan. No more today, honest Maggie.
On top of all that I've found my key so I'm ten quid richer.
Mark, our family fireman, builder and handyman damaged his knee playing football at Goodison the other day. Get well soon Mark, serves you right for stopping Billy becoming a Blue.
View from my window today.
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How long

Sitting in my hostel staring at grey overcast skies and wondering how long before I admit to the head jailer that I've lost my room key and therefore my 10 pound deposit.
I am definitely not in the lap of luxury here, there are 8 beds I'm my room and last night 7 were taken. The floor is covered by backpacks, mine being tiny in comparison to the others.
Each room has a theme and each bed a name commensurate with the theme. My room is famous scottish battles and my bed is called the battle of the shirts. Its just a mispelling I reckon.
I've opted not to take up the offer of the 2 pound a head breakfast, one look at the teatowels was enough. Anyway Morrisons is only 5 mins away and their full scottish breakfast is only twice the price.
I can't wait to get out of here but I foolishly used the laundry service and I would be seriously short of undies if I left now.
Only another 20 hours here, reckon its time for the Grog and Gruel.
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Oh Alison

Don't actually know if that's a song title but it should be.
I totally agree with your comment, I also owe Cliff 1.20 for his package of directions. Looks like I'll be topping up the charity again.
Incidentally, I collected 18 pounds while I walked through town today.
How do you sign up for selling the big issue?
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Roll out the barrell

Just arrived at my backpackers hostel at 3.45 to find I can't check in until 5. So posting this to stop the boredom.
Its taken 8.5 hours today, many of them suffering quite a lot of pain in both thighs, I followed the advice about stretching and I'm sure it helped. I think the problem is that some muscles have awoken from a 30 year coma. I'm sure a day off will help.
Most of the day, which has been gloriously sunny, I was staring at Ben Nevis.
I hear that there has been some discussion about my frequent mention of my drinking habits so, for Maggie's benefit I want to say that I didn't have a drink yestertday. It didn't stop me remembering the Cairngorm Black Gold I had in the Fiddlets in Drumnnadrochit (the beer pump was hidden behind all the whisky bottles) or the Cill Chuilmein Best Bitter at the Lock Inn in Fort Augustus.
A couple of views of Ben Nevis for you
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You gotta have friends

Its the first time that I've hd access to a proper computer today so I get to look at the blog in all its glory.
Stuart has done agreat job in setting it up.
I am really impressed with the number of official followers, not just close family and friends but more distant acquaintances such as Darren - hope we can both meet up for a beer with Jennifer and Tony when I get back (not forgetting the lovely Helen of course). Also Len Davies who has been losing golf balls in Portugal while I'm soldiering on.
There's young Sam although I wouldn't have recognised her photo, and Angie and Louise from SDC.
Chrisnsandy from NZ were early devotees and I hear that Bob and Enid are also regular readers.
David Hughes not only follows this, he is a source of advice, will be putting me up in a weeks time and will also be walking with me.
Thank you all for being part of my journey so far, you have given me the impetus to carry on.
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These boots were made for walking

But I,m not sure about the legs they are attached to. After about 2 hours today both thighs started to complain, still it makes a change from my feet.
Really good nights sleep in 3 Bridges Guest House, Fort Augustus. I recommend it.
The rout today was pretty flat, along Caledonian Canal and the banks of Loch Oich.
I'm in my hostel now, only 4 bunks in the room but there is nowhere to go for food so I'll be burning my own tonight.
Some views from todays walk.
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Oh what a night

Or anything by the 4 seasons as that's what I've had today. Bright sunshine, snow, hail and wind. To top it all I've tweaked a thigh muscle, I know most of you will be astounded that I have any muscles but I almost feel like a sportsman now.
My roommate last night turned out to be an international class snorer, even better than Griggsy.
Now at Fort Augustus, so Loch Ness is behind me. 150 miles completed. These are various Nessy views and one of the start of the Caledonian canal just for Struan.
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I'm a lumberjack and I'm OK

What a tough one that was. I had it down as 14 miles but hadn't counted either the terrain or the extra distance of the Great Glen Way.
I'm not good with conversion of miles to kilomeerts but I went past a marker which said I'd done 18k and had 10.8 to do, that has to be more than 14 miles.
Met up with Gareth from Burnley who was out for a Sunday stroll and he walked the whole way with me. The conversation kept me going and we completed in 6 hours.
That apart, the walk along and across the river Ness was beautiful and the first sight of Loch Ness stunning.
Good beer to finish, Isle of Skye Black Cuillin.
In case your wondering, there was an info. Board on the way which said that 2000 Canadian lumberjacks had been shipped in during the last war to help provide timber for the war effort.
Pics show a view back to Inverness after 90 mins and my first view of Ness
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Lazin on a sunny afternoon

Its a beautiful day in Inverness and I'm having a lazy relaxed day off. A morning shopping and spotting places for my evening meal, followed by sitting in the sun over a pint or two of cider watching the football scores. Well done to Leeds and Tranmere, I know that Blackers will be buzzing tomorrow at golf and that Reg and Mark will be happy too.
All set now for a good walk along Loch Ness tomorrow.
Todays pic is the River Ness with snow covered mountains in the background.
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Good day sunshine

You know what its like, you wake up in the morning not looking forward to the day, it starts badly but turns out really well.
Last night my feet and legs were hurting, not drastically but enough to make me worried about today. When I awoke it was pouring down and looked like it was in to stay. On top of that I was about to do my first ever 4th consecutive day an it was also longer than the 3 previous days.
I hung on over breakfast as long as I could but to be honest even I can't eat a 10th slice of toast, eventually I had to leave.
As I went through the door it stopped raining and after 2 hours the sun came out, there's hardly a cloud in the sky now.
After yesterdays country route I had to return to the A9 today, although I got off it as often as pos.
The road took me over the two major bridges - Cromarty and Moray Firths. Both took about 25 mins and I was glad to get off them.
Anyway, here I am in Inverness lower bunk in a room for 6 people.
Todays pics are a nesting swan right next to the Cromarty bridge, Cromarty Firth and bridge and Moray Firth from the bridge.

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Country roads

At last, a day away from the A9. Very enjoyable through the forests and valleys. Even made up for the rain o ver the first 2 hours.
Made good time and was in my digs just after 2.00.
Now broken the 100 mile barrier and looking forward to my day off after tomorrows walk to Inverness.
To all my friends at both Stratford and Redditch councils I hope that election day has not been too bad for you, I've found a way to get out of it but it's pretty drastic.
I don't know how to respond to all the comments - so don't worry Viv about lack of technical knowhow - but I do appreciate all the input, just keep it coming.
So far in my first week the best stay I've had was at Blahmor B+B in Golspie, really comfortable, very attentive with great food. The Stornoway black pudding was the best I've ever tasted. At 30 pounds it was by far best value.
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Happy birthday to you

I understand that I've now got 15 followers.
So happy birthday to Kim, one of my earliest followers.
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Walk on by

You'll see why the title when you see the last pic.
Many thanks for the very positive comments to my Victor Meldrew post yesterday, I found Pete's "stop moaning" helpful and envigorating. It really geed me up for today.
I hope the pics in the next post showed that my temperament was much improved. One of them was Dunrobin Castle. Not realy sure why I included one of Struan masquerading as Zack.
Anyway, on to today - 17 more miles completed and I've been past my 3rd roundabout. The whole journey has been acccomplished with 1 left turn and the rounndabouts. I think tomorrow I get to go right somewhere.
A car pulled up and asked if I was walking for charity, then the driver gave me a tenner. May consider carrying a backpack with " Lands End or bust" on more often.
I'm now in my room at 'Golf View' and will be going to the local curry house tonight.
Get our house on the market Helen, this is my idea of heaven.
Todays pics are a view back to Golspie after 2 hours walking, view of Dornoch Firth and thhe reason for todays title.
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I can't stand the rain

Its still raining but I'm dry and warm now.
Wasn't all bad today. Check these picks out
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Love is all around

Well anything by Wet Wet Wet would do.
Its not been a good day so far. Firstly the hostel was busy last night and I was woken at 3.00 to the sound of synchronised snoring and the smell of partly digested guinness and gamon steak.
Have to admit that I may have been partly to blame.
Couldn't get back to sleep so breakfast at 5.30 and settle down to listen to my ipod.
On the road just after 7 and its not stopped raining since.
I don't know what is about drivers but while the weather has been good they have been very courteous, giving me plenty of room and normally a wave and a smile.
Now one thing that drivers who have never done any road walking - and until recently I was happy to belong to that group - don't realise is that the side of the road where walkers are is the very part that gathers the run off from the road surface. On a wet day we are often walking in a running stream of water without having to jump out of the way while you eat your breakfast or scold the kids, not to mention the spray that soaks us you go by.
To top it all I'm writing this in a cafe and the bloody sun has just come out.
Really must stop listening to Jack Dee
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I'm still standing

It's my day off today so got bus to Golspie, which is where I'm walking to tomorrow. Hope I don't meet this driver on the road tomorrow, he's a maniac.
We passed Sam gallantly plodding onwards.
The road looks a lot easier than yesterdays steep gradients.
In and out of Berriedale Brae was a killer.
Couple of pics which I meant to post yesterday. One is the cloud I negotiated down into Berriedale (considered a title of I've looked at clouds from both sides now)
The other is a view of Helmsdale.
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Telegram Sam

At the start of my third day walking I passed Sam, a young chap who was end to ending in 30 days. Respect.
I've had no signal for two days but I've found that by standing under the bridge by the harbour orange works intermittently.
I'm now In Helmsdale, a pretty little harbour village with 3 pubs and a chippy. Who could ask for anything more.
My feet are OK despite yesterdays blister but one toe is really sore, probably going to lose the nauil before long.
I am the only one in the YH which sleeps 24.
Been through a hail storm and a fair bit of rain but undaunted.
Day off walking tomorrow, 51 miles done.
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Don't look back in anger

An hour on the road and in Thrumster. Just realised that I've left todays directions in the B+B.
Also learnt not to stand on the cats eyesm
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Is this the way to Latheronwheel

OK I'm struggling for titles.
Just thinking about getting up for breakfast, ordered the full works today - I was good yesterday and only had scrambled egg.
It's over17 miles today, all the way on A99 so I'm not looking forward to it.
Last night I avoided the rain while having a meal and a couple of pints of Elgoods Black Dog. If I get beer as good as that throughout the journey I'll be pretty happy.
I did cause a bit of a problem though - how was I to know that the local protocol is to wait in the queue not go straight to the bar?
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I hear you knocking

Arrived at my B+B to find nobody in. After knocking for a while I saw the note that Mrs Gunn was at the hairdressers.
Got to say that the views of the Orkneys as you approach JOG are stunning.
Wetherspoons tonight, think I'll wear my crocs.
Hard luck to the reds last night. Rafa must stay.
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The long and winding road

Spot the theme?
Probably need suggestions for more song titles.
I'm overwhelmed by the number of good wishes coming in and the way the donations are going. Every comment and every penny helps me to keep going.
Even at brerakfast today the family on the next table promised to follow the blog and donate.
It seems like only yesterday that I was in Tescos in Wick and here I am again having a well earned cuppa. Hang on, it was only yesterday.
So far it's all good news, nice weather if a little chilly and making good time on the road. The only slight down was when it struck me how far I was going. This road sign didn't help.
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It's only just begun

Sitting in the sun by the roadside. 10 miles under my belt
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On my way at last

Thought I'd post while waiting at Edinburgh for my flight to Wick in 2 hours.
Had a good curry last night as predicted, pic as evidence.
Tony tells me that his Mum has declared me "Molto stupido", I think she orinates from Wolverhampton.
I'm sitting near JD Wetherspoons and, even though it's only 9.10am I'm not sure I can resist temptation much longer.
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All my bags are packed

The dirty deed is done and I've crammed as much as I can into my miniscule backpack. I have then packed that into a large kit bag which I intend to send for recycling when I get to JOG, I reckon that it should protect the much more important inner bag on the two flights.  We wait and see. Probably will have to pay a little overweight though.
There doesnt seem to be any hold ups on the flight yet, so given fair wind I'll be at JOG this time tomorrow.
Yesterday I spoke with most of the family and then talked to Dave, Cliff and Clive - all of whom have been kind enough to offer me accommodation on route. Dave and Cliff are even walking some days with me. Respect guys.
Finished gardening this morning, cut the lawns to within an inch of their lives and then made a tearful trip to the tip, how I'll miss that place while I'm away.
Also we've brought forward our Thursday curry night to tonight, we'll probably end up in the Shahi Palace in Redditch, if you're ever in town I can recommend it - bring your own beer. Aaron and Katy called yesterday, they've just got back from JOG and stopped in Wick where I'll be on Friday night. They reported a good curry house there so maybe I'll give that a go.
the flight is at 7.15am so its an early start tomorrow, probably end up with lots of room around me on the plane after my meal tonight.

Last few days

I'm getting pretty nervous now, only 3 more nights at home and then I'm off. I'm trying to push the charity issues a bit harder and raised over £100 at the weekend at golf, but to be honest I havent yet raised anywhere near as much as I'd hoped. Theres still plenty of time.
Theres also been plenty of advice coming in about what to do in various circumstances. Particularly liked the advice to buy something from the bodyshop. Sorry Sandy, thats one of the shops that I cross the street to avoid, now if they started selling best bitter I might rethink my attitude.

Weekend just gone was filled with golf and gardening, I seem to play better when I dont play often - I should be great when I get back from the walk. When I got home from golf I discovered that Helen had attacked the garden with a frenzy, so I reluctantly had to get stuck in and help clear up. If I visit our local tip much more I reckon I'll be invited to their Christmas party. Still the garden does look a whole lot better for it. We then went to see a Heavy Horse show, didnt know these big animals could run and jump, but trust me they managed it. More to follow tomorrow

Isn't technology wonderful

Stu has just informed me that he's pimped my blog page. That's a first for me. Hope you like the new pimped version.
Here's another Malvern pic.
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Malvern Hills

This is my first go at posting while out on a walk.
My apologies for not posting for a while but I haven't done much.

Today though I am at the top of the Malvern Hillsm its only 425 feet but its the only chance I have of trying out the walking poles on steep terrain.

I reckon that I certainly don't come from a long line of mountaineers.

If people want to go this high they should use a plane.

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Days off

Since my walk from Brum Ive had two days off, I had planned for yesterday off and it was certainly needed as on Thursday night I couldnt quite make the 15 min walk to the pub. Fortunately Helen offered to be chauffeur. My blistered feet are still tender so I decided to have a second day off, but we've been for a stroll by the Avon at Evesham, finishing with a pint of Doom Bar in the Four Alls at Binton - then the news that Everton managed a win.
I will definitely kit up and go for a 4 or 5 miler tomorrow morning.
The last few days have shown me the wisdom of putting breaks in the itinerary and have also taught me that I can do this - whats a little pain if it helps people?

Have been working out how to post from the blackberry but it doesnt look easy so I might use Stu as editor in chief and simply email him the daily copy for him to post it.
Here I am ready for chasing Ian Botham, perhaps the spare tyre expalins why I couldnt catch him

Blisters galore!

Despite my reservations this morning I forced myself to go through with another walk home from Birmingham, this time making sure that I knew the way.
I started in the full knowledge that every step would be painful, and I wasn't disappointed. I ended up hobbling but triumphant and with blisters on blisters. Still it proved that determination can get you through. A pint of Hobsons Mild in the Coach and Horses did help.
Just have to be determined for 11 weeks.
Two things did amuse me, firstly that its now taking a good half hour to tape up my feet before I can start causing me to miss the train to Brum. It seems that as I get older it takes longer to do most things apart from comb my hair.
Secondly, I listened to Jack Dee's autobiography while walking, this one was in the right order and I laughed out loud at a few points, getting strange looks from people on passing canal boats.
Donations continue to come in to both charities, many from people who I dont recognise, so thanks to you all - its a great incentive to think that while I'm out walking people are being kind enough to donate.
In case you missed them these are the two just giving pages

http://www.justgiving.com/SteveHaresnape  Support our Soldiers
http://www.justgiving.com/Steve-Haresnape  Alzheimers Society

A note for Sandy, maybe I can get over to you one day and try some of the Lake Taupo walk with you.
  

After the sunshine

Well, I duly completed my walk to Stratford as promised, about 15 miles, not counting the wrong turns on the various footpaths that I vowed not to use. Most of it I was listening to Marcus Brigstock on my Ipod. Its not a good idea to download a book and in several chapters and then press shuffle. Mind you it was iunteresting trying to work out what had gone on before each out of order chapter.
Survived the walk, but sadly both heels are now sporting blisters.
Still, met Griggsy for a pint in Wetherspoons - it certainly seems that I left SDC not a moment too soon judging by what is going on there now.
I see the blisters as part of the trial, when I'm on the walk I will have to carry on regardless - Ooh Matron!
and if I can go out tomorrow for the Birmingham walk it will stand me in good stead for the future.

Snapperh goes international

I'm finding all this pretty weird, but also exciting. Not only are people donating money to good causes and I havent walked a step in earnest yet but Ive now got followers to the blog from the other side of the world. The wonders of technology.
Since my last post Ive had a weekend off, the nearest to a walk was a stroll by the Thames with a pint at the end. On Monday I had the privelage of walking 4 miles with the great Sir Ian Botham, well I walked about half a mile behind as i couldnt catch up with him, Check out the photo, it really is me talking to him - I bet he's so proud.
Today, Tuesday I walked the 18 miles into Worcester, half of it along the Worcester and Birmingham canal. Its my longest walk yet and a good taster of what is to come. I'm pretty much aching all over, feet and legs of course but also shoulders and neck. No blisters!  I just hope that I'm OK in the morning as I hope to walk into Stratford Upon Avon to see some of my old workmates.

Work in Progress

Started the day with a slight headache - could it have been the last pint?
Got in from the pub last night, turned on the Masters Golf and promptly fell asleep, must do better tonight.
No idea how to set up my new Blackberry, so its off to see Stu - the fount of all techno knowledge in our family.
Walked from Birmingham to home today, about 15.5 miles after getting lost, will be doing it again next Thursday, so hope my direction senses are better then.
Got home to find I'd gad teh first official donation - Thanks our Pete, come on you Toffees.
Mostly followed the Birm/Worcs canal and saw parts of the city that Ive never seen before.
having the weekend off before I join Beefy Botham on one of his charity fundraising walks.

Progress at last

Things are now coming together on the charity front, and Ive got two JustGiving pages set up. I have to be fair to the guys at both Support Our Soldiers and Alzheimers Society, I didnt give them much time to work with and they've all worked hard to get me this far. I'm still waiting on one peice of paper then I can hit everyone with my begging emails for sponsorship.
With hindsight I should have only supported one charity, its far easier.
I've also just purchased a Blackberry so Ive a little time to learn how to use it before I go.
Despite this flurry of activity I managed 90 minutes out walking  yesterday and 2 and a half hours today - the best weather so far. To celebrate I'm off to the pub with Jenny and Tony tonight, well actually we go most Thursday nights.

Another day without walking

This is mission control, colleagues at SDC will wonder how Ive kept it so tidy. Been too busy again today to walk anywhere and I'm now getting worried that I wont have the charities set up in time, I'm really not sure that I can walk 20 miles in a day, but if I can't it looks like I'm in for some bad nights ahead.

Back on track

Well, the intervention of all sorts of things have kept me from making as much progress as I wanted to. The worst winter for many years meant that walking regularly was out of the question, then I went to Spain for a short golf holiday, only to find out that my Mum in Law had sadly died just after I got there. The build up to, and aftermath of the funeral kept me from walking for another couple of weeks. Then there was the happy arrival of my first grandchild - Zack. Again very distracting for a budding walker.I'm still experimenting with blogging so will try and attach a photo of my new best friend.
Here I am then with only 3 weeks to go and trying to step up training. I am regularly doing 15 miles or so and plan next week to have a 3 day tial walk with full kit. Before that though I'm off to Worcester to walk a few miles with the great Sir Ian Botham on his latest charity escapade.
I've booked all my accommodation now so there is no way I can give up.
Still not sorted out the phone technology, probably will get an Iphone and hope I can learn to use it in time.

John O' Groats, Highland KW1 4, UK to Helmsdale, Sutherland, UK - Google Maps

John O' Groats, Highland KW1 4, UK to Helmsdale, Sutherland, UK - Google Maps

Its been tough out training with all the snow, and its still falling today, but I've still managed a few outings at over 3 hours. I hope to build this to 5+ hours on succesive days before I start.
I've not been idle, however, and I reckon that I've picked my route. I intend to do it in sections of 3 to 5 days walking, interspersed with an extra nigt stop at selected places, mainly where I can get free accommodation.
This is the first section. I'll post the second part soon.

Christmas and all that

Having succesfully, and fairly easily, completed my longest walk of 11 miles just before Christmas I have been tied up with family affairs and bad weather, Trips to Merseyside, Wiltshire, Berkshire and Norfolk have prevented me from walking the roads and now we are deep in snow. I'll probably have to start my preps all over again after this break.
I have been looking at my proposed routes and althoufh I declared that I would only walk on roads I now think I want to use some of the National footpaths in Scotland.
The Great Glen Way from Inverness to Fort William looks useful and interesting and should save some time as well. From there I think I'll walk the West Highland Way, before cutting back East towards Peebles. On rout from there I should be able to join up on the Southern Uplands Way for a few miles.
I'm starting to get lots of offers to put me up overnight and for walking compnions for differen days, its all starting to come together.
I've invetsed in a good road map which has become bedside reading and there are now only a few legs - mainly north of Scotland where I will have to walk for any distance on main roads