Day 26 Gutted beyond belief.

• Wake up and to my horror instead of feeling ready to walk the leg feels worse



• Head to breakfast and Al immediately picks up that I am struggling to put my weight down on the leg and the swelling is worse.



• Later Al informs me (although I am relieved) that he has got the address of a Dr's Surgery in Ambleside and an appointment.



• The G.P is'nt completely convinced that the lump on my leg isn't a break, so off to Kendal Hospital for an X-Ray



• The X-Ray shows no break, but the lady asks me to go to A&E to see a Dr.



• There the problems are explained to me. The Shin bone base is seriously bruised and the joints at the base of the shin and ankle extremely badly inflamed. Also both joints apparently show wear and tear well above that expected for someone of my age. In addition I have blood poisoning around the lump and they fear skin tissue poisoning.



• Suddenly having thought it would only be emotional issues that might make me want to stop a cold reality is hitting me



• The Dr has to go to an emergency, in that time I decide to ask her advice when she returns to me and accept it whatever it is. Unusual for me, because I normally listen then still try to do what I want!



• She returns and is dreadfully blunt. She say I need 2 weeks complete rest with the leg elavated and to be near a gp or hospital in case the infections spread. Then 2 weeks being very gentle to allow the internal injuries to completely heal. Only then can I start walking and only then a very slow build otherwise the thing will just re-occur.



• So faced with 6 weeks sat in a tent, on my own, doing nothing and not being able to travel easily to a G.P or hospital I take the most difficult decision of the entire walk. I will need to suspend the walk and return home. It feels devastating, actually it feels a bit worse than that, it feels like its all been pointless.



• After a lecture from Al who points out that around £10,000 for the Hospice and having achieved 456 miles is actually not a bad effort, the red mist slowly breaks.



• To those who rang yesterday when I was too upset to speak, really sorry, just raw emotions



• Thankfully David and Jane were waiting at the Hotel so they offered to bring me home. Many thanks to them for their support over the three days, guys you were fantastic



• Al you were blinding, as ever, thank you so much.



• SO NOW THE GOOD NEWS



• As long as my G.P, when he sees the X-Rays is happy, Phase 2 of the walk will begin late summer. It would be inappropriate to fix a date until we really know the extent of the damage and recovery times.



• What I can assure everyone is that whatever happens THE WALK WILL BE COMPLETED. I hope to start again late summer. Dates are fluid, a bit like my ankle! but once everything has healed and the G.P is happy I WILL FINISH WHAT I STARTED.



• Hopefully we can still make a massive success of the "not quite" post walk meal for the sake of the Charity on the 31st July, then just have an old fashioned piss up when I eventually finish.



• Will temporarily close the blog at this point and will let everyone know when we are starting again.



• To all who offered to join me on the second half of the walk, really sorry, maybe we can still tie up when the phase 2 dates are sorted



• To all who have supported me so fantastically, thank you. But remember this is a medical adjournment not the end of the journey

Day 25 Resting Day 2 The Langdale

• Another good nights sleep, but must not get used to such comfort



• All meet for breakfast, then David and Jane go on their tougher walk. Basically up a hill we can see from the hotel, its almost vertical. At the top there is a beautiful Tarn and then a precarious climb/slide back down. They showed us the pictures from the top which look totally amazing.



• The shin is far less angry, but my foot is now heavily swollen, but definitely better than yesterday, although not walk able comfortably yet. Plan to start walking again Thursday, so spent much of the morning on computer and phone trying to re-organise sites.



• Then sat chatting with Al for ages, cant believe he is going on Thursday after nearly three weeks. He has been amazingly supportive. Its been great to have Al's unique style of advice, whilst at total variance to mine 99% of the time, we still manage to respect each others views and maintain the incredible friendship which now spans nearly 30 years



• Al goes for afternoon nap, (the Dubai Influence). Dave and Jane return looking tired but delighted they made it to the top.



• Spent much of the afternoon watching Wimbledon and The Lions match and being moaned at to put my leg up to help reduce the swelling.



• My last dinner with David and Jane who leave tomorrow. I am so grateful they came up, its been great to sit and chat for ages, especially with me being restricted movement wise. I also need to thank them for their amazing financial backing of me and the Charity, having sorted 2 days of my bill here, donated money back in the autumn from their copying / fax service, repeating that for the duration of the walk and supporting the meal with a table of 10. Its made a real difference you being here thanks so much for coming up. x (not for you Roomy)



• So off to bed, no telly channels 1-4 here tonight as they are changing to digital tomorrow.



• Brad how did the interview go?



• Tim, just checked missed calls, cant believe how many of yours I have missed..sorry



• Good night one and all

Day 24 The Langdale Hotel Resting

• Slept really well, hotel very pleasant, great breakfast with award winning bacon, I do so hate Bacon!


• Sadly it is now very difficult to get my foot in a shoe as the the Shin inflammation has spread down into my foot.


• All the guys here are giving me a tough time about looking after it, elevating it and doing everything necessary to effect repairs.


• Dave takes us into Ambleside so I can get an Ice Pack from Boots and some swimming shorts so I can laze in the pool this afternoon.


• We have to vegetate back to the worlds most obscurely decorated coffee shop in Ambleside, Al found it yesterday and it does killer Fudge Cake, so two hours after cooked breakfast he is eating some more.


• Back at hotel Ice Pack leg, then cover in Ibuprofen Gel, then into the Spa for 30 minutes in the Solarium heating it back up again. Spent the rest of the afternoon reading with the leg elevated.


• Whilst this is a very pleasant way to rest, I have to admit its tainted by the fact that I know I am now behind schedule. I would much prefer to be back here with the family having finished the walk so I just let go and chill.


• David and Jane headed out late afternoon for a walk around a local lake and returned having thoroughly enjoyed it. They are now planning a tougher walk tomorrow


• Had a pleasant dinner on the Terrace this evening, cant help but keep looking down at the ankle, hoping it will suddenly have shrunk to normal size. Sadly it isn't happening.


• For those who know me well, frustration is now striking hard, the daily plan of stops is out of sink and because I am not certain when the healing will be complete I don't know when I will walk again, therefore a new plan can't be formulated. Uncertainty does not sit well with me!!!!!!!


• I swear, even when I know he is absolutely correct, that if Alistair tells me just to take one day at a time once more, he might be returning to Malta having been assaulted with a tent peg. Waiting and patience....two more things I DO VERY BADLY


• Nearly forgot, lunchtime bacon roll 8/10 in toasted Ciabatta Roll (Tim you should have been here) with more award winning bacon, the best so far. It was bought for me, so I hate to think of the price!


• A few really nice texts yesterday from people saying don't get down about the injury and having to stop for a few days, thank you, they really helped.


• Margaret thanks for your fantastic offer in Cheddar I would love to stay. Hopefully there will be no more delays.


• If this entry looks different to all the others its because its the first one not to go through my very sexy ASSISTANT IN DEVON

Day 23 Penruddock - Ambleside

• Woke early, shin calmer so again decided to go.
  Left site at 7.00 and walked through Matterdale and other villages, the scenery is stunning with grey and blue skies adding to the drama. Thanks to the guy in Dockray who made me tea despite being 2 hours before they opened
• Arrived at Glenridding, really nice community on Ulswater. Viewed the lake from the hill coming into Glenridding its truly amazing, with lots of sports activities on the water. The town is a mixture of outdoor shops, boating shops, coffee bars and trendy hotels. Very busy so moved on to a quieter Patterdale before stopping for lunch
• Everything then heads to Kirkstone Pass, 1500ft up in under 2 miles, bloody steep and it took an hour.....but I got up.
  Al had returned but because of the hills both of our phone had no signal so he had driven miles trying to trace me. Eventually we caught up at Kirkstone
• Dropped down in Ambleside one of my favourite Lake towns. Stopped for more tea and then on to the Youth Hostel . Six in a room the size of the average lounge, devastated. Al picked up and paid for me to stay in his hotel, the same one David and Jane had paid for on Monday and Tuesday. To all you guy genuine thanks for this additional support to me, you will honestly not appreciate just how grateful I am.
• Lucy had sent some smarter clothes for whilst I was in the hotel, it was so nice to get into Chinos and shirt instead of shorts and Hospice T shirt, which has been normal wear for the last 3 weeks
  Think we passed 450 today, Lucy will correct this if wrong. No correction required 456 miles down now
• The 4 of us met for dinner, really great to see David and Jane, its only when you see friends that you realise how you miss what you normally take for granted
  Lets hope the next 3 days sorts the shin and we can move on, without further delay.
• Keith, thanks for the blunt kicking yesterday. I really needed to here some honesty it really helped.
• Best wishes to everyone reading this
  

Day 22 Carlisle - Penruddock

• Did not sleep well again, becoming a repetitive theme.
  Shin no better but no worse so decide to walk on. Weather grey and damp and continues such all day.
• Having given this matter much thought during my reunion with the A7, then A6 into Carlisle (none of which was particularly inspiring), I decided to take an extended break in Ambleside, planned a day with David, Jane and Al, but now will take 3 days. Hopefully this will be enough to heal the shin, if not I will delay longer. Personally I can not fail this walk so I will wait until I am better.
• Anyone this causes inconvenience to further down the walk, I can only say I am really sorry, but finishing, albeit late, has to remain the key objective.
• Rolled out of Carlisle passed racecourse (no horses there) 8 miles down lanes with high hedges so visually not exciting. Travelled through Ivegill and Elonby. At one point a guy fixing his bike saw me and my map and invited me into his garage and provided tea and biscuits, for which I was very grateful.
• Towards Greystoke the tradition Lakeland hills and stone walls appeared and the sun came out for the last hour of the walk. Here there WAS a shop so food and drink were replenished (Lucy cannot understand why I did not so this yesterday when Al & his car were here!)
• Site very nice and given free, will see how the ankle is before tackling the Kirkstone Pass tomorrow (google it guys)
• No Al tonight so walk, great, to a local pub for fish and chips
• The owner of site hands me a card on return, its a Father's Day card, few more tears as again I realised how much I miss all at 12 Springfield. Thanks Kids
• Shin swells again, may not even tackle tomorrow, lets see how it looks in the morning
• Can anyone coming to ( or wishing to know details of) the auction & dinner on 31 July, please get in touch with Lucy as the time is nearing fast when we need to confirm with the Hotel. Phone: 01271-322919 or bramelecca12@aol.com. Thanks for your support

Day 21 Painful Hoddom Castle - Carlisle

• 22.5 miles
• Took the very difficult decision to take 2 additional days off and try and rest the shin. Sadly the campsite had other ideas as it was full for the weekend, therefore I decided to go for it and see how I got on. Alistair was around so I could be rescued if I got into trouble.
  Every few miles Al appeared just to make sure I was ok, but by the time we had finished a hearty breakfast in Annan, it was clear that whilst uncomfortable I was going to make the day.
• Bit boring today's walk but all the time across the Solway Firth England could be seen so there was always a bright spot.
• Passed the signs for the Devils Porridge Exhibition, really must google that when I get back
  By now the paracetamol and codeine is killing the pain, but the swelling is increasing, so the Ibuprofen gel comes into its own
• Then Gretna, 400 MILES PASSED and THE RETURN TO ENGLAND. Hurrah! Gave myself a pat on the back! Take all the obligatory photos of Welcome to England and the First Marriage House of Scotland and then prepare for the final 8 miles.
  Truthfully they hurt, but 8 miles along the A7 was never likely to be a wholly enjoyable experience.
• Arrived at the site pleasantly surprised at the extent of the swelling.
  Cracking little site, really clean and pleasant.
  Will see how the shin is tomorrow, would like to push on to Penruddock as that will mean I am keeping to plan.
• Whilst the start of tomorrow sees a return to the A7, passing Carlisle will mean a move into the more pleasant areas of Cumbria

Day 20 Rest Day

• Well the wind blew all night, some tent poles snapped or begun to take off, but my little tent stood stoically against the elements. But the freezing, well not quite freezing weather kept the nights sleep to a minimum again.
• The only thing warm in the tent was my shin bone which continued to throb. So much so that Al and I took the decision first thing to get it checked out at hospital. The diagnosis was that nothing was broken but the shin bone had been very badly bruised. The doctor simply said you will know if it's too painful to walk, at that point stop and rest it for a few days. Otherwise walk steadily and you may be able to walk through it.
  By the way, checked in, seen by a staff nurse and then by a doctor in 18 minutes, beat that NDDH
• Spent the day in Dumfries catching up on Costa coffee and getting supplies and sorting some money. Purchased a fleece top in an attempt to beat the cold.
• To test the ankle I walked half a mile down the drive, it is painful but not agony, therefore I have decided to attempt to walk the 22 miles to Carlisle tomorrow, whilst I still have Al to call on if things don’t go well. He is attending a wedding in Bradford on Saturday, so I will have to stop in Carlisle on Saturday if I am in too much pain. (and let Al have his day off)
  It now looks a possibility that this injury may delay me for a few days, if it does can I apologise in advance to anyone who this adversely effects. Please be certain I will only stop if I absolutely have to, but the priority has to be managing my body so I finish at some point, albeit a few days late.
• A load of texts have gone unanswered today, this is only because I have been really pissed off with this shin and have felt very sorry for myself. Please do not stop sending, they do cheer me up.
• Alistair, thanks for your patience, kindness, support and practical thinking. As ever when I need honest advice you have buckets of it, all in the right degree.
• Hopefully!!!!!!!!!! Tomorrow I pass 400 miles, return to England and I will be three days away from HALF WAY

Day 19 Moffat - Hoddom Castle

• Don't like to sound boring but sleep wasn’t good.
• Because the route looked complicated we drove a bit of it last night and was glad we did.
  Today was not a good day
• It rained for 24.7 of 25 miles, serious stuff blown in your face at 30mph
  My feet were waterlogged within 3 miles!
  The waterproof trousers failed again, I thought they failed last week because of the force of the sleet, but not so. Hence walked 23 miles with soaked underwear and not an insignificant amount of discomfort.
• Found a tea shop and not even 2 x bacon rolls £1.20 and 7/10 could bring cheer to the day!!!!(Sorry Simon - it is temporary!)
• 1 mile from Hoddom Castle site the sun came out yippee!
• In the easiest walking conditions I dropped my foot into a pot hole in the kerb and went over on my knee. The knee seems fine but the right shin is extremely painful. Lets hope the 4 hourly gel and a rest day tomorrow will get me sorted for Thursday
• Got my laundry done so can just chill tomorrow.
• Thursday sees 400 miles passed and England reached - Phew!
• Good to Chat to Brad and Becki. Love to all of you.

Day 18 Biggar - Moffat

• 28 miles, one of the big ones today!
• Didn't sleep well again but off to an early start for the longest day's walk so far and in good weather, a rarity in these isles
• Al had found a tea shop at 5 miles, a lovely homemade everything type place, so had a big pot of tea and toast to set me up
• Probably the most spectacular day so far, entering the borders area with its rolling hills then suddenly travelling into a Glen. For 7 miles I was surrounded both sides by hills so heavily covered in pine trees you can genuinely smell the pine.
• At the end of the Glen encountered a strange experience, I was stopped by a policeman. It transpired all he wanted to check was did I have food and drink? Did I have safety clothing if the weather closed in? Whilst the scenery had so far been beautiful I understood why he was asking as the last eight miles was chicanes cut into the side of a hill with views looking out over amazing drops and hills bathed in moving black swathes as the clouds moved across them. He was really nice and was just checking I was safe.
• Finally arrived in Moffat a tasteful town and the campsite was lovely. Pitched, (Al now likes that term), showered and headed off for some replenishment from the 28 mile hike.
• Ate at a hotel in Moffat, well pub called a hotel.

Day 17 East Whitburn - Biggar

• The farm starts at 6am, so I did too! Took some pics of the calves for Becki and thanked the Taylors again, they had been up since 5.00am
• The first three hours were in nice weather and covered 10 miles by which time Alistair had surfaced and we arranged to meet for elevenses. In the meantime I asked to use the loo at Auchengray school, they kindly allowed me and gave me 10 pounds to help the hospice....thanks very much
• Al found a truckers stop which did a 7/10 bacon roll for 1.20, the best rated bacon roll so far - incase you were panicking, Simon, I had lost my taste for them!!
• As usual every time we have met, whilst eating the skies opened. And didn’t stop. After waiting 45 mins I could wait no longer and donned the waterproofs for 2.5 hrs of walking into rain
• Eventually the rain slowed but there was masses of flooded roads so whilst taking pictures of the countryside, I was dodging the odd twat who thought it fun to soak a walker. I have to say whilst I have been in Scotland drivers in 99% of cases have been incredibly considerate, a number that I expect from experience, will drop in England, which is now just 4 days away
• 1/3 of the miles now done 333, 1/3 of the time and 1/3 days passed
• Biggar has the feel of a medium sized county town and is very pleasent, the site is good and next to Biggar golf club. Despite the course being closed we found a dry spot for the tent, pitched, then off to Al's hotel for a very gratefully received bath
• Tomorrow off to Moffat another long day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
• Thanks to Stuart and Simon for this mornings calls, it was great to hear from you.
  Warner family.........miss you like mad. Lucy really enjoy Take That tomorrow you really deserve a blow out, buy yourself something nice in Cardiff. Kids please behave well and I am on my mobile if there are any problems, but I am sure there will not be.
  Brad hope your weekend went well. If you can still amend web site can you add under commercial sponsors......Holiday Inn Express offered three nights accommodation at a discounted charity rate
• Now off to find something to eat. Speak tomorrow
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Day 16 Stirling - East Whitburn

• 26 miles plus 2 when lost
• Real drag to leave the Holiday inn but it had to be done
• Route to Falkirk was on single sided A roads, so while there was rolling countryside and pine forests to view, my attention was fairly focused on not getting hit by on coming cars
• Just before Falkirk saw my first eagle! It flew into a tree 60 yds from where I was.
• Got seriously lost in Falkirk, thankfully the man in Toyota and the fire officer got me back on the straight and narrow. I felt a little relieved when the fire officer said he couldn’t have followed the instructions - thank goodness there was not a fire for him to get to!!
• Then travelled 5 miles uphill through about 5 housing estates, not the most interesting.
  Eventually moved back into the country and things were more relaxing.
• Arrived at the camp site as it started to rain. Within 5 minutes the complete garden was white, within 15 minutes it was 6 inches under water, so bad they didn’t let the cows back into the fields after milking.
  Mr and Mrs Taylor (campsite owners) were very concerned for me and extremely kindly offered me the use of a caravan they had out of use. Otherwise it was a bed and breakfast somewhere if I could get there. The van was dry and I slept really well. Thanks so much to the Taylors for their kindness
• Had dinner out with Al who tolerated another hour of 'what is all this about?' and 'why am I here?' He found the perfect balance of support and bullying!

Day 15 - A very necessary day off

• Late up, leisurely breakfast and sat around chatting and drinking coffee. Really nice not to be up and off first thing.
• Went out to The Wallace Monument, then into the shops in Stirling. Having craved shops and convenience all week, was happy to get back in the car and out of the town. Picked up a few essentials but was frustrated to find that Barclays Bank here closes all day Saturday! Picked up lunch in Marks - not just any old food.
• Headed over to Stirling Castle which dominates the skyline whichever way you enter the city and took the normal tourist photos
• Al has very kindly lent me a memory stick of his, so we can download my photos onto a second storage unit, god forbid the card in the camera got damaged or the camera wet. Saw my photos full screen, there are some crackers but all bring back memories and it makes me realise just how much ground I have covered in the last 2 weeks
• Watched Andy Murray win his semi final at Queens, amazing how Tim Henman was British and Andy Murray is absolutely, definitely, without doubt SCOTTISH
• All the washing has been done in the sink, dried and packed. The tent has finally dried through and I am ready for the first walking day in week three. Amazing to think by 8.00am on Monday 1/3 of the walk in time is over and 300 miles will have been passed.
• Just watched the weather and having got everything dry its gonna be foul tomorrow... Hey Ho!
• I have missed quite a few calls this week where people have rung off before I can remove the rucksack, get into the relevant wet bag and activate the call. There is no answer phone on my phone so please let it ring and i will answer eventually......Thank you

Day 14 Creiff - Stirling

• Great nights sleep, followed by a really enjoyable continental breakfast.
  Left my room looking more like a laundry, with socks, underwear, shirts hung from everywhere, and the tent hung in the shower drying. Will return it to a conventional bedroom tonight - maybe!
• Al drove me out to Creiff and started late at 11.00am. The hills of the highlands are now all behind me and the landscape is more conventional but with a very high density of pine forests which look very dramatic.
• Very soon signs for Auchterader begin to appear, for the golfers amongst you that means you're very close to Gleneagles, but 6 miles each way made it too far for a detour.
  Walked through two very picturesque villages of Broca & Kinbuck. In Kinbuck met a gentleman called Alex who showed enormous interest in the walk and then insisted on emptying his pockets and giving me the whole lot. Many thanks go to Alex
• Then onto Dunblane, the City of Dunblane. Really pretty place with some very tasty property. The sort of place you could enjoy living in, such a shame everybody's first thought on hearing the name is of past tragedies
• Just leaving Dunblane and I see a mirage, the walk must finally be getting to me. I am sure I can see a Marks & Spencers Simply Food. Not just any old food! It really is there, so it would be rude not to go in and grab a treat or 2.
• Last few miles are through the Bridge Of Allan near Stirling, nice shops kerbside cafes and restaurants
• Tomorrow is rest day, really ready for it, especially having walked some of my last rest day. Alistair tells me there will be no walking tomorrow! For those who know him, when Al says no, you do not argue!!!!!!!! Maybe a drive to see some sights. Then I think we will venture the 40 yards to the hotel restaurant for dinner, very good and very well priced.
  Have a good weekend everyone, hope to hear from you next week - if not before
  

Day 13 Inver - Creiff

• Woke to fast flowing water, this time it was the Tay not rain. The night had been very very wet and even with waterproof bags things begin to get damp and smelly, especially the boots that got saturated yesterday
• Went and had my scone sat on the side of the Tay, packed up and headed off.
• The first 2 hours in the sun and through forests were really peaceful,saw otters not only in the river but crossing the road to join others on the other side.
• Met up with Al to dump the tent in the car, and like yesterday the heavens opened with hail, but this time it only lasted for an hour
• I then entered the Glen of Sly, about 7 miles long and breathtaking. By now there was the full blue sky treatment and the Glen towered hundreds of feet high on each side, with a white water river at the bottom. It is these parts of the walk that will stay with me for a long long time.
• Al had gone off to Stirling to book his next hotel, he took quite a while, I found out why later
• Suddenly I was in phone reception and a host of text messages came through, At 17 miles and with feet beginning to ache, they really do pick me up, so it maybe the 10th time I have said it, but thank you very much
• Creiff appeared in the distance 4 miles away, but now in sight, the walk down was only ruined by walking past Famous Grouse without popping in for a wee dram.
  Is it me, away from home for too long or do these sheep get prettier every day?!
• Met Alistair in a coffee bar in Crieff, which sold Costa coffee, is this the return to civilisation? Al had that I have been up to no good look on his face, then announces he had negotiated a special charity rate with Holiday Inn Express of £20 per night and was not willing to discuss me paying him for it. There is no point arguing with Alistair in these circumstances, just to say it will be very nice to have three warm nights and I am very grateful for his kindness. He says its because I look dog rough!!!!!!!!!!. Wonder what the staff will think when they find a tent up in my room drying out!
  Thanks to Al & the Holiday Inn for their kindness.
• Tomorrow Creiff to Stirling, via Dunblane. I remember listening to that dreadful day whilst driving to the races at Cheltenham and arriving thinking how futile the hubbub of the races were when so many children had lost their lives, I want to visit and have a few quiet thoughts
• Hi Mel, great to know you're home safely, save the stories 5 weeks I’d love to hear them x
  Hi Becki, well done for helping Mum and Audrey. Keep it up Titch x
  Hi Brad, hope your phone is broken, otherwise your just choosing not to return my texts x
  Hi Lucy, there aren’t words to say it darling xxxxxxxxxxx
  

Day 12 Blair Atholl - Inver

• This has been without doubt the toughest day so far. Started well with 2 hours in the sun reaching Pitlochry by 9.15am (7 miles) where Al's hotel is and we met for coffee. From nowhere I had terrible doubts as to my ability to carry on, for some reason all the confidence fell away.
  Alistair went into rebuild mode which he is bloody good at and 2 hours later I headed back on the road
• It rained, it poured and it hailed so hard it hurt, the waterproof failed and m-ye pants were bloody soaked too. This lasted for 4 hours. Selfishly again thoughts returned for long periods to Lucy the children the dog (who I miss more than I thought for) and home comforts. In the privacy of the hills of Trelimet and Guay I shed a tear for the things I didn't have with me. But onward I went. The physical is hard but achievable, its the mental strength that is challenging me enormously
• The scenery really has begun to change with the hills getting smaller and more forests appearing. It is beautiful in a different way. Followed the Tay for 5 miles, very pretty, sadly no pictures today as it was far too wet to get the camera out
• For the last 2 miles the rain relented and the sun almost appeared. Got buzzed by 4 tornadoes, hell they are quick, I bet they were home for tea before me!
• The site is beautiful, the tent is erected on the bank of the Tay. I will get some pics in the morning if its dry.
• Again Al let me use his room to bath and repair the feet, 4 toes were bleeding tonight although I know not why, can only presume wet socks didn't help, anyway running repairs done
• So 200 miles passed 25% of days walking done or is it 770 miles to go. Do not know which sounds better.
• The A9 and I have become good pals over the last 10 days but tonight we bade our farewells as from tomorrow I head across country in search of the lowlands
• 28 miles tomorrow the biggest day so far, lets hope the sun shines!
• Keep the blog responses coming, when I am struggling they genuinely help, knowing folk out the are behind me

Day 11 Dalwhinnie - Blair Atholl

• 20 miles today instead of plan 24 as I walked further yesterday
• Had a great night's sleep in the Balsporran bed and breakfast in Dalwhinnie, followed by an equally good cooked breakfast and left suitably refreshed
• Weather perfect, dry, warm sunshine and nice breeze - perfect for a WEE WALK. Decided to stick to the cycle way again as the A9 is single lane and particularly fast on this section. Soon the valley was filled with chinooks very quick and very low. Thought perhaps they had come to take me out, but they flew dramatically by.
• Broke out the ipod for the first time and totally alone treated the sheep to a few baas Robbie, Take That and Reo Speedwagon, they seemed wholly unimpressed just walking off and totally ignoring my tones!
• The walk went for 10 miles between 2 mountains with a river running alongside me which only heightened the need to pee on a regular basis
• Alistair was on the route ahead plotting alternative routes if wanted them and finding the site and a good tea shop 20 miles. Saw 10 cyclists no villages, no shops no nothing, good job I had stocked up with supplies.
• Arrived at Blair Atholl, a beautiful town with the equally imposing Blair Castle, but the whole place is less than 200yds long!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
• Made good use of said tea shop and felt much brighter after 4 cups of tea!
• Alistair is staying in the Atholl Palace Hotel, (no he is not camping with me), but he did negotiate the use of a bath for me which, after 1 week of campsite showers, was very gratefully received
• Had dinner at the Hotel (salad) (yes me, salad) and am about to return to my tent
• Al has been really supportive and Ihope he can put up with 14 days running around living life to my rather pedestrianly paced progress
• I am still avoiding the dreaded midges
• Blister down to one and not painful, but 2 nails have gone black and I fear they may be lost at some point - of course will keep you posted so hope you are not reading this over breakfast!!
• Ann, the knees are still holding. Tim, sure this rucksack is killing my swing

Day 10 Rest Day officially but............

• ........ walking Glentruim to Balsporen Bed and Breakfast to prevent a 30 plus mile day tomorrow
• Expected this to be around 8 miles but due to some seriously erronious mapping it ended up being twelve, which has the advantage of shortening tomorrow.
• Today was mainly along the A9 but still remains very dramatic and predominantly downhill
• Al,who joins with a support car for 14 days, lets me know he is in the country from Malta and we plan to meet at the B&B. Full pack on back, it is definitely going to be reduced before Al leaves
• The B&B is very nice and is absolutely in the middle of nowhere.
• Al tells me of £750 sponsorship from himself and some of the people he works with, who I met when the family went to Malta. Within minutes Lucy phones to tell me that Domingo has donated £1000, a gesture that had her in tears and me close. Very many thanks to you all , it's incredibly generous
• Met up with Anne and Les (Al's sister and brother in law), very chilled late afternoon sat doing very little except chatting, will do dinner this evening then back to a very comfortable BED AND A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP
• Al has given up three weeks hols, he is my oldest and closest friend I am incredibly grateful for his support, he is one of my friends who knows me really well and that will help enormously over the coming fortnight
• Lucy, Becki, Brad and Mel miss you so much
  

Day 9 Boat of Garten - Glentruim

• 24.5 miles to walk today
• Another cold night in the tent with punctuated sleep, much the same for Johnny in the tent next door. Early rise and had done laundry, dried it and packed up before Susan joined us at 9.00
• We walked to Aviemore through the Spey Footpath a lovely stroll through woods and passed the new Spey Golf Course which looked seriously smart - another temptation resisted though!
• In Aviemore coffee and rolls at the mountain cafe, then Susan left to walk back to help Simon with the girls. Simon, it must be said, has horrible blisters on the heel of each foot from yesterday's walk and probably wasn't finding chasing 2 under 5's around particularly easy. Simon you looked in real pain, thanks for putting yourself through it to support me.
• John and I headed off to Newtonmore, passing the beautiful Loch Insh and then a succession of towns. We got talking about my reasons for the walk outside the fundraising, he was unbelievably supportive and constructive, cheers mate I will remember your words when the going gets tough(er)
• As John was returning to Simon and Susan's in Cupar, the time came for him to be picked up. Another tearful departure on my part, this walk is playing havoc with all my emotions.
• Finished the last two hours of the walk and arrived a beautiful site alongside a winding river. Simon and John had put my tent up when they dropped my stuff, thanks guys it was great not to have to put the thing up again.
• Another very cold night but with clothes and waterproofs on and the sleeping bag I managed to get some sleep. Admission of error number one, yes Lucy I also hate camping now!

Day 8 Craggie - Boat of Garten

• John and Simon arrive brilliant to see them, the suns out and Simon has a suggestion to get me off the A9,walk country lanes, stop at a different camp site and get a lovely dinner at Susan's parents - well it would be rude to refuse hence the change of destination.
• We walked the A9 cycle path 7 which runs adjacent to the A9 on the old A9 through some amazing countryside. This meant we could walk three wide, catch up on gossip and their presence really raised my spirits after yesterday's damp squib.
• We reached the Slochd Summit at 1332 ft and entered the Cairngorm National Park. The sun now was out, the pub we stopped in was good and everything was once more ok with the world.
• Simon was unfortunately suffering with his knees and left us at Carr Bridge. Charles (Susan's dad) suggested we took a path across the hills through a wood to the finish of the journey. Thank you for the sound advice.
  We walked through a forest and emerged to the most fantastic panoramic view of the Cairngorms which were all snow capped. It just took your breath away. Arrived at the new campsite at 5.00pm
• At 7.00pm Susan picked us up and we went to her parent's house in Nethy Bridge and had a fantastic steak dinner and homemade cake, thanks to them for their great hospitality
• Suddenly the mood is repaired
• Thanks for the continued texts they mean so much
• Love you Lucy life without you around seems empty. Glad Mel is having a great time in Italy. How is Brad's new toy? Good Luck to Becki for her gym competition tomorrow.

Day 7 Evanton - Craggie

• Day started well with the Cromaty Firth nearing the road resulting in increasingly stunning views, the sun shined and all seemed great with the world. Crossed the Dingwall Bridge and headed to Inverness.
• Then it rained, the road got increasingly uphill, it sleeted and got more uphill, it snowed and went even more uphill. Walking on the side of the motorway each lorry was covering me with spray head to toe.
• Then the killer, driving rain straight in my face and a 5 mile incline, the question "Why oh why?" was at the forefront of my mind
• The hill to the campsite saw me stop and text people with cars begging to be picked up. I kept thinking it's alright, the site advertised food in an shop on site but alas they only had pot noodle! so tea was a packet of choc digestives and a hot chocolate.
• The tent took forever to go up in the rain followed by 5 hours of thunder and lightning with very little sleep.
• Home seemed so far away, but Simon and John are here tomorrow it could only get better
  

Day 6 Tain - Evanton

• Tim , Jo & Daniel dropped me off at Tain. I am eternally grateful for their company and support over the last few days which made it hard to say goodbye. I hope the next couple of days will be restful and fun when they have no times and destination dictated to them by me
• I sampled the 1st rain (I know UK hasn't!) but have waterproofs, will walk is my motto - not much choice on these open roads.
• Nearing Evanton the Cromarty Forth comes into view which was very grey but a considerable presence and highlighted with disused oil platforms in the middle of it. I guess these have been towed in from the North Sea but not certain
• My 1st campsite is excellent. Wish my tent was 4 x bigger though it would mean 4x the weight and more to carry! I have been made cups of tea by a friendly neighbour (who saw me walking 8 miles away) which I am very grateful for
• Can't wait to see Simon John & Susan at the weekend (not just for the bacon rolls , of course)
• Have now passed the 100 mile point - not bad for a large one!!
• Texts are great and really am enjoying them but please could you limit messages to 1 text as I am only receiving the 2nd part of long texts. Alternatively send 2 shorter texts. Thanks
• 1 remaining blister

Day 5 Orkney

• Incase you are confused I have not lost my bearings and headed back north! My first rest day and headed out with the Williams to John O'Groats where we caught the ferry to Orkney (45 mins of smooth seas)
• We picked up the Highlight coach tour of the island - no comments about expecting me to walk around please!
• The tour started at the Churchill Barriers erected by the Italian POW to stop the German U boats getting into Scappa Flow after U47 destroyed the Naval flagship Royal Oak in 1917
• Moved onto Skilla Brae which was an archaeological dig to ressurect a village dating back to 3100BC
• Kirkwall is the capital offering shopping and lunch
• Their equivalent to Stonehenge is Brodray Ring - a circle of ancient stones
• The final stop was an Italian chapel built by the POW from nisan huts which were beautiful. They are now maintained by the island to commemorate the work the POW did.
• Orkney bacon roll £1.20 score 6.5/10 - awaiting Simon's arrival as he will know, and if not sniff out, Scotland's finest I am sure

Day 4 Elmbo - Tain

• Just a short stroll today - 11 miles
• Left the cottage later than planned due to the washing machine being Scottish and thus taking much much longer than expected to complete it's cycle
• My 1000 mile socks are doing a grand job at minimising my blisters but not such a good job at keeping their colour. Jo now has grey undies!! Whoops!
• Weather cooler and no sun unlike the reports I am hearing of in Devon which has a heatwave
• My first 5 miles was in forest where I saw a red deer (no Andrew, not dear). The next 6 miles was on the edge of the Forth of Dornoch. This included crossing a very high very long bridge over water - but I did it then breathed again
• On arrival in Tain was very hungry as had forgotten my food. Almost got sucked in by Lidl but a Co-op cafe saved me. Phew!
• Met Tim Jo & Dan and drove back through the Royal Borough of Dornoch along the coastal route. Temptation raised it's head again in the form of The Royal Dornoch Golf Club but Dan (3 yrs and a little star) with his diggers in the sand won the day
• Rounded a bend as the sun appeared and saw a sandbank off the coast ith approx 70 seals basking
• Headed back for chef Tim's curry special - better than Weatherspoons - and seriously delicious
• No bacon rolls - but never fear this will not become a habit
• No midges, Susan, have I got that pleasure to come? Or have I missed them?
• Snow forecast in Inverness, is this correct?
• 2 blisters now 1 ok 1 ouch - rest day tomorrow though

Day 3 Sutherland - Brora

• Blew the plan again today! 13 miles turned into 27 resulting in a short stroll tomorrow and more rest time. Am making the most of the good weather as have heard snow is forecast in the Highlands later in the week!! From Thursday I am camping so will have to keep to plan fingers crossed for the weather as have not packed my snow jacket and skis!!!
• Chef Tim made a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs to set me up well
• Early in the day a chap at Helmsdale YHA offered me tea and toast - well it would have been rude to refuse so I had my 2nd breakfast
• The scenery has changed again to mountains, lochs and sandy beaches still stunning but very different. Also saw some decent golf courses.......tempting..........but must stay focused
• As I was leaving Golspie I saw seals in the sea
• Finished at Loch Fleet having just crossed the long bridge over this tidal loch. Could see only mud for miles - quite a sight!
• The Williams picked me up and we stopped in Helmsdale for fish and chips. Driving back to the cottage in brilliant sun we turned a corner and were greeted by thick fog. It is 10:00pm still bright daylight but cannot see a thing - never fear though we are back at the cottage

Day 2 Ulbster to Dunbeath

• The change of starting point is because I walked the extra 7 miles yesterday. What are plans for if not to change them. I can only get away with it this week though because of having the convenience of the cottage - Many thanks to Wendy (the owner) and especially to Tim & Jo for organising it.
• Started at 09:00 with a plan of 16.8 miles, finished at 28 miles due to a flight delay at Inverness. Ironic at an airport that only seems to have 4 flights per day!!!
• Had to say goodbye to Lucy who is flying home today - it was tough for us both and very emotional but I continued onward and upward ....then downward...then upward
• Berriford Bay was the highlight of a mile down where 2 rivers meet then another mile up to stunning picturesque views. After yesterday's vast open expanses of land some of today was through dense forest areas
• It was very hot and a lot less wind hence I drank 6 litres of water some of which I begged from houses and petrol stations
• Arrived at Dunbeath and got my first donation of £10 - a great lift and good to be able to tell the man all about CHSW
• Was due to met Tim, Jo and Daniel here as they are replacing Lucy in the cottage (though not in all senses!). As their flight was delayed I carried on walking and met them (or should I say they saw me) just before Helmsdale in a village called Sutherland
• Still only 1 small blister. Status - Ouch!
• First bacon roll £1.70 score 6/10

Day 1 John O'Groats - Wick

• Drove to Wick and caught the bus to John O'Groats (with the 3 other passengers!). John O'Groats is where I have to register for the End to Enders award plus get the photo next to that sign! Otherwise do not waste your petrol visiting!
• Realise looking in the signature book that lots of people have done this, mostly in cars,on bicycles and motorbikes - very few have walked. However of course this did not deter me
• As with everything in my life, Lucy was there and walked back to Wick with me. Thanks for your support, darling!
• The sun shone on us but it was not warm, caused by a strong headwind and the barren unsheltered countryside which looks like it is used to the extremes of weather
• The coastline was stunning especially under blue skies and sunshine. The sea was turquoise crashing against the cliff edges
• Had lunch in the only pub between JOG and Wick - should have packed sandwiches!
• Huge Angus cows, sheep,rabbits and horses but it took 11 miles before we found our first human not driving a vehicle. We also passed the most amazing cemetries with 6ft high cylindrical headstones mostly at the cliff edge
• Back at Wick (and the car), Lucy shopped for food for us and the William's arrival tomorrow whilst I walked on approx 7 miles.
• Loads of cards (at home), calls and texts - apologies for not listing them - thanks so much everyone and please keep them coming as they truly make a difference

Friday 29 May

• Dropped Mel & Becki at friends early
• Arrived early at the airport. Got on the plane with drugs to calm me down, however the flight was smooth as silk
• 120 mile car trip to the cottage at Lybster was amazing - blue skies, sunshine & views of the coast and countryside to die for. The fact this is the road I will be walking made it more exciting
• Cottage is great and home til Wednesday hence making the most of all mod cons and a comfy bed!