The last day of the End to End was the 117th day of walking. Although the weather was clearing we could see some heavy showers coming over Stroma and we waited for those to rattle through before setting off.
I started walking at Canisbay War Memorial and down into the village of Canisbay. The old hostel is boarded up and the old post office a private residence. The North Coast 500 has not yet reached all of these pockets.
I turned up the next straight road to Stemster and surprised a doe at the edge of a barley field. It bounded away over the field leaping high above the height of the ripening cereal. It disappeared into a corner of the field with just its ears sticking up above the barley. I was completely amazed.
I turned the next corner and walked down to the disused Mill at Huna. At a field on the corner there was a flock of Zwartables with their distinctive black and white faces. Two buzzards looked on from fence posts. I could see the hotel at John O’Groats and it was less than a mile to go.
I tried to make the final mile last as long as I could. It was hard to believe this was the end of the road (but I knew it was because we’ve been here before). After crossing the line and a big hug from Bob, ice cream was of course a priority! We got big ones.
We then drove up to Duncansby Head for a picnic lunch. The weather was the best we’ve had for days and there were great views in all directions. Bob walked back while I scuffed about in the little shops. We opened a bottle of fizz to toast a successful conclusion of LEJOG. We’re a family of End to Enders now.
From Psalm 23
And will live in God’s place forever.
May the Deer bound to greet you,
May the Buzzard, watching, circle over you,
May the foxgloves trumpet your progress
And the waves applaud your arrival,
As you celebrate your daily progress
And travel on to the end of the road
God grant us a quiet night and a peaceful end.
JAL 12.08.2019
Last day of the End to End (day 117) from Canisbay War Memorial to John O’Groats.