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The big trip
  • Karen Foster
  • John Foster
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  • Karen Foster
  • John Foster

The big trip

An open-ended adventure by Karen & John Read more
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    🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Newport, Scotland
    The big trip
    Coffee at HelmsdaleHighland clearance memorialHelmsdale HarbourHelmsdaleBerridaleBridge at BerridaleOur hostel tonight

    Day 82 Crackaig to Berridale

    Yesterday in Scotland ⋅ 🌧 16 °C

    We had a great nights sleep last night with the sound of the crashing waves below us. It did get a bit windy at one point and I thought we might end up in the crashing waves, but no our tent stood up to the weather and we were fine. After a nice breakfast overlooking the sea we set off walking. Today’s walk was along cliff top paths with amazing views and the weather was perfect too. Our first stop was the very pretty village of Helmsdale where we had coffee and scones and stocked up on supplies for the rest of today and tomorrow morning, as there will be no more food or drink en route today. Then we set off on the more challenging cliff top route, it was very up and down and sometimes we were right on the edge of the cliff, we had to step very carefully. The views were well worth the hard walking. We then walked downhill into Berridale, which is another pretty little village. Then there was another steep climb out of Berridale for about a mile to our hostel for tonight The Half Way Hostel. We’ve got the fire going and have a fantastic view from the sitting room.Read more

  • The big trip
    Dunrobin castleThe gardens at Dunrobin castleDunrobin CastleOur camping spot for tonightGreat view

    Day 81 Golspie to Crackaig

    August 8 in Scotland ⋅ 🌧 16 °C

    Today we had a short mileage day (14 miles) so no rush at the start of the day. We enjoyed breakfast at our camp in Golspie and then set off walking along the coast until we came to Dunrobin castle. We paid a visit to the castle and spent a couple of hours there looking round the castle and the gardens, it was very impressive. After having coffee in the castle tearooms we set off again. Mainly walking along the beach, which was very nice. We then came to the village of Brora which was very pretty and where we stocked up of food for tonight and tomorrow morning (as there will be nowhere else to stock up today). We then continued walking on the John O’Groats trail along the beach, on a path above the beach and some rock scrambling, walking through overgrown fields and climbing fences (I think we might have gone the wrong way at that point) as well as wading through some sea inlets. It was all interesting walking. We are now at our campsite overlooking the beach and we have a spot right overlooking the beach.
    PS Not sure it can be called a trail, may be if you are a goat, and we believe it gets worst. 😂😂    Read more

  • The big trip
    1We're getting closer

    Day 80 Dornoch to Golspie

    August 7 in Scotland ⋅ 🌧 16 °C

    Today was a really nice walk. Started off walking through the Royal Dornoch golf course, which was lovely and then along Dornoch beach. Through tracks through fields and then on to Embo beach and past it’s pier. A coffee stop in Embo and then on through the nature reserve and on to Loch Fleet where there were sea lions. After that we crossed over the causeway, which was a little scary as there was very fast moving traffic, but the walkway was wide so we were ok. We then passed through farm fields and on through the forest until we reached Golspie, which is a very pretty seaside village. Tonight it was very lively as there was a village gala with a parade through the village. We enjoyed that and then a fish and chip supper back in our tentRead more

  • The big trip

    Day 79 Invergordon to Dornoch

    August 6 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    This morning after a very nice breakfast at the Ship Inn we set off walking out of Invergordon. It was very busy at first, there was a lot of traffic on the road and a very small verge to walk on. Then we had to cross the A9, which was also very busy. But once we got across we were then on to very quiet country lanes all the way to Tain, where we were able to get back on the John O’Groats trail (which actually follows the quiet county lanes in this area). We had a nice stroll around Tain, which is a nice village and we sat in a park there to eat lunch. Then we walked out of Tain on a rather busy road because we wanted to visit the Glenmorangie distillery. This was well worth the walk on the busy road. They have a very nice whiskey tasting bar where we’re tried a 12 year old, an 18 year old and a rather unusual ‘taste of Tokyo’ whiskey. Refreshed by the whiskey we then got back on to the John O’Groats trail onto the quiet lanes, until we came to the Dornoch Firth bridge. Again this was busy with traffic and the pedestrian verge was very thin and it was really windy, quite scary. But we made it across and then followed the trail again by the sea all the way to our camp in Dornoch, which was a very nice walk. We have now had a walk around the very pretty town of Dornoch and are enjoying a beer overlooking the castle.Read more

  • The big trip
    Dingwall as we were leaving this morning
    Looking over at Invergordon dockThe view from Yankie Pier

    Day 78 Dingwall to Invergordon

    August 5 in Scotland ⋅ 🌧 17 °C

    We started today with a nice breakfast at a cafe in Dingwall High St. Then we were walking on quite lanes and a cycle path with great views over Cromarty Firth. We walked to the village of Evanton where we stopped for a coffee. We then walked on to Alness and had a walk along the high street. Then we took a detour to explore the Yankee pier. A pier built by the Americans in WW2. There were great views from there, including of a cruise ship that was docked in the port at Invergordon and of the great big band of rain that was heading our way ⛈️ As we walked from the pier to get back on the path to Invergordon the rain came and we got a good soaking. But we’ve now arrived at the Ship Inn, our accommodation for tonight and are drying offRead more

  • The big trip

    Day 77 Inverness to Dingwall

    August 4 in Scotland ⋅ 🌧 15 °C

    Today started with a walk on some very busy roads out of Inverness. We then crossed the Kessock bridge. The views were great but again the traffic was very busy. We dropped down from the bridge into North Kessock, which was very pretty. Unfortunately the cafe was closed but we did sit down by the seafront for a rest. We then followed some quieter paths and lanes to Tore, where we sat for a coffee in their service station. We then walked on a shared cycle path to Dingwall. The walking today was not difficult and it was only 16 miles, it also wasn’t as rainy as forecast. The scenery wasn’t as dramatic as we saw on the West Highland Way or the Great Glen Way but there were still pretty views. We are now checked in to our accommodation in Dingwall and about to seek food and drink.Read more

  • The big trip

    Day 76 Rest day in Inverness

    August 3 in Scotland ⋅ 🌧 14 °C

    Today we had a very nice rest day. We had breakfast at the hostel then had a stroll round Inverness before going for a spa and massage (my back really needed that massage). Then we went to M&S food hall for our dinner (Thai dinner for 2) which we are now eating back at the hostel. Having a next relaxing evening before setting off tomorrow on the last leg of our walk on the John O’Groats trail.Read more

  • The big trip

    Day 75 Abriachan to Inverness

    August 2 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Today was a short days walking (13.5 miles) so we had a nice rest in our pod in Abriachan and a late breakfast. Then it was back onto the last section of the Great Glen Way. We were up into the forest again and then as we approached Inverness the views opened up to the Moray Firth. Then we walked through Inverness, which was very nice, through gardens and then up to the end point at the castle. We are now checked in to the Inverness youth hostel which is very nice.Read more

  • The big trip
    Urquhart castleDrumnadrocit

    Day 74 Alltsigh to Abriachan

    August 1 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Today we had a nice breakfast at the hostel with great views over Loch Ness. Then we set of on a long days walk, we had over 20 miles today (including a detour to Urquhart castle). We climbed up high above Loch Ness again, with the great views. The we dropped down into Lewiston and detoured back on ourselves to visit Urquhart castle. This was well worth the detour just for the views. Then we walked back through Drumnadrocit which has some nice cafes and pubs and lots of gift shops selling the Loch Ness monster. Then we had a very steep climb back into the forest and through forest tracks to reach our accommodation for tonight at Camping Pod Heaven. We have a very nice spacious pod, which saves us putting the tent up (and is also slightly warmer than the tent).Read more

  • The big trip
    Looking over Loch NessGreat place for a coffee stopThomas Telford bridgeView from the hostel

    Day 73 Fort Augustus to Alltsigh

    July 31 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Today the weather was very nice when we set off, lovely sunshine. We bought our lunch and supplies for this evening from the petrol station on the way out of Fort Augustus. Then we were walking high into the forest above Loch Ness, with fantastic views over the Loch and along the Great Glen. We then dropped down into Invermoriston, a nice little town with a bridge built by Thomas Telford and a very nice cafe where we got coffee and cake. Then it was another climb through the forest before dropping back down to our accommodation for tonight, Lochside backpackers. This place has a great location right on the banks of Loch Ness.
    PS No sign of Nessie yet, chances may improve with a few more beers. 🍺    Read more

  • The big trip
    Our hostel in Invergarry
    The bridge of OichLoch NessThis is where the Loch Ness monster climbed out of the LochWe saw the Loch Ness Monster

    Day 72 Invergarry to Fort Augustus

    July 30 in Scotland ⋅ 🌬 12 °C

    Today we had a very short walk, less than 10 miles so we had a nice slow start to the day. We had coffee and sausage sandwiches for breakfast at the hostel and after checking out at 10am we started our walk. It was a nice walk out of Invergarry up into the forest looking down at Loch Oich. We took a slight detour to walk across the Bridge of Oich and then on to the Caledonia canal all the way to Fort Augustus and Loch Ness. We then had a lovely afternoon in Fort Augustus stopping in a cafe for lunch then a boat tour of Loch Ness and of course looking out for Nessie. We are now checked in to our accommodation for the night the Richmond House hotel and are hoping it stays dry enough for us to sit outside The Lock Inn with a beer later.Read more

  • The big trip

    Day 71 Gairlochy to Invergarry

    July 29 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    We had a very nice breakfast to start us off today and then we set off with quite good views of Ben Nevis, we could all most see the top. We then walked along the shores of Loch Lochy, which was very nice. We were then into the forest above Loch Lochy before getting back onto the Loch at Laggan Locks, where I was hoping to stop for a beer at the Eagle Inn , a floating barge, but it was closed when we got there, but we did get a coffee at the kiosk at Laggan locks and got to rest there for a while. We then carried on the forest tracks to our accommodation at Saddle Mountain Hostel in Invergarry. We checked in and left our backs and then walked to the petrol station in the village to buy pizza and wine for our dinner, which we ate at the hostel and we are now resting in their very nice lounge with a glass of wine
    PS After 19.5 miles of walking the wine tasted good. Walking was on good trails most of the day with loch views,.    Read more

  • The big trip
    Corpach shipwreckNeptunes staircaseGairlochyGairlochy swingbridgeCommando memorial Spean BridgeBen Nevis is under that big cloud

    Day 70 Fort William to Gairlochy

    July 28 in Scotland ⋅ 🌧 16 °C

    Today we had a very slow start today as it was raining heavily this morning. We had breakfast at the hostel and then relaxed in their lounge. We set off around 10:30 when the rain had eased off. We walked along the shore of Loch Linnie and visited the Corpach Shipwreck. Then it was on to the Caledonian canal where we walked to Neptune’s staircase (a series of locks on the canal). We stopped for coffee there to get out of another heavy rain shower. Then we carried on along the canal. The weather dried up so we had lunch sitting on the side of the canal before carrying on to Gairlochy. We saw the Gairlochy swing bridge in operation. We are staying slightly out of Gairlochy at a hotel in Spean Bridge ( The Old Pines). We were originally going to wild camp near Gairlochy but the weather is wet and cold so we decided the hotel was a better idea.Read more

  • The big trip
    The view from the sitting room at the hostel
    Boat trip in Loch LinnheFort WilliamBen Nevis is there in the clouds ( you'll just have to believe me😂)

    Day 69 Rest day in Fort William

    July 27 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Today we said goodbye to Karin as she heads off after finishing the West Highland Way. Well done Karin. We had a rest day in Fort William today so a very slow start to the day, late breakfast and then we took a boat tour to see the sights and the seals around Fort William. Tonight we are going to the cinema to see Odyssey so that we will be nice and rested before setting off on the Great Glen way tomorrowRead more

  • The big trip

    Day 68 Kinlochleven to Fort William

    July 26 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Today was the last day of the West Highland Way. It was rather wet this morning and there were lots of midges. We started the day with a big uphill climb, but after that it was walking mainly on the hill top, with great views. We found some shelter for a break in an abandoned building and in the afternoon the rain cleared up. As we approached Fort William we could see the base of Ben Nevis, the top was in the clouds. We walked to the end of the West Highland Way and had a celebratory drink. Then we found our accommodation Fort William Backpackers where we have now had a shower and a rest ready to celebrate with Karin her completion of The West Highland Way.Read more

  • The big trip
    Our pod at Glen Coe
    Walking up the Devil's staircaseOur pod at Blackwater hostel

    Day 67 Glen Coe to Kinlochleven

    July 25 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Today was a much shorter walk (10 miles). As the weather was very windy and wet when we woke up we decided to have a lie in and a late breakfast. Thankfully by the time we had finished breakfast the rain had stopped and the cloud was clearing. The views today were amazing walking through Glen Coe and then the long climb up the Devils staircase, but the views from the top were definitely worth it. We managed to find a sheltered spot out of the wind for lunch and then we had a nice gentle downward walk to Kinlochleven, which does go round and round in a spiral for a while. We have now arrived at our camp for tonight at Blackwater hostel and me and Karin have a very nice pod for the night (John is in a tent).Read more

  • The big trip
    6We had an experience with the wee beasties (midges)

    Day 66 Tyndrum to Glen Coe Resort

    July 24 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Today was a long walk (18 miles). But the scenery was amazing. We set off early from our camp in Tyndrum and had a very nice walk to Bridge of Orchy, where we found a nice cafe to stop for a break. We then walked on to the Invororan hotel where we stopped for a drink and lunch. We then walked across Rannoch Moor until we reached our stop for tonight The Glen Coe resort. We’ve had a nice dinner and another couple of beers and are now settling down for a nights restRead more

  • The big trip

    Day 65 Beinglas to Tyndrum

    July 23 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Today we had a shorter days walk (12 miles) so we had a nice slow start with breakfast at the Stagger Inn at the campsite. The midges were out in force this morning so we covered ourselves in Smidge, which seems to repel them. We followed a nice path along the river Falloch and got a great view of the falls. Then a climb up through the forest. The views were lovely today and we had plenty of time to rest. Now we have arrived at our camp in TyndrumRead more

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    Day 64 Rowardennan to Beinglas

    July 22 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Today we started off with a very nice breakfast at the hostel. Then we were back on the West Highland Way walking along Loch Lomond. We stopped for lunch at the Inversnaid hotel. We ate our packed lunch in their walkers bar and had a coffee, then we decided that as the weather was so nice we would have a beer and sit outside ( why not?). After our very nice lunch break we then set off again. The West Highland Way after Inversnaid gets quite challenging with a lot of rock scrambling, but we took it nice and steady and stopped to make a cup of coffee on the banks on the Loch. Now we have arrived safe and sound at our camp in Beinglas where we have had a nice meal and a beerRead more

  • The big trip

    Day 63 Drymen to Rowardennan

    July 21 in Scotland ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Today we had a nice slow start to the day. We had a nice walk into Drymen village where we got breakfast then we hiked up Conic hill. The views from there were amazing. Then we headed down from there into Balmaha where we stopped at the Mocha cafe for lunch and we stopped near the pier to dip our feet Loch Lomond. We then followed the banks of Loch Lomond and after a few miles of very warm walking we took a break to swim in the Loch. Then it was a walk on to our accommodation in the Ben Lomond hostel. It has been a lovely day.Read more

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    Day 62 Lennoxtown to Drymen

    July 20 in Scotland ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    Today we had a very nice walk. We stopped for a coffee in Strathblaine. Then we walked on to where the John Muir path meets the West Highland Way and we met our friend Karin who is going to walk the West Highland Way with us. We stopped in the Glengoyle whiskey distillery and tried some of their very nice whiskey. Then it was on along the West Highland Way to our camp for the night in Drymen. We then had a walk to Drymen village where we had dinner in the Clachan inn , a very old innRead more

  • The big trip
    The Falkirk Wheel
    Nice marina where we stopped for lunchHaggis starter for dinner

    Day 61 Falkirk Wheel to Lennoxtown

    July 19 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Last night we enjoyed a trip on the Falkirk Wheel and had a really nice meal in a nearby restaurant. It was a very nice evening and our campsite was very quiet when we returned and so we were nice and rested for today’s walk. We set off early and walked back past the Falkirk Wheel and then on to the Antonine wall and past the remains of a Roman fort. It was then on to the John Muir way following the canal. We passed over a couple of viaducts and stopped for lunch at a really nice marina. It was a really nice days walking. We arrived at our accommodation for tonight The Glazert hotel in time for food and a beer.Read more

  • The big trip

    Day 60 Beecraigs country park to Falkirk Wheel

    July 18 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Today was a much shorter days walk, around 15 miles, so we had a later start to the day. It was lovely at our campsite this morning the sun was shining and we had a nice breakfast sitting outside the tent. We followed forest paths through the country park and then on to the Union canal, which was very nice, easy walking. We took a trip into Falkirk centre via a very nice park, where we stopped for coffee and lunch, and then back on to the canal path to our camp for the night, the Wheel. It is a little unusual and when we first walked in looked a bit unnerving. However we found the owner and were pointed in the direct of the camping field, we seem to be the only ones here and to be fair the facilities are quite good and nice and clean. As today is our 39th wedding anniversary we are having a trip on the Falkirk wheel and then a meal in a restaurant overlooking the Falkirk wheel, so I have great hopes for the entertainment value of the Falkirk wheel.
    PS We were first tent on site and a load of kids from caravans came up to our tent and tried to go in thinking it was a plaything. I said that’s our house you can’t go in there, they replied No it’s not where do you sleep 😂😂😂😂    Read more

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    Day 59 West Linton to Beecraigs country park

    July 17 in Scotland ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    We had an early start this morning as our walk today was due to be around 22 miles. We had a nice walk out of West Linton along country lanes and then on to the cross borders drove road. We had great views of the Pentland Hills and passed the peaceful Harperrig reservoir. The walk got quite challenging as we approached Livingston. We passed East Calder and Mid Calder they seem as though they were quite nice small villages, but now a lot of new housing is being build on the edge of both of them, making the traffic very busy. The really big challenge was Livingston. I think maybe it was the route we took but we ended up in a very large housing estate that seemed to be set up in such a way that there was no way to exit it. We just seemed to be walking through it in circles for hours. Eventually we did find a way though and amazingly exited into a very nice country park. We then had a few navigation challenges when footpaths shown on our map were actually blocked, so we ended up adding an extra 4 miles to our walk to get to our camp for tonight. When we got here (Beecraigs country park) we were really impressed, it has great views, you can see the whole of Edinburgh and the facilities are lovely, so it was worth the walk.
    PS 25 miles, I am knackered. 😂    Read more

  • The big trip
    It was a bit misty in the morningPeeblesHighland cowWest LintonWest Lothian

    Day 58 Glentress forest to West Linton

    July 16 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    When we woke up this morning it was very misty in the forest, we could barely see where we were walking. After a nice breakfast in the camp kitchen we set off on our walk. It was a slightly shorter day today (16 miles), which meant we could have a more relaxed start to the day. First we headed for Peebles, which is a very pretty town and we stopped for a coffee break. Then we followed the Cross Borders Drove Road up into the hills and they had a forest, through farm tracks and quiet lanes, all the way to West Linton, which is also very pretty. Tonight we are staying at the Gordon Arms hotel, which is very nice.Read more