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

The big trip

A 94-day adventure by Karen & John Read more
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  • 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

    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
    Our hostel in Invergarry
    Our hostel in InvergarryThe 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
    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
    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

    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

    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 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
    Dingwall as we were leaving this morning
    Dingwall as we were leaving this morningLooking 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 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
    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
    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
    Coffee at HelmsdaleHighland clearance memorialHelmsdale HarbourHelmsdaleBerridaleBridge at BerridaleOur hostel tonight

    Day 82 Crackaig to Berridale

    August 9 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

    Day 83 Berridale to Lybster

    August 10 in Scotland ⋅ 🌬 16 °C

    Today was another fantastic walking day. The views on the John O’Groats way were amazing. We had a nice breakfast at the Half Way Hostel in Berridale and then set off. There were lots of great views as we walked along the edge of the cliffs. We stopped in Dunbeath at Tasty Toes for lunch. It is a shack that does fresh seafood. John had a lobster roll and I had a crab roll with coffee. It was so nice sitting there right overlooking Dunbeath harbour. Then we were off again walking the cliff tops. We had another break at Lathonwheel, which had another lovely little harbour. Then we continued our walk along the cliffs before dropping into Lybster harbour. It was a really great days walking. Tonight we are staying at a really nice B&B, Acarsaid B&B in Lybster. It is so comfortable and they have a licensed bar.
    PS the sun has reappeared after a few weeks of being invisible ☀️    Read more

  • The big trip

    Day 84 Lybster to Wick

    August 11 in Scotland ⋅ 🌬 14 °C

    Today was a big 20 mile day walk. We had a good breakfast at the B&B to set us up for the day then we were off walking at 8am. There scenery was very dramatic. The walking was dramatic too, right on the cliff edge for most of the day, with climbs over barbed wire, really thin tracks near really deep ravines and at one point a really scary climb over a waterfall. The views were worth it though. Sea stacks, seabird colonies and the Whaligoe Steps (300 steps down to a historic harbour). It was a perfect days walking. We are now set up at our camp in Wick and are enjoying a burger and beer at a local hostelry.
    PS Someone is going to get killed on this trail Hanging on to the fence for dear life a couple of times. 😂😂    Read more

  • The big trip

    Day 85 Wick to Keiss

    August 12 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Today was a short 13 mile walk and the walking was fantastic. Great views. We left Wick and were quickly onto the cliffs. First stop was Noss Head lighthouse, very scenic. Then we walked along the cliffs and dropped onto the sand at Sinclairs Bay, this was really nice and we sat and rested on that beach for a long time, it was such a nice day. We were then able to walk along the beach all the way to Keiss. The day was beautiful and we are staying at a place with great views tonight
    PS A couple of castles thrown in today as well as WW2 defences. There were seals and all kind of birds. It hit 19 degrees celsius so had an hours snooze on the beach.    Read more

  • The big trip

    Day 86 We did it. We arrived in John O’Groats toda

    August 13 in Scotland ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    We set off from Keiss after breakfast and we soon back on the John O’Groats trail. What a great days walking for the last day of this trip. Past cliff stacks, ravines, the remains of Bucholly castle sitting on its narrow ledge, and the amazing Duncansby Stacks. We are now having a celebratory drink in the John O’Groats breweryRead more

    Trip end
    August 14, 2026