Day 21: June 7

Bettyhill to John O'Groats

81 km / 900 m

The final push along the ancient barren coastline passing through Thurso and then John O'Groats.  For those with time, a trip to Dunnet Head (about 25km each way) will gain more brownie points.  At John O'Groats we stop for a picture and celebrations, before heading to our accommodation and getting bikes ready for the next day's transfer.  Then into the restaurant for a well deserved meal and several pats on the back.  Congratulations!  You've Skedaddled from Land's End to John O'Groats!  

Well, another grand adventure is in the books.  It was a great trip; I really enjoyed both the cycling and the folks in the group.  And - we got very lucky with the weather!  The forecast today was similar to the last two days.  Patchy rain and strong winds.  But - we were going due east and it would be a tailwind all the way; woohoo!  We even got lucky on the rain.  It was raining during the morning blah-blah, but it stopped just before we pulled out.  I peeled off my rain gear and I was so glad I did.  We started with a short downhill and then an extended climb.  All those who still had their rain gear on were sweating up a storm.  I did stop once in the last 15 miles to put my jacket on for a mile or so and then take it off, but other than that we were very, very lucky.  While we were in a restaurant in Thurso for lunch there was an extended cloud burst with hail, but it had stopped by the time we were ready to go.  It's a wonder the horseshoes weren't hurting!  

In the interests of riding in together, I didn't dawdle and I didn't take many pictures.  Besides, my good phone was safely sealed away.  Here are a few - some taken by me and some contributed by others (thanks...)

Leaving the hotel,,,,,,,,,,

The words rugged, bleak, and austere were added to yesterday's list to describe some of the vistas today.  But beautiful!

The road was a bit rough at times..........

Ghost bikes are always a sobering reminder of the risks we run out there on the open road......  Many thanks to all the considerate drivers we encountered over the last three weeks.  

We're headed in the right direction..........

This is an interesting type of stone fence that we have not seen until today.  I first noticed them along the roadside, but then realized they reached far into the fields - miles and miles of them.  I haven't had any luck quickly searching for info on-line, but maybe I'll try again later.

With limited dawdling and picture-taking, I managed to pretty much stay with the group into lunch in Thurso at 30 miles.  Again - fortuitous timing as the big rain & hail event of the day happened while we were refueling.  In the afternoon we rode as a pack, so no photo opportunities until the end.

One last dinner together tonight and we'll have breakfast in the morning.  Then the scattering begins.  Some folks were met here by family and they'll go home with them.  One gentleman is continuing self-supported to the Orkney Islands for a few days.  Most other people are taking the transfer to Inverness and then going forth from there.  The Americans are returning home on Sunday.  The Kiwis are headed towards a cruise on the continent.  I'm taking the train to Perth on Sunday for a wee visit with Sheila whom I met on the Sierra Cascades ride, and then taking a tourist bus to the Isle of Skye on Monday before flying out on Tuesday.  

I really enjoyed this entire trip.  Saddle Skedaddle and the guides Peter and Amy were great.  The accommodation and food were excellent as well.  The rental bike I had was very comfortable and was well maintained.  We could not have asked for better weather (this is England and Scotland, after all).  Two thumbs up for the entire experience.  I could easily keep going for a few more weeks.  Some days were challenging, but no more so than most other long trips I've done.  And - I really took a leisurely approach and enjoyed the ride.  

Next challenge - reduce my daily caloric intake...............   

John O'Groats:

Population:  300

John O'Groats is a village in the far northeastern tip of Scotland, and is the most distant point on the mainland from Land's End in Cornwall.  Actually, it's not really the northernmost point of the British mainland; that's Dunnet Head.  There is a passenger ferry from here to Orkney. 

Hotel:  Seaview Hotel   www.seaviewjohnogroats.co.uk

We are a small family run hotel overlooking the Pentland Firth & Orkney Islands. We are only 300 yds from the Orkney ferry terminal. We offer very comfortable modern accommodation in our newly renovated deluxe rooms, also very comfortable affordable accommodation in our standard and superior rooms. We serve meals daily in our restaurant and bar, using only the best local produce, all prepared by our team of local chefs. Our bar boasts over 120 malt whiskys, local real ale, selection of Scottish beers and a personally selected wine list.

Ride Stats:

82.1 km

892 m (2927 feet)

The Route: