Pictures - Sunday 11 June 2006

Sunday 11 June 2006 - 16:24
The last picture. The achievement begins to sink in.


Sunday 11 June 2006 - 16:00
The journey is officially over with the famous John O'Groats signpost in the background. Unlike at Land's End, this one has the arms on it!


Sunday 11 June 2006 - 15:58
John O'Groats. The official photograph noticeboard, just like the one at Land's End.


Sunday 11 June 2006 - 15:51
The end is in sight at last!


Sunday 11 June 2006 - 13:12
In anticipation of successfully completing the trip, Will has persuaded me to enjoy a celebratory lunch, at the carvery - Dunnet Head Hotel.


Sunday 11 June 2006 - 12:15
The coastline at Dunnet Head, northernmost point on mainland Scotland.


Sunday 11 June 2006 - 10:46
After visiting Thurso lifeboat station, Will and I watched the local crew put their boat through its paces.


Sunday 11 June 2006 - 10:23
When the going gets tough, Will has to walk! On the flat and going downhill I struggled at times to keep up with him, but going uphill was a different proposition.


Sunday 11 June 2006 - 10:14
Will Blight, a lesson in aerodynamics!


Sunday 11 June 2006 - 09:37
Dounreay, UK Atomic Energy Authority.


Sunday 11 June 2006 - 09:33
Following Will out onto the open road.


Sunday 11 June 2006 - 09:33
Close up of Will Blight's trailer set up. Union Jack and Scottish flags in evidence.

Pictures - Saturday 10 June 2006

Saturday 10 June 2006 - 19:56
Camp site at the Halladale Inn, Melvich.


Saturday 10 June 2006 - 18:57
Will Blight who was cycling round the coast of Britain on a Brompton, raising money for the RNLI, visiting every lifeboat station. See his web site at www.spoke2soon.co.uk


Saturday 10 June 2006 - 17:52
Another sandy beach, on the way to Strathy.


Saturday 10 June 2006 - 15:44
The lovely sandy beach of Farr Bay, almost deserted save for two riders on horseback.


Saturday 10 June 2006 - 15:40
Noticeboard to advertise the village store at Bettyhill. How many days are there in a week?


Saturday 10 June 2006 - 14:10
The rocky coastline of the Kyle of Tongue.


Saturday 10 June 2006 - 14:04
The north coast of Scotland. Looking out at the turquoise-blue sea of Tongue Bay.


Saturday 10 June 2006 - 12:05
Following the shoreline of Loch Loyal.


Saturday 10 June 2006 - 11:07
Looking across to Ben Loyal at a height of 765m.


Saturday 10 June 2006 - 10:28
Another warning to slow drivers, this time courtesy of the police.


Saturday 10 June 2006 - 10:16
Log wall, near to Altnaharra.


Saturday 10 June 2006 - 09:49
Attention! Lambs On The Road. I thought I was in Scotland?


Saturday 10 June 2006 - 09:42
The road is all mine, again!


Saturday 10 June 2006 - 09:35
A house all on its own, Strath Vagastie.


Saturday 10 June 2006 - 08:42
That's more like it!


Saturday 10 June 2006 - 08:34
Warning to slow drivers. Over complicated signpost that you'd have to stop your car to read. Ben Armine Forest.

Pictures - Friday 09 June 2006

Friday 09 June 2006 - 19:55
Camp site at Achnairn.


Friday 09 June 2006 - 16:35
The Strath Tirry, one of the rivers that flows into Loch Shin.


Friday 09 June 2006 - 15:19
Looking across Loch Shin to the village of Lairg.


Friday 09 June 2006 - 14:53
River scene, close to the Shin Falls, Invershin.


Friday 09 June 2006 - 14:01
Bridge over the Kyle of Sutherland.


Friday 09 June 2006 - 13:45
War memorial at Bonar Bridge, Dornoch Firth.


Friday 09 June 2006 - 10:15
These two gentlemen, Paul on the left and John on the right, were doing Land's End to John O'Groats on foot. They didn't know each other previously, but had met during their journey. Both had been walking for about 3 months, with Paul having completed the walk once before.

Pictures - Thursday 08 June 2006

Thursday 08 June 2006 - 20:12
Ross County Football Club, Dingwall, Ross-shire.


Thursday 08 June 2006 - 19:47
Signpost for Dunmar Beef Farm, Easter Kinkell on the Black Isle.


Thursday 08 June 2006 - 17:34
Looking back over the Kessock Bridge, to Inverness.


Thursday 08 June 2006 - 17:29
The view west from the Kessock Bridge, looking along the Beauly Firth.


Thursday 08 June 2006 - 17:25
Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club, beside the Kessock Bridge.


Thursday 08 June 2006 - 17:16
The Kessock Bridge, which spans the Moray Firth between Inverness and the Black Isle.


Thursday 08 June 2006 - 16:55
Dan, Jen and Christina. After cycling 22 miles together, we say our goodbyes at Inverness. It is the end of the journey for my friends.


Thursday 08 June 2006 - 15:15
Monument at the site of the Battle of Culloden. The tablet says: The Battle of Culloden was fought on this moor 16th April 1746. The graves of the gallant highlanders who fought for Scotland and Prince Charlie are marked by the names of their clans.


Thursday 08 June 2006 - 14:15
Standing stones and ancient burial mound at Clava Cains, near Culloden.


Thursday 08 June 2006 - 13:27
Female company at last, with Christina and Jen beside Loch Moy.


Thursday 08 June 2006 - 13:26
Dan Rosenberg and Jen Gervais from Oregon, USA, with Christina Cobbold from Glasgow University, following the Lochs and Glens Cycle Route from Glasgow to Inverness.


Thursday 08 June 2006 - 12:07
The view west along the same river, with the sun giving colour to the water.


Thursday 08 June 2006 - 11:40
Looking east to the rail and road bridges across the River Findhorn, near Tomatin.


Thursday 08 June 2006 -
The modern equivalent displaying a different height, 1328ft (405m) for the Slochd Summit, beside the new A9!


Thursday 08 June 2006 - 11:26
The signpost displaying the height above sea level, 1315ft (401m), on the Slochd Summit, beside the old A9.


Thursday 08 June 2006 - 09:52
Remnants of the old bridge over the River Dulnain at Carrbridge.


Thursday 08 June 2006 - 09:46
Traction engine outside the Landmark Centre, Highland Heritage Park, Carrbridge.


Thursday 08 June 2006 - 06:14
Early in the morning, ready to exit the farm field where I had camped without permission.

Pictures - Wednesday 07 June 2006

Wednesday 07 June 2006 - 19:14
Ruthven Barracks in silhouette, taken from the vantage of my tent on a nearby nature reserve.


Wednesday 07 June 2006 - 19:07
The ruins of Ruthven Barracks, Kingussie.


Wednesday 07 June 2006 - 16:45
The top of the Pass of Drumochter. Welcome to the Highlands.


Wednesday 07 June 2006 - 16:14
This sports car didn't make it to the top of the Pass. It was winched onto a breakdown lorry. Maybe he should have bought a bicycle instead.


Wednesday 07 June 2006 - 16:11
Loch Garry flanked by the Sow of Atholl at a height of 803m, part of the Grampian Mountains.


Wednesday 07 June 2006 : 15:54
Three End to Enders, travelling south. Greg Parent from Canada, Peter Johnson from Liverpool and John Hayter from Southampton.


Wednesday 07 June 2006 - 15:39
Near to the top of the Drumochter Pass. They must have built the new road on top of the old A9 at this point, but happily they have left a small cycle track at the side.


Wednesday 07 June 2006 - 15:05
Dalnacardoch Estate, with signpost warning that the cycle route is liable to severe weather changes and drifting snow, October to May. I was glad it was June!


Wednesday 07 June 2006 - 14:27
The old A9 that runs parallel to the modern A9 trunkroad, the start of the Drumochter Pass.


Wednesday 07 June 2006 - 14:10
Suspension bridge in disrepair. No way across for bikes, or anything else for that matter.


Wednesday 07 June 2006 - 12:44
Welcome to Blair Atholl.


Wednesday 07 June 2006 - 10:41
Suspension bridge for foot travellers, the way into Pitlochry.


Wednesday 07 June 2006 - 10:32
Typical Scottish Castle on the way to Pitlochry.


Wednesday 07 June 2006 - 10:01
Old railway bridge over the River Tay, that is now part of the National Cycle Network. The bridge carries a warning: All users do so at their own risk.


Wednesday 07 June 2006 - 09:13
Field of bluebells, Dunkeld Cathedral and Chapter House Musuem.


Wednesday 07 June 2006 - 09:01
Fisherman made of moss in an overgrown boat. In the grounds of Dunkeld Cathedral and Chapter House Museum.


Wednesday 07 June 2006 - 07:13
Signpost on the National Cycle Network, route 77. A Millenium Commision Lottery Project.

Pictures - Tuesday 06 June 2006

Tuesday 06 June 2006 - 20:45
Camped in a field at Moneydie Farm, north of Perth.


Saturday 06 June 2006 - 16:10
Field of rape seed in the Kingdom of Fife.


Tuesday 06 June 2006 - 12:00
In the middle of the Forth Road Bridge, at 12 noon on the 6th day of the 6th month of the 6th year in the new millenium!


Tuesday 06 June 2006 - 11:55
Close up of the northern stanchion, one of three that support the railway bridge.


Tuesday 06 June 2006 - 11:46
The railway bridge spanning the Firth of Forth.


Tuesday 06 June 2006 - 11:45
The Forth Road Bridge, Queensferry.


Tuesday 06 June 2006 - 09:58
The old harbour and lighthouse at Leith.


Tuesday 06 June 2006 - 09:50
The Royal Yacht Britannia, moored permanently at the Port of Leith, Edinburgh.


Tuesday 06 June 2006 - 09:44
Cruise ship berthed at the Port of Leith, Edinburgh.


Tuesday 06 June 2006 - 09:05
Impressive statue of a guardsman on horseback, silhouetted against a perfect blue sky. Edinburgh Castle.


Tuesday 06 June 2006 - 09:05
Edinburgh Castle.


Tuesday 06 June 2006 - 08:01
The old railway tunnel adjacent to Arthur's seat and Holyrood Park. Part of Edinburgh's excellent cycle network.

Pictures - Monday 05 June 2006

Monday 05 June 2006 - 19:39
Camp site at Dalkeith, just outside Edinburgh.


Monday 05 June 2006 - 16:02
The Pipers Grave, north of the Moorfoot Hills.


Monday 05 June 2006 - 13:08
Solitary petrol pump, opposite the Gordon Arms Hotel, seemingly in the middle of nowhere.


Monday 05 June 2006 - 09:42
In the grounds of the Tibetan Monastery.


Monday 05 June 2006 - 09:41
Entrance to the Tibetan Monastery (Samye Ling), Eskdalemuir.


Monday 05 June 2006 - 08:00
A tranquil woodland scene on the way to Eskdalemuir.


Monday 05 June 2006 - 07:03
Camp site by the rugby ground at Langholm.

Pictures - Sunday 04 June 2006

Sunday 04 June 2006 - 18:27
Welcome to Langholm.


Sunday 04 June 2006 - 17:56
Odd assortment of wheels and stone troughs. Note the flowerpot man sitting on the barrel.


Sunday 04 June 2006 - 16:43
Approaching the Border Country. Strange coloured hay bales.


Sunday 04 June 2006 - 13:04
The Pennine Cycleway crosses the C2C, near Renwick just beneath Hartside. Good memories of last years ride with my brother, Gordon.


Sunday 04 June 2006 - 12:49
Looking towards my home in the Lake District. So near, yet so far.


Sunday 04 June 2006 - 10:42
Pat Stephenson from Brampton. I met Pat just after Dufton and struggled to keep up with her!
She has since become a good friend.


Sunday 04 June 2006 - 10:18
Ian Tyler - local mining historian and author of several books. Also a very good friend with a great sense of humour. A chance meeting in Dufton, Cumbria.


Sunday 04 June 2006 - 09:59
The man with the yellow gear meets the woman in blue. Val James, on her way home to Holmfirth.


Sunday 04 June 2006 - 09:10
Signpost pointing to familiar territory. Dufton and Hilton, in particular, where I have spent many days underground, exploring old mine workings.

Pictures - Saturday 03 June 2006

Saturday 03 June 2006 - 20:09
Camp site near Raisbeck, Great Asby Scar in Cumbria.


Saturday 03 June 2006 - 18:40
The underpass that crosses both carriageways of the M6 motorway, near Orton in Cumbria.


Saturday 03 June 2006 - 17:07
Looking westwards towards one of the viaducts on the Carlisle to Settle railway line.


Saturday 03 June 2006 - 16:28
Rendezvous with friends, Roger, Kirsten and Heb. North of Sedbergh.


Saturday 03 June 2006 - 14:15
Vehicles of a bygone era, near Gawthrop.


Saturday 03 June 2006 - 14:02
Dent Post Office.


Saturday 03 June 2006 - 13:43
The steep descent into Dentdale.


Saturday 03 June 2006 - 12:59
View of the bike from a ground position.


Saturday 03 June 2006 - 10:32
A welcome break in the hot weather, just outside Clapham.


Saturday 03 June 2006 - 09:00
War memorial at Langcliffe.


Saturday 03 June 2006 - 08:38
The view over to Pen Y Ghent.


Saturday 03 June 2006 - 08:38
The road is all mine. The descent towards Settle.


Saturday 03 June 2006 - 08:25
Green fields, blue skies - the perfect backdrop.


Saturday 03 June 2006 - 07:52
Looking across to the limestone pavement at the top of Malham Cove.


Saturday 03 June 2006 - 07:36
Dry stone walling in the Dales.


Saturday 03 June 2006 - 07:36
Malham Cove in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.


Saturday 03 June 2006 - 07:28
Leaving the camp site at Town Head Farm, Malham. 30 years after I first camped there.

Pictures - Friday 02 June 2006

Friday 02 June 2006 - 18:55
Barges moored on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, between Barnoldswick and Gargrave.


Friday 02 June 2006 - 18:54
Lock gates on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.


Friday 02 June 2006 - 16:38
Another view of Widdop Reservoir.


Friday 02 June 2006 - 16:19
The choppy waters of Widdop Reservoir.


Friday 02 June 2006 - 16:18
Widdop Reservoir, on Widdop Moor.


Friday 02 June 2006 - 15:32
The view south to Stoodley Pike Monument, on the Pennine Way.


Friday 02 June 2006 - 15:26
The road still rises, unremitting. Not the place to live in the winter.


Friday 02 June 2006 - 14:56
The famous cobbled road rising steeply out of Heptonstall. The signpost says 'Unsuitable for Motors'. It's unsuitable for bikes too.


Friday 02 June 2006 - 14:26
Barges on the waterway at Hebden Bridge.


Friday 02 June 2006 - 14:22
Barges moored between the historic mill towns of Sowerby Bridge and Hebden Bridge.


Friday 02 June 2006 - 13:25
The terraces and high rise flats of Sowerby Bridge, Calder Valley.


Friday 02 June 2006 - 12:49
Looking south, having safely negotiated the crossing of the M62.


Friday 02 June 2006 - 12:45
The secret tunnel that passes under the M62 motorway.


Friday 02 June 2006 - 12:38
Scammonden Water, right beside the M62.


Friday 02 June 2006 - 12:33
Approaching the M62, at Scammonden Water.


Friday 02 June 2006 - 10:43
The bike, in close-up.


Friday 02 June 2006 - 10:42
Parked up to purchase food supplies, Morrisons Supermarket, Meltham.


Friday 02 June 2006 - 08:42
Another view of the Winscar Reservoir, Peak District National Park.


Friday 02 June 2006 - 08:32
Winscar Reservoir, Peak District National Park.


Friday 02 June 2006 - 08:14
Crossing the busy A628, dividing Lancashire and Yorkshire. Bleaklow is in the background.


Friday 02 June 2006 - 07:24
Checking the map. No chance of going through the tunnel, though.


Friday 02 June 2006 - 07:22
The strain is beginning to show. I've certainly looked better, that's for sure.


Friday 02 June 2006 - 07:16
Approaching the old platforms in front of the Woodhead Railway Tunnel.


Friday 02 June 2006 - 06:50
Packing up in the morning, close to the Woodhead Reservoir, between Bleaklow and Saddleworth Moor.

Pictures - Thursday 01 June 2006

Thursday 01 June 2006 - 18:26
The view east to Kinder Scout in the Peak District.


Thursday 01 June 2006 - 17:11
Safely moored on the Buxworth Canal, near Whaley Bridge.


Thursday 01 June 2006 - 17:09
Difficult turning manoeuvre, the Buxworth Canal Basin.


Thursday 01 June 2006 - 16:07
The worst road on the whole trip, just outside Buxton, part of the Pennine Cycleway (Peak District). I had to push the bike along this stretch.


Thursday 01 June 2006 - 12:55
The old signal box at Hartington on the Tissington Trail.


Thursday 01 June 2006 - 12:15
Impressive high bridge on the Tissington Trail.


Thursday 01 June 2006 - 11:55
The gravel surface of the Tissington Trail, uphill against a fierce headwind.


Thursday 01 June 2006 - 10:02
Inside the tunnel, where sound effects of locomotives follow your passage.


Thursday 01 June 2006 - 09:55
Approaching the old railway tunnel at Ashbourne, the start of the Tissington Trail.


Thursday 01 June 2006 - 07:58
The tree lined entrance to the Tara Buddhist Meditation Centre, Etwall.


Thursday 01 June 2006 - 06:25
The Tara Buddhist Meditation Centre, Etwall.


Thursday 01 June 2006 - 06:23
Camped in the grounds of the Tara Buddhist Meditation Centre, near Etwall in Derbyshire.

Pictures - Wednesday 31 May 2006

Wednesday 31 May 2006 - 20:09
Overlooking the quiet Trent & Mersey Canal.


Wednesday 31 May 2006 - 17:13
Colourful flowers on the West Midlands Cycle Route, between Lichfield and Burton on Trent.


Wednesday 31 May 2006 - 17:13
Chasewater, near Burntwood, around which I managed to do a complete circuit.


Wednesday 31 May 2006 - 12:54
Strange structure in the middle of the water, on the Birmingham Canal.


Wednesday 31 May 2006 - 12:54
Isn't he on the wrong side of the canal?


Wednesday 31 May 2006 - 12:53
Solitary barge on the Birmingham Canal.


Wednesday 31 May 2006 - 12:32
The contrast between the 19th & 20th centuries, in harsh reality.


Wednesday 31 May 2006 - 12:32
Barges moored on the Birmingham Canal.


Wednesday 31 May 2006 - 11:34
The Bullring, Birmingham.


Wednesday 31 May 2006 - 11:31
Approaching Birmingham City Centre.


Wednesday 31 May 2006 - 09:51
Longbridge, MG Rover Group.


Wednesday 31 May 2006 - 08:16
The beautiful setting for the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, this time looking to the west.


Wednesday 31 May 2006 - 08:16
Looking east along the Worcester & Birmingham Canal.


Wednesday 31 May 2006 - 07:29
Refreshed and ready for the new day. Picture taken by Peter Tiesen.

Pictures - Tuesday 30 May 2006

Tuesday 30 May 2006 - 19:15
Pure luxury! The best camp site ever!


Tuesday 30 May 2006 - 19:15
Camped next to my own private pool, courtesy of Peter & Liz Tiesen.


Tuesday 30 May 2006 - 18:10
No way round except across the ford.


Tuesday 30 May 2006 - 17:42
Looking back at the Malvern Hills.


Tuesday 30 May 2006 - 15:55
Same scene, different exposure.


Tuesday 30 May 2006 - 15:54
Running repairs - adjusting the saddle height.


Tuesday 30 May 2006 - 15:18
Lovely scenery around Pershore in Worcestershire, typical of rural England.


Tuesday 30 May 2006 - 09:40
Welcome to Ross-on-Wye, twinned with Conde-sur-Noireau in France and Betzdorf in Germany.