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I woke after a good sleep and was away by 6:45 . For the first hour I walked along a minor road with pretty views of the Black Isle, past farms and through plantations. Arriving at the town of Munlochy I stopped and bought some rolls, ham, orange juice and iced coffee and had myself a good breakfast.

I then walked up the hill beyond the town to get a fantastic view back over the  Moray Firth. The walk continued up a long and gradual rise through small hamlets across the middle of the Black Isle until eventually I could see the valley and hills ahead of me that I would be walking for the rest of the day.

Walking down the hill, enjoying the views and not thinking about anything in particular, I arrived at a road closed sign at a junction. There was a diversion sign as well. This could be bad news. In fact, it was very good news as the diversion was taking me along the route I should be taking. Without the road closed sign I could’ve wandered all the way to Dingwall, several miles off my route. I made a mental note always check my map at a junction (a note I had made before), gave thanks for my good  fortune and walked the remaining distance to Culbokie. The next landmark would be the Cromarty Bridge across the Cromarty Firth. On the map it looked as long as the Kessock Bridge. Would it be as windy?

It was not. It was almost a mile long and they were great views along the Cromarty Firth. Leaving the bridge, it was difficult to find the right route away from the busy A9, but after some shilly-shallying I made it to a little B Road about 2 miles from Evanton, where I hoped to stop for lunch. I was having a lovely walk and making very good time. I think the seafood chowder from the night before was giving me the energy I needed.

On the way to Evanton three very friendly road workers asked me all sorts of questions about my walk. They immediately assumed I had come from Lands End. They also provided useful tips about pubs and campsites down the road. 40 minutes later, I arrived in Evanton for sausage and mash and a pint in the Novak Arms.

After Evanton, I walked to Allness where I ate my final meal of the day and uploaded photos for my blog. The food was okay, but their Wi-Fi signal was excellent.

I then finished the day walking about 7 miles towards Tain so I would get there the following morning for breakfast. I passed a number of very pretty cottages and at the end of the day had a stunning view of the Cromarty Firth and the Moray Firth beyond it.

Tomorrow, I would reach the coast and stay there all the way to the top. 

Day Summary

I have walked 500 miles and I have walked 500 more. I couldn’t have done it without pork pies.