Category: UK Hike

After approximately 900 miles (1450km) of walking I’ve reached the end of my journey, the south coast of England. It is a surreal feeling arriving in Emsworth, my final destination. I’m exhausted and euphoric. A thank you to all that have written to me through this blog and other means with words of encouragement.

The Gallery will be updated tomorrow with my pictures and videos now that I have access to a computer. https://www.robmayo.co.uk/index.php/uk/gallery/

That’s it for now, I’ll post some final thoughts in a few days, I need time to chew on it all.

Arrived in Warrington yesterday concluding a 143 mile (230km) walk through the lake District, Cumbria and Lancashire. One small confession, I cut the last 19 miles (30km) from my journey by taking a train, perhaps I couldn’t hack the weather anymore, perhaps I’m getting tired of walking, I will tell you it’s mainly because of my left shoulder. Carrying such a large weight on your back (65 – 70lb / 29-31kg) for such a long time takes a toll, my shoulder which has been giving me trouble since Glasgow was getting progressively worse and frankly I couldn’t take the pain anymore.

I was given some advice at Warrington hospital, mainly – rest and anti-inflammatories. I’ve ordered a shoulder brace to keep me going until I finish the walk.

In addition to correcting my shoulder, I’ve replaced my hiking boots with size 12.5 (48) Scarpa Men’s Terra ll GORE-TEX®, the extra room should help with reducing the blisters which occur once my feet have swollen up after a few days of walking.

Third, I’ve replaced my airbed, the original punctured six days ago, I couldn’t locate the puncture to fix it so it meant re-inflating it whenever I woke from sleeping, approximately every 2-3 hours. The new Thermarest NeoAir XTherm Ultralight is heavier but more comfortable, considerably better at insulating me from the cold ground and hopefully more tolerant of my weight 😁

A few days rest and then I’m on the road again, next stop Stafford to drop in on some friends 😁👍

Yesterday I crossed the border at the river Sark into England.

Two distillery tours, visits to Glasgow, Inverness, Stirling, numerous towns and villages; hotel stays, eight campsites, many, many nights wild camping and 400 miles (644km) of walking later Scotland is now behind me.

Yet again I find myself reflecting on the experience so far and would like to share it with you.

Four nights ago I was camped underneath a train bridge, every 30 minutes a train passing over my head, the A74 motorway just beyond the bridge, it was not the most peaceful night’s sleep I’ve had but it was a milestone for me; Before starting this hike I had just returned from Germany and essentially closed down the life I had there for ten years, I had since my arrival felt a little deflated, Should I have left earlier? Should I have stayed? Have I pursued the career/life that I wanted? Have I done enough to preserve my health? Have I payed attention to the things that matter? Under that bridge I finally owned my decisions good and bad, it’s the only way we can move on.

Scotland has been very hospitable. Met and spoken with some fantastic people along the way both local and fellow hikers/bikers. Spent four excellent days in Glasgow, sight seeing and eating out, a great place to visit.

Most challenging day in Scotland was walking from a campsite outside Inverness to Carrbridge. Originally I planned to reach Carrbridge in two days, wild camping after 10 miles (16km) of hiking. Entering the Cairngorms national park the geography was cliff edges, steep mountain/hill sides, I couldn’t find anywhere to wild camp, after walking 16 miles (26km) I found a cheap hotel room in Carrbridge, booked it and commited myself to walking the last 3.5 miles (6km), feet swollen, ankles inflamed, legs ached, shoulders and back in pain, thighs swollen and rubbing the skin of one another, stomach beginning to cramp. After 19.5 miles (31km) I made it to the hotel, my room was a tiny box, with a shared bathroom, I didn’t care, I showered which was painful, I walked to my room, climbed into bed and about three or fours hours later the pain in my feet stopped, I slept very well. That was an interesting day 😁.

Anyway, for the next few days I’m resting in Carlisle before starting my next leg to Manchester. Stay tuned.

After walking approximately 116 miles (186km) I have reached Inverness the first major milestone of my journey. A glass of Laphroaig whisky to celebrate.

I’ve given myself a few days rest to recover; today I set of for Glasgow, 170 miles (274km) south west of Inverness, my goal is to be there by September 6th.

My observations from the first leg of this journey:

• The people are helpful and friendly – giving me advice on my route, walking with me on my route, even once offering me a ride in there car 😁
• Hikers/holidayers have a mixed to poor reputation, I’ve been told by countless people that due to the success of the NC500 route + covid limiting foreign travel, the number of people camping etc has exploded and the people who aren’t behaving responsibly and leaving there environment in a mess are angering the locals, I was even told the story of a Hurst that couldn’t reach a funeral because of motorhomes parked in the cemetery blocking the entrance!
• Wildcamping hasn’t been what I expected, so far it’s been climbing over gates or barbed wire fence to sit in a farmer’s field, hopefully this will improve once I’m passing through the Cairngorn national park.
• Ample time to reflect on career, life and everything else. Walking in the outdoors and living simply has brought some clarity to my thinking.

That’s it for now. Onwards!!

After two days of walking I’ve come to the following conclusions:

1. I have underestimated the physical challenge and my estimates of walking an average of 20km per day is very ambitious given how unfit I am.
2. My bag is too heavy and I’ve packed items that are redundant.
3. Solar panel battery holds 45 minutes of power fully charged – it’s useless
4. With my present fitness walking west could present logistical problems, reach campsites, resupplying etc

I’ve decided to travel east instead of west, going from Wick to Inverness as my first leg following the official John O Groats route https://www.jogt.org.uk/

Today I travelled to Wick, mailed 3.7 kilos of redundant items to relatives, reorganised my bag, reorganised my planning. Purchased a portable power bank which weighs less and holds considerably more power!

Tomorrow I set of from Wick heading south along the east coast.

Lighter bag, better power system, clearer route.

• GPS – On
• Incredible Sights – Check
• Raining – Check
• Equipment – Check
• Friendly Scots – Check
• Destination – Clear

Day One of an approximately 92 day journey begins now, off I go!

I should now be broadcasting my live position, assuming no technical difficulties 😁