Dornoch to Evanton

25.96 miles – cumulative 114.73 miles – 10hrs 15 mins – walking time 8hrs 5mins – pace 3.2mph – camping pod Blackrock caravan park.
Today was full of milestones as our route left the east coast and swung west towards the Great Glen which we follow to Fort William. Our next visit to the seaside will be Somerset hopefully it will be warmer and drier there.
We were woken early by seagulls but we needed an early start for our longest day so far. The first stint was 8 miles to Tain along B roads, the A9 and forest tracks concluding with crossing the Dornoch Firth road bridge to leave Sutherland and enter Ross and Cromarty. We entered Tain passing the Glenmorangie distillery (Steve’s favourite malt – hint) and had a second breakfast in a cafe. Our route to Evanton then followed the national cycle network route 1, so we finally said goodbye and other words to the A9.

An uneventful day except for passing the 100 mile mark and completing our first week. Steve said he saw a deer and a fox both of which Lynn missed. Steve has form for seeing foxes and Lynn is convinced he was hallucinating.
The weather started dry but was wet for the afternoon and evening hence rather than put the tent up we opted for a ‘camping pod’ which proved to be very cosy. Lynn was very impressed and has ordered one for the garden. Steve suspects it will be his new home.