John O'Groats to Land's End - 1989

August 2nd - John O'Groats to Helmsdale (56 miles)
This was a killer, although it started quietly enough, covered in Scotch
mist and with a mild breeze. We got to Wick for brunch, having found 
the 17 miles rather boring, then the fun began. The road climbed, we 
tried to - and the wind tried to stop us. It was now a stiff breeze and 
getting stronger. The skies cleared so we could now see the 
surrounding countryside in all its glorious monotony. We struggled on 
to Latheron, where there was a man in a van dispensing rolls. Then on
to Dunbeath - a glorious spot and the first real hill (1 in 9). Now the 
road was really hilly and the wind was really strong.  Ten miles still to 
go, starving hungry, nasty headwind and for starters - a 1 in 8 hill one
mile long. We thought we'd never get to Helmsdale, but eventually we 
arrived at the Youth Hostel at 6.30pm. We were too exhausted to fend
 for ourselves, so we had dinner in a cafe.                                  NEXT