Today we said goodbye to our Helmsdale apartment, the Fisherman's Rest as we were heading to our final Airbnb in Wick.
We had been watching the weather forecasts very carefully since yesterday evening (thank you for all your concerned phone calls and texts). Storm Floris was predicted from early in the morning and into the evening, bringing amber warning winds.
After packing our belongings into the car, we drove to Berriedale to begin Day 81. We chose around 10am to start as the next 2 hours were predicted to be the driest with the least wind. Garry donned his orange waterproof rucksack cover and a chest torch. I followed on, pulling into parking bays and driveways when I could. We chose the A9 main road route as a safer option than walking along cliffs.
There was fairly strong winds but very little rain and Garry walked quickly along the 6.5 mile stretch of the A9 to Dunbeath.
There wasn't too much traffic and the drivers were courteous, usually moving over.
Garry also walked through a small hamlet of Newport which ran alongside the A9, which was a pleasant diversion.
We are hoping that the A9 becomes less busy as it progresses north as that is the likely route going forward.
We arrived at Dunbeath and spent a short time at the sunny but windy harbour and beach.
Onwards to Wick, where we were too early to get into our accommodation so we became familiar with the town, and the one dog friendly cafe before a quick trip to Tesco and settling into our apartment. This apartment will be our base for the rest of the trip, as we count down the days to our arrival at John o'Groats.
We now wait to see if Storm Floris materialises........
Tomorrow's walk starts in Dunbeath and will take us northwards to Lybster, a walk of 8 miles, likely on the road again.
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