Jun 1, 2011 - Northern Light

Hi Everyone The Lake District was a bit wet, yes the rain eventually caught up with us. Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s farm was a must see, it’s situated between Lake Windermere and Lake Esthwaite, the house and contents are just as she left them. Many of the pictures in her books were views from the farm windows and objects in the village. The garden was planted out waiting for Peter Rabbit and his friends to enjoy a few juicy green leaves. It was a delightful spot. Before we came to the Scottish border we crossed Hadrian’s Wall. The wall was...

Aug 27, 2008 - John O'Groats

Well, I can’t believe we have actually finished, and that I didn’t have to pull clothing carrying the unpleasant mixture of shower gel (detergent) and yesterday’s sweat (not quite eradicated). A truly epic tour, which has left me both with a great sense of connection with the physical land we have covered, and with an increased sense of identity of being British. The Olympics highlights we watched most evenings echoed this nicely (as well as inspiring our humble cycling, carrying our own luggage and on much cheaper bikes – I’d like to see...

Jun 12, 2006 - Groats R Us

Driving the last couple of miles towards John o Groats, you can see the escalating desolation of the country. Barren fields of sheep country fall dramatically into the sea at spots like Duncansby Head and a windswept landscape peels out in front of you. Until you get to John o Groats. John o Groats is a much-maligned town that was once thought to be the most northerly mainland point of the UK. In fact that gong goes to nearby Dunnet Head; it's just that John o Groats is the point where people catch the ferry across to the Orkneys. Hmm, not...

Aug 5, 2005 - A bit like the Cabot Trail

I hopped on a bus this morning and took a 4-hour trip up to a little town on the far northern coast of Scotland called Thurso. I read in my guide book that the northern highlands are some of the last great wilderness in Scotland: very isolated and off the beaten track compared to all the tourists you find in the western highlands. That was enough to sell me! The drive up went all along the east coast and it kind of reminded me of the Cabot Trail....going along the coast with seaside cliffs dropping down to the water below. We went through...

Jun 1, 2004 - Thurso - June 1

Paul woke up early this morning and went up the hill to play a round at his home course, Thurso Golf Club. The kids and I slept late and didn't get dressed and eat breakfast until almost noon. That day we took it fairly easy. We all took a walk through the town center. Liam talked Grandma into buying him some new legos and a new toy for Emma (I have a feeling that won't be the last time that happens). Paul ran into some of his old friends from school and was amazed at how things just haven't changed much. We dropped the kids back at the...