Updates are shown at the bottom of this page; updated 14th October 2012

Thank you for taking the time to visit our Just Giving page.

We will be setting off to walk the 1,050 miles from Lands End to John O'Groats, with just our rucksacks for company, from 16th April 2012 and hope to complete our adventure by early July 2012.

At first this was just going to be a holiday, however as so many of you have asked us what charity we are supporting, we have now decided that it would be a good idea to raise money along the way.

Our chosen charity is Help for Heroes as we both believe that this is a very worthy cause and would benefit greatly from your kind donations.

We have not set a maximum amount we would like to raise as any donation, large or small will be appreciated.

Follow us on this website, we will be updating this page with stories and pictures about our training and preparation.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to Help For Heroes and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - we raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Dave and Sheena

This is our provisional Lands End to John O'Groats Route - LEJOG

Lands End - Penzance - Helston - Truro - Roche - Trewint Farm - Launceston - Bridestowe - Belstone - Crediton - Tiverton - Wellington - Taunton - Street - Radstock - Bath - Tormarton - Dursley - Painswick - Cheltenham - Tewkesbury - Worcester - Bewley - Kinver - Seisdon - Penkridge - Abbots Bromley - Uttoxeter - Oakamoor - Bosley - Wilmslow - Altrincham - Wigan - Preston - Lancaster - Burton in Kendal - Kendal - Shap - Penrith - Carlisle - Kirkpatrick Fleming - Lockerbie - Moffat - Abington - Larkhall - Glasgow - Drymen - Rowardennan - Inverannan - Tyndrum - Kings House - Kinlochleven - Fort William - Laggan - Invermoriston - Drumnadrochit - Inverness - Alness - Dornoch - Brora - Helmsdale - Dunbeath - Watten - John O'Groats:

Follow us on Twitter: @davesummers4 @sheenamcbride

LANDS END TO JOHN O'GROATS STARTS HERE!

16/04/2012 - DAY 1 Lands End to Penzance 12.9 milesToday we set off from the Lands End Hotel after having our photos taken by the Help for Heroes volunteers. We walked down the A30 and through Sennen to Newshop House then cut across country to Chapel Cairn Brae which is the most westerly hill in England! We then headed for the village of Sancreed and followed the country lanes to Newlyn (had a pasty) then along the coastal path into Penzance to the Honeydew guest House where we were very well looked after by Heath and Stacey.

17/04/2012 - DAY 2 Penzance to Helston 16.1 miles Total 29 miles This morning we left Penzance and walked along the coast to Marizion and joined the South West Coastal path which we followed all the way to Porthleven. Along the way we took in the views of St Michaels Mount, visited Sydney Cove and Perranuthoe and met Bertie the fox terrier. The torrential rain just added to the dramatic views of the coast we saw. Once we reached Porthleven and after having another past we waved goodbye to the sea until Scotland and headed inland to Helston where we were very well looked after by Mike and Rosemary at the Strathallan Guest House.

18/04/2012 - DAY 3 Helston to Truro 19.4 miles Total 48.4 milesToday was the day of the rain, rain and more rain. We left Helston and headed towards Tregarthen, then to Porkellis and into Stithians. Here we met the hero of the day PCSO Andy Huddlestone who took pity on two very wet walkers and let us into the village hall to dry out for a bit and have a hot drink. We then continued on the country lanes to Truro where we stayed at Truro Lodge the home of the towns Mayor.

19/04/2012 DAY 4 Truro to Victoria 19.5 miles total 67.9 miles Today seemed to be reasonably straight forward, it started off with a walk through St Clements Wood then taking the country lanes to Ladock and onto St Stephen. This is where the hard work began as we had reached the Cornish Alps!!! Serious up hill stretch now for at least five miles then a gentle downhill bit into Roche and onto Victoria where we were met by our friends Fran and Baz. This has been the hardest day so far, all on the road and most of it seemed to be up hill!

20/04/2012 DAY 5 Victoria to St Breward 16.3 miles total 84.2 miles. Set off today along the country lanes and joined the Camel Trail at Nanstallon and headed north all the way to Poleys Bridge where the trail ended and made the very steep ascent (in the rain again) to St Breward Post Office to have our LEJOG verification forms stamped and signed. Today we were joined by our friend Baz for this leg of the journey and many thanks to his wife Fran for making excellent packed lunches for the three of us.

21/04/2012 DAY 6 St Breward to Launceston via Bodmin Moor 20.1 miles total 104.3 miles. With much trepidation we set off on what might be one of the toughest and longest legs of the journey. We set of in an Easterly direction over Bodmin Moor across Lady Down towards Penwood House then continued to King Arthurs Hall, through Carrow then over Butters Tor then over Tolborough Tor picking up the track to near Blackhill Farm and exiting the moor finally at Westmoorgate. Bodmin today can only be described as walking over a giant wet sponge, we were very lucky to have the high winds and hail stones in our backs. We then continued along the country lanes to Pipers Pool past West End Farm and into Launceston. Tomorrow is a day off for us, the walk will resume on Monday from Launceston to Bridestowe (into Devon) and the weather makes grim reading for the week ahead! We would just like to say a big thank you to everyone who has shown a real interest in what we are doing and those of you who have been so generous in donating money through this website for our chosen cause, Help for Heroes.

23/04/2012 DAY 7 - Launceston to Bridestowe 14.4 miles total 118.7 miles. We left Launceston in the torrential rain and it stayed that way for the rest of the day. Our path was the Two Castles trail and within a short time we reached Polson Bridge where we crossed into Devon, our first county completed. We then continued into Liftondown and on into Lifton where we had a coffee sheltering in a bus stop out of the rain. We then left the trail and continued along the country lanes to Lewdown for lunch in yet another bus shelter. Back into the rain once again and onto Lewtrenchard, Galford Down, Watergate and into Bridestowe where we were very well looked after by John and Diane at Hunters Moon B&B. Senior moment of the day was realising after eight miles in the rain I had my waterproof trousers on back to front, the walking became so much easier after that!

24/04/2012 DAY 8 - Bridestowe to Belstone 11.1 miles total 129.8 miles. We left the wonderful Hunters Moon B&B and headed off down the country lanes and met up with the Granite Way cycle path that runs parallel to Dartmoor. We continued down the path for around six miles until we reached Okehampton where we did some exploring and Sheena bought some waterproof socks in preparation for the forecast rain deluge tomorrow. We then made our way to the village of Belostone where we stayed at our first pub of the journey, The Tors. Needless to say as we arrived we were soaked in the rain yet again.

25/04/2012 DAY 9 - Belstone to Crediton 18.9 miles total 148.7 miles

We left The Tors pub in an absolute deluge of rain which was predicted but we thought it might be just a heavy shower. How wrong were we, it continued in monsoon proportions all day. having left the pub we headed for Sticklepath, then Langdown then Spreyton, saw a sign saying Trundlebeer 1 mile, what great place to live,,,, anyway after that amusement we came across a road blocked by severe foodwater so we had to turn around and head back on a detour which took us via East Hillerton and then coffee in the church grounds at Colebrook. We then continued along the country roads to Crediton in the pouring rain. Today has been the worst day so far on our journey, wet cold and miserable would sum it up, so fingers crossed things get better tomorrow.

26/04/2012 DAY 10 Crediton to Tiverton 15.8 miles total 164.5 miles

We left Crediton and took the country roads to Thorveton and headed towards Bickleigh Mill enjoying the best views of the countryside so far. After lunch at the Fishermans Cot pub we continued to follow the banks of the River Exe into Tiverton. What a difference a day makes no rain until 3 minutes before the B&B.

27/04/2012 DAY 11 Tiverton to Wellington 18.3 miles total so far 182.8 miles

We set off from Tiverton and quickly found our way onto the Great Western Canal towpath and followed the canal until it ended nr Burnthill Farm then continued on tracks to Thorne St Margaret, Holywell Lake, Rockwell Green and into Wellington. A big thank you to Sallie Ann who had a whip round in the Vintage Inn for Help for Heroes and the staff at the Blue Mantle Guest House who also donated to our cause, a big thank you. It goes without saying that we got drenched yet again today.

28/04/2012 DAY 12 Wellington to Burrowbridge 18.2 miles total so far 201 miles

We left the Blue Mantle in the rain and headed off down the A38 and into Taunton which was going to be our end destination. However due to the impending monsoon forecast the following day we decided to push on towards Street but called time at Burrowbridge and stayed at the King Alfred Inn where we were very well looked after by Jim and Sally who also very kindly donated towards our cause. Our journey took us through Taunton on the Bridgewater-Taunton canal path turning off at Charlton and following the River Tone to our end destination. Once again we were absolutely soaked in the rain.

29/04/2012 DAY 13 Burrowbridge to Street 10.6 miles total so far 211.6 miles.

We left the excellent King Alfred Inn in the pouring rain and made the decision to take the main roads as we did not want to get marooned out on the Somerset Levels. Not a pleasant day at all trudging down the A361 and the A39 but we eventually arrived in Street and another opportunity to dry out at our B&B, the Birches, who also made a kind donation to our cause.

30/04/2012 DAY 14 Street to Radstock 20.1 miles total so far 231.7 miles

Today we set off in the gloom and drizzle from Street and quickly made our way past Glastonbury and once more out onto the Somerset Levels and set out sights on the Mendip Hills on the horizon. We got off the Levels after 8 miles and had a break before the climbing of the Mendips began, once done it was an endless journey of country roads to Chilcompton before picking up the main road into Radstock. Today was our eighth continuous day on the raod so we have decided to have a rest day tomorrow before picking up the trail once more on Wednesday and heading towards the Cotswold Way.

02/05/2012 DAY 15 Radstock to Batheaston 15 miles total so far 246.7 miles

A steady day today and the first since we started when it did not rain! We headed East out of Radstock and onto the number 24 Cycle Route which eventually took us to the Kennet and Avon Canal where we turned North West and followed the canal to Bathampton then walked the short distance to Batheaston. It was nice to spend a day on reasonably flat ground.

03/05/2012 DAY 16 Batheaston to Hawkesbury Upton 16.5 miles total so far 263.2 miles

We left Batheaston and headed uphill for 3.5 miles to the top of the ridge and looked back towards Bath, a very inpressive sight even in the rain, normal service continued! We then continued on the country lanes to Marshfield and onto Tormarton after crossing the M4, it does feel like we have now left the South West of the country. After lunch in a bus shelter in Tormarton (it was raining still) we headed for Old Sodbury, then Little Sodbury along the Cotswold Way before ending the day at Hawkesbury Upton. Tomorrows destination is Dursley and more of the Cotswold Way.

04/05/2012 DAY 17 Hawkesbury Upton to Dursley 9.7 miles total so far 272.9 miles

Today we set off in the rain to do the 'hilly bit' of the Cotswold Way. We made our way through Hillesley, Wortley and then to Wotton Under Edge. After which we took the country lanes to Dursley. Although only a shorter day in distance it certainly made up for it on the hilly bits. Today was one of the coldest days so far on this trek. Tomorrow we are heading for Painswick.

05/05/2012 Day 18 Dursley to Painswick 14.3 miles total so far 287.2 miles.

We left the Underhill B&B and walked through Dursley and picked up the Cotswold Way to Middleyard then the B4066 into Stroud then we took the Painswick Old Road into Painswick and stayed at Washwell Farm for the night after watchig the FA cup final.

06/05/2012 Day 19 Painswick to Cheltenham 12.7 miles total so far 299.9 miles.

We left Washwell Farm and continued on the Cotswold Way over Painswick Golf Course, through Buckholt Wood and the country lanes to Leckhampton Hill where we took in the magnificent views of the Vale of Evesham before taking the country lanes again into Cheltenham.

07/05/2012 Day 20 Cheltenham to Tewkesbury 9.4 miles total so far 309.3 miles.

Set off from the Big Sleep hotel and headed west bound out of Cheltenham on the A4016 before turning off at the retail park to take the country lanes all the way to Tewkesbury. Yet another day in the rain. We enquired about taking The Severn Way to Worcester but it was evident that the path was still flooded and boggy so yet another change of route is in order.

08/05/2012 Day 21 Tewkesbury to Worcester 19.4 miles total so far 328.7 miles.

Today was the first day that sun has come out and did not rain. We headed North out of Tewkesbury on the A38 before turning off at Shuthonger then walking through the villages of Twyning, Upper Strensham, Hill Croome, Baughton, Kinnersley Kerswell Green and finally Worcester where we met up with friends Chrissie and Lee.

10/05/2012 Day 22 Worcester to Stourton on Severn 15.4 miles total so far 344.1 miles.

Today we walked down the Monarchs Way and then onto the Worcester & Birmingham Canal. We travelled through Potters Mill and Ombersley, Uphampton, Lincombe before finally reaching Stourport on Severn for the night and meeting up with the Black family.

11/05/2012 Day 23 Stourton on Severn to Kinver 12.1 miles total so far 356.2 miles.

We left Stourton on Severn and went straight onto the Staffordshire & Worcester Canal and headed for Kidderminster. After a coffee break here it was country roads to Kinver via Blakeshall. Once at Kinver we were very well looked after at Flornorvan B&B by John & Elaine who also very kindly made a donation to H4H.

12/05/2012 Day 24 Kinver to Penkridge 26.4 miles total so far 382.6 miles.

After leaving Flornorvan it was canal time again on the Staffordshire & Worcester heading all the way to Penkridge via Wolverhampton. Today was possibly one of the longest day we will have on the road during this journey and we were certainly very tired on reaching the Littleton Arms.

13/05/2012 Day 25 Penkridge to Stafford 9.1 miles total so far 391.7 miles.

Yes you guessed it, walking down the side of the canal again all the way to Stafford. A short day compared to yesterday. In Stafford we were met by friends Barbs and Chris who looked after us that evening and many thanks to Barbs mum for the doantion to H4H.

14/05/2012 Day 26 Stafford to Uttoxeter 15.5 miles total so far 407.2 miles.

Once again we met the Staffordshire & Worcester canal for a short distance before leaving at Great Harewood and taking paths and bridleways. We could see Blithfield Reservoir to our East then taking the country lanes into Uttoxeter.

15/05/2012 Day 27 Uttoxeter to Oakamoor 11.5 miles total so far 418.7 miles

We left Uttoxter via the A50 juction to Spath then took the coutry lanes to Crakemarsh, Combridge before pausing for coffee at Denistone. After that it was national cycle route 54 all the way to Oakamoor which took us past Alton Towers which seemed to be in full flow. First back pain of the walk today for dave, fingers crossed it won't happen again just a bit of cramp we think. On arriving at oakamoor we stayed at the Beehive Guest House which is run by Ruth and Colin Franks. Ruth and Colin are supporters of help for Heroes and kindly donated the whole cost of our stay to H4H, such generosity. Oakamoor is situated very close to Alton Towers so if you are considering an overnight stay please think of staying with Ruth and Colin at the Beehive.

16/05/2012 Day 28 Oakamoor to Leek 11.2 miles total so far 429.9 miles.

We left Oakamoor via the country lanes to Moneystone and Ipstone and then finally into Leek. Today took us over the Staffordshire Moorlands which borders on the Peak District and it certainly gave us some dramatic views of the countryside we had just travelled through. Today was another cold but dry day but nothing like the very cold day we had walking into Oakamoor. Tomorrow is a rest day before we navigate our way around Manchester and onto the Lake District.

18/05/2012 Day 29 Leek to Macclesfield 17.5 miles total so far 447.5

After being dropped off back in Leek by Rowena we headed out of town and onto the disused railway line which is now a cycle path to Rudyard and made our way past the reservoir on our left. Then is was through Rushton Spencer and taking the country roads through Woodhouse Green and Cloud Side before taking the Macclesfield Canal into the center of town.

19/05/2012 Day 30 Macclesfield to Altrincham 19.5 miles total so far 466.9 miles.

We left Macclesfield today heading for Riverside Park and picking up the trail for the Bollin Way. Once at the park we could see that the way was clearly signposted through the fields to Wilmslow although the way was very boggy due to the overnight rain. We then continued on the Bollin Way and found ourselves walking through a tunnel under Runway 2 of Manchester Airport! After that experience we made our waty through Warburton Green and Hale and into Altrincham.

20/05/2012 Day 31 Altrincham to Wigan 23.1 miles total so far 490 miles.

Early start out of Altrincham and quickly made our way to the Trans Pennine Cycle Trail and headed towards Heatley. We then headed North over the Manchester Ship Canal then picking up the Glazebrook Trail. We took this to Pennington Flash were we met up with the Leeds & Liverpool Canal which took us all the way into Wigan.

21/05/2012 Day 32 Wigan to Preston 21.7 miles total so far 511.7 miles

Today was a day of mixed fortunes. We decided on the urban route to preston which involved heading out of Wigan on the A49, it was also the first day in which we wore T-Shirts from the off. Our first destination of the day was Chorley to post some maps back and were we also met the Cooper family who very kindly donated to H4H. After Chorley we made our way to Cuerdon Valley Park where I had the misfortune to slip over and severley damage my right hand, broken bones or just a sprain i'm not sure but either way i can hardly use it. That said we continued on our journey into Preston and over the impressive River Ribble.

22/05/2012 Day 33 Preston to Bilsborrow 13 miles today total so far 524.7 miles

We left Preston feeling very tired and myself with a poorly hand. We headed out of town and picked up the Lancaster Canal all the way to Bilsborrow. Here we had refreshments at The Roebuck Inn after a very tiring walk in the heat and also met some very nice people who donated to H4H.

23/05/2012 Day 34 Bilsborrow to Lancaster 19.8 miles today total so far 544.7 miles

Today was another day on the Lancaster Canal and an early start saw us head towards Garstang then onto Calgate. In Lancaster we stayed at the Shakespear B&B where we took the opportunity to wash our walking clothes!

24/05/2012 Day 35 Lancaster to Burton in Kendal 13.4 miles today total so far 557.9 miles

We left Lancaster and joined our old friend the Lancaster Canal once again and headed for Carnforth and Tewitfield. Today was another very hot day on the trail and it seemed relentless with the canal on our right for the whole journey. Once we arrived at the Kings Arms in Burton in Kendal we again met nice people who donated to H4H, many thanks again to Natalie who made us feel so welcome at the Kings Arms.

25/05/2012 Day 36 Burton in Kendal to kendal 12.3 miles today total so far 570.2 miles

Once again it was a day on the Lancaster Canal and we saw it through until its end at Stainton Bridge End. Then it was national cycle route 6 all the way into Kendal but not before stopping at Natland for an ice cream in the blistering heat. We have decided to have a break in Kendal as it was our eighth staright day on the road. Time to re charge the batteries before we head for Scotland. 

28/05/12 Day 37 - Kendal to Shap 16.8 miles today total so far 587 miles.

We left Kendal on the A6 but soon took to the country lanes heading for Gilthwaiterigg then onto Garth Row. Then Garth Bank and Crake Hall past Grisdale Farm, crossing the A6 again at Hallowgate then bridleway at Crookdale Bridge then following it all the way to Shap granite works then A6 into Shap. The weather today was scorching so it was a big thanks to to the owners of Dacre Stables for giving us cold drinks and a very big thanks to everyone at the 'Greyhound' in Shap for looking after us so well.

29/05/12 Day 38 - Shap to Skelton via Penrith 20 miles today total so far 607 miles.

We left the Greyhound Hotel after chatting to a Coast to Coast walker and headed off for Brampton Grange then Askham and through the Lowther Country Park all the way to Penrith. Dave was nursing the blisters on his feet that he had picked up over the past couple days walking in all the heat. However we pressed on as we wanted to chip a few miles off tomorrows mileage as we  were meeting Sheena's daughter, Siobhan, later that evening in Penrith so we pressed on all the way to Skelton, very sore feet by then but at least the weather was good for us.

30/05/12 Day 39 - Skelton to Carlisle 17.4 miles today total so far 624.4 miles.

Siobhan very kindly dropped us off this morning back in Skelton. After saying our goodbyes and Dave wearing his replacemnet boots that Siobhan had brought over with her we headed off on Cycle Route 7. This took us through Sowerby Row and Raughton Head then it was the Cumbria Way to Dalton and then into Carlisle, we had made the top of England, Scotland tomorrow.

31/05/12 Day 40 - Carlisle to Kirkpatrick Fleming 16 miles today total so far 640.4 miles.

On leaving Carlisle it was quick stop at the Chemist for more blister packs for poor Dave's toes! We then headed off in torrential rain past what is left of Hadrians Wall to just short of the M6 junction. We had a change of route here as the road we wanted to walk down looked too dangerous given the poor weather conditions so we headed off for Rockliffe then Floristonrigg, then picking up the road next to the M6 and over the River Esk to Gretna Green where we had lunch out of the rain! Then it was ther last few miles down the B7076 to Kirkpatrick Fleming.

01/06/12 Day 41 - Kirkpatrick Fleming to Lockerbie 12.4 miles today total so far 652.8 miles.

A straight forward day on the B7076 and the blisters are bearing up! There is very little traffic on the road unlike yesterday and it had finally stopped raining. 

02/06/12 Day 42 - Lockerbie to Moffat 16.7 miles today total so far 669.5 miles.

Today was cold, dull and windy on the B7076 as we headed North to Moffat in contrast to yesterday's heat. The journey seemed to take an age as it's not much fun walking on one road all the way however we were rewarded by staying at the excellent No39 B&B in Moffat.

03/06/12 Day 43 - Moffat to Abington Services M73 - 21.4 miles today total so far 690.9 miles.

Another very cold and dull day on the B7076 and A702. Theres not much in the way of accommodation around here so we spent the night at the Days Inn hotel at the service station!

04/06/12 Day 44 - Abington to Larkhall 21.1 miles today total so far 712 miles.

It was a very slow start out of the service station this morning as we were feeling so tired. Once again we headed up the B7078 and aimed for Lesmahagow where we had lunch, well a stop at the co-op. Then it was back on the road through Blackwood and onto the Old School B&B at Larkhall where we were very well looked after by Mick and Mary. Tomorrow Glasgow.

05/06/12 Day 45 - Larkhall to Glasgow 20.5 miles today total so far 732.5 miles.

We carried on the B7078 through Larkhall, Hamilton, Burnbank, Hallside, Halfway, Cairns, Vicarland, Cambuslang, Eastfield, Dalmarnock before reaching the Kelvin Way and following the River Clyde to the city centre. Just to top the day off it started raining in the last hour to make sure we were wet before we arrived at the Premier Inn. 

06/06/12 Day 46 - Glasgow to Milngavie 7 miles today total so far 739.5 miles.

A short walk out of the city centre today up thre Kelvin Way and A81 to set us up for the West Highland Way (WHW) tomorrow morning. Torrential rain all the way thank goodness it was only seven miles. When we got back we had to re proof our coats and they were starting to lea badly. We met up with our friend Tim Hamlyn this evening in Wetherspoons (as usual).

07/06/12 Day 47 Milngavie to Balmaha 17.2 miles today total so far 756.7 miles.

We took the train out to Milngavie to start the WHW and soon put a Mr Smart ass in his place when he asked us if we thought we would make it all the way to Fort William, the reply was "I think so mate, weve just walked here from Land's End"! At least the rain had stopped today and we followed the well signposted route out of Milngavie to Drymen then onto Balmaha where met two other End to Enders, Phil and Mick who were doing a supported walk and also raising money for H4H. 

09/06/12 Day 48 - Balmaha to Inversnaid 14.6 miles today total so far 771.3 miles.

We headed North out of Balmaha on the WHW along the East shore of Loch Lomond. Coffee break was at Rowardennan then we continued up hill and down dale along the loch side all the way to the Inversnaid hotel. Today was our first day of being eaten by the dreaded midges! A tough day,,,,,, 

10/06/12 Day 49 - Inversnaid to Inverarnan 6.7 miles today total so far 778 miles.

We continued to make our way past Loch Lomond today after negotiating a tricky section which involved clambering over boulders, tree roots and fallen trees all in torrential rain once more. We stayed the night in a 'wigwam' at Beinglas farm which was an experience. A short day distance wise but another tough day on the WHW.

11/06/12 Day 50 - Inverarnan to Tyndrum 12 miles today total so far 790 miles.

We headed off this morning and the journey seemed all up hill and not much fun either by all the midges that were attacking us. The wind was also in the North so it felt really cold too. That said a morale booster was found at Strathfillon Campsite along the way as we found they were selling bacon cobs! England v France tonight in the Euros. 

12/06/12 Day 51 - Tyndrum to The Kings House Hotel (Glen Coe) 19.2 miles today total so far 809.2 miles.

After being very well looked after by Heather at the Tigh-Na-Fradch B&B we headed North once again on the WHW. We continued through Bridge of Orchy then Inveroran and Loch Tulla before skirting the edge of Rannoch Moor and arriving at our destination The Kings House Hotel in Glen Coe. The views were absolutely amazing today.

13/06/12 Day 52 - The Kings House to Kinlochleven 8.7 miles today total so far 817.9 miles.

In near perfect walking conditions we set off from The Kings House along Glen Coe and then up the Devils Staircase taking in the mountain views of the Highlands. Then before knew it we were making our way down the mountains and to the Blackwater Hostel in Kinlochleven. 

14/06/12 Day 53 - Kinlochleven to Fort William 15.8 miles today total so far 833.7 miles.

From the start the WHW was seriously up hill then thankfully it evened out and was just undulating for the rest of the journey into Fort William and the end of the WHW where we duly had our forms signed to prove we had completed the route. We also said our goodbyes to our German walking companions for the WHW. As one route ends another starts, it's the Great Glen Way tomorrow.

15/06/12 Day 54 - Fort William to Laggan 21.1 miles today total so far 854.8 miles.

 After being spoilt by yesterdays good weather it was rain and wind and a serious drop in temprature once more as we started the Great Glen Way. We headed for Banavie, passing Neptunes Staircase on the Caledonian Canal, then past Gairlochy. Then continuing along the side of Loch Lochy for the rest of the miserable day. Both of us were completely worn out by the time we reached Laggan Locks, the WHW was starting to take it's toll. Dave also nearly managed to knock himself out! 

16/06/12 Day 55 - Laggan to Invermoriston 18.8 miles today total so far 873.6 miles.

Once more it was a day in the rain as we continued the Great Glen Way from Laggan Locks. We went past Loch Oich and continued to the swing bridge where we found a tea room at Aberchalder, which we could have done with yesterday! After cake we continued to Fort Augustus and had a toastie in the pub, a rare treat just to get out of the rain. We now started to walk along Loch Ness in the heavy rain and were pleased to arrive at our B&B in Invermoriston. 

17/06/12 Day 56 - Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit 13.4 miles today total so far 887 miles.

At least the rain had stopped over night, just dull and grey for what seemed like yet another day spent walking up hill. We eventually made it to a small road which took us all the way into 'Drum' and to the hostel. 

18/06/12 Day 57 Drumnadrochit to Inverness 20.5 miles today total so far 907.5 miles.

We left the hostel and once again faced a stiff up hill climb of 1200ft but we were rewarded with some great views of Urquhart Castle on the shore of Loch Ness. Then the views turned to moorland before we had a great panoramic view of Inverness before we made our decent into the city following the River Ness, another long distance trail completed.

20/06/12 Day 58 Inverness to Alness 21.3 miles today total so far 928.8 miles.

We left Inverness on the A9 and walked over the Kessock Bridge. At Charleston we took the country road for Munlochy and then picked up Cycle Route 1 for Culbokie where we had lunch in the rare sunshine.Then it was back on the A9 to cross the Crommarty Bridge for a short while before passing through Evanton and to Alness on the back roads. When crossing the bridge we saw seals in the Firth and our first road sign for John O'Groats, 101 miles.

21/06/12 Day 59 Alness to Dornoch 21.4 miles today total so far 950.2 miles.

Yet another long day with rain forecast at 4pm. We headed of on Cycle Route 1 in the direction of Tain and made the most of the long flat road however the rain came early before we reached Tain. After a stop over in Tain we headed alomng the A9 and over the Dornoch Firth Bridge then taking the back road at Cuthill and into Dornoch. Sheena was suffering from a sore left foot for the last couple of miles. However the delighful Kyle View House B&B more than made up for the awful days walking.

22/06/12 Day 60 Dornoch to Brora 18.4 miles today total so far 968.6 miles.

We headed out of Dornoch in the rain once more and headed for Loch Fleet passing through Hilton and Fourpenny. On arriving at Loch Fleet although the weather was awful we could see lots of seals and Oystercatchers. Then it was back onto the A9 once again to Golspie where it was toastie time again for lunch before we continued along the beach past Dunrobin castle to Brora. We met up once again with Mike and Phil our fellow End to Enders and their wives in Brora that evening.

23/06/12 Day 61 - Brora to Helmsdale 11.3 miles today total so far 979.9 miles.

The next two days were spent hacking out a route on the busy A9. Thankfully when we left Brora it was a saturday morning so there wern't as many lorries as usual. In between dodging the cars and trucks we were rewarded with some amazing views of the coast even though we were walking in the drizzle. At Helmsdale we had dinner in the famous La Merina 'chippy', the portions were enourmous, a good job we were both walking! We stayed at the Kindale House B&B where we were very well looked after by Sharon who also made a kind donation to H4H.

24/06/12 Day 62 Helmsdale to Dunbeath 16.4 miles today total so far 996.3 miles.

Day 2 of the A9 trek, up hill for the first three miles in the high wind and rain so we were very pleased to arrive in Dunbeath. Today we say for the first time cyclists heading south for Lands End which we thought was a good sign that we were nearly done.

25/06/12 Day 63 Dunbeath to Watten 21 miles today total so far 1,017.3 miles.

We headed off on the A9 for the last time and were pleased to make Latheron where the A9 splits with the A99 and so reduced the traffic by half.  Then it was through Lybster and after a mile we picked up the country road for Watten which was completely straight for 14 miles! The weather was cold and with drizzle to start with, the only break in the monotony of the moorland being Camster Cairns an ancient burial ground and a massive wind farm being built to our East. We duly arrived at the Brown Trout Hotel in Watten and prepared ourselves for our last day of this magnificent journey.

26/06/12 Day 64 Watten to John O'Groats 17.8 miles today, total 1,035.1 miles.

We left the Brown Trout Hotel in glorious sunshine feeling like a pair of kids on Christmas day morning knowing that this would be the last day. We were also very nerous about not getting an injury, what fools to do that,,,,,, Those thoughts soon gave way to reaching John O'Groats as soon as possible and we completed our last day's walking at our fastest day's average walking speed for the previous 63 days! On arriving at the finish we were greeted by Mike & Phil and their wives and shared a bottle of Champagne to celebrate. Little did we expect that there would be another one waiting for us in our hotel room!

1st July 2012

We are now at home after having made the very long bus journey home and are starting to reflect on our End to End walk.

It has to be said that this was not an easy challenge that we had set ourselves. As it turned out we walked the length of Britiain in the wettest April, May and June on record and it certainly felt that way too. Each day gave us new challeges be it the weather, the route, where could we find food or even somewhere to stay that night. Once we had found somewhere to stay it was a routine of drying wet clothes, washing dirty clothes, checking the next days route, mending kit, tending blisters and booking accommodation further down the route. As each day went on we were feeling more and more fatigued as the average of 16 miles each day took it's toll.

All of this was more than out weighed by the very generous and kind people we met the whole length of Britain as well as being priviliged to walk through some of the most beautiful countryside there is on this island.

We would both like to thank everyone that took the time to support us on this journey be it by text, phone, facebook and everyone one you who has dug deep and made a donation to our cause, Help for Heroes. We can assure you that everytime we saw that a donation had been made it really did lift our morale and keep us going through the tough bits.

One memory that we both have is that as we walked through villages between Lands End and John O'Groats was that each one had a war memorial to those servicemen and women who had lost their lives in the two world wars and other conflicts, without which we may not have been in a position to under take this walk. Quite apt really.

To see where all your generous donations are being spent please take the time to visit the Help for Heroes website;

www.helpforheroes.org.uk

Once again a very big thank you to you all in being part of our journey and making it one of the most memorable experiences of our lives.

As of 14th October 2012, including gift aid, we have raised in total £4,026.50