Day 93: Brora to Helmsdale

Another day of beautiful weather. I was back walking along the beach near enough all day today. 

• Date: 21 June 2024
• Start: Brora
• End: Helmsdale
• Miles: 12.5
• Total miles: 1,214.3
• Accommodation: Helmsdale Lodge Hostel

As well as being the longest day of the year, today marks three months since I set off from Land’s End. Where has that time gone!

After moving my bag to the hostel I’d be staying in tonight, I caught the train back to Brora, to continue my walk back to Helmsdale. 

I then set off in the sunshine around the back of a golf course, which also had sheep on it. 

I followed the shore for most of the day, sandwiched between the railway line and the beach. Sometimes the railway line was so close, you were literally on the fence next to it. There were also some minor streams which needed to be crossed, with sometimes helpful ways to cross them. 

I did arrive at less of a stream and more of a river, with no sensible way to cross it. I therefore just had to go in with my boots on, so I didn’t slip, and walk across with the water up to my knees. 

The path continued sandwiched between the railway and the shore, and also went through a very rubbish looking campsite (there wasn’t even any facilities or water). 

I finally left the shoreline and climbed uphill to my favourite road, the A9. The path then used back roads to continue into Helmsdale. 

I headed to the hostel and checked in. I had intended to do laundry tonight, but the hostel doesn’t have laundry facilities, even though it’s advertised. This is the third hostel to do this, it’s incredibly irritating! Don’t advertise laundry if you don’t have it!

Today’s walk was the last one on my own, which I’m grateful for. I need someone to motivate me to the end, and my friend Vik arrives tomorrow to join me for the final stretch. 

Tomorrow is also the last rest day, where I suspect I’ll spend the day trying to find somewhere to do laundry.