Day 98: Wick to Keiss

You might be having a heatwave wherever you are in the UK, however up in the Scottish highlands, it’s grey and very cold. The penultimate day was pretty straightforward, following roads out of Wick, and along a beach. 

• Date: 26 June 2024
• Start: Wick
• End: Keiss
• Miles: 12.9
• Total miles: 1,270.6
• Accommodation: North Keiss B&B

We popped to the local Co Op in Wick before setting off this morning to grab lunch for today and tomorrow, as there’s no shops from here until the end. 

We then set off along the river and through the streets of Wick. 

The path kept mostly to roads for the first few miles as we headed towards a farm. There were lots of cows about but luckily the path sandwiched itself between two fences to avoid them. 

We then reached Noss Head Lighthouse, following the path through fields. 

The path then went around the headland towards the Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, which we walked around the outside of, before continuing along towards the beach. 

It was very windy and cold as we walked along the beach, but it was easy going so that was a plus. We eventually reached a river which we needed to cross, so it was time to take the boots and socks off and revert to sliders. 

The beach then ended and we headed up a track towards the town of Keiss. The campsite that I was aiming for was just along the A99 out of town. It was another basic campsite, with nothing but a water tap. 

The weather had taken a turn by this point, with fog descending and the view of the sea from the campsite now blocked. 

After not having a shower or freshening up, we headed to the pub back in Keiss for dinner, and to warm up. We even had the fire lit for us. I can’t believe how cold it is up here compared to further south. 

We then headed back to camp where the fog had cleared. This could well be my last night in the tent. I was due to camp tomorrow night at John O’Groats, but the weather isn’t looking particularly great tomorrow evening, but it is good during the day. So we might just stay in a hotel. 

Tomorrow, well you all know what happens tomorrow.