After three fascinating hours on Inverness station -the only distraction being a rather cheeky Herring Gull, we caught the  two o’clock to Wick. On route we decided to leave the train early and cycle in from the west. This turned out to be slightly further than anticipated, 25 miles to be precise, but a great ride nonetheless. We got to John O’Groats in the evening sunshine, checked into the SeaView Hotel and managed to grab the ‘last sitting’ for supper.

The long wait….fifty things to do on Inverness station.

Henry the hungry Herring Gull

Decanting at Georgemas junction

We’re on the way….

…and we’ve arrived. But only at the start…!

Yesterdays route:

Todays route:

For the birders amongst you a few highlights from today, non of which count to the End 2 End trip total, included 2 Osprey, Peregrine, several Buzzard, 3 Short-eared Owl, Dipper, 2 Wheatear, Stonechat, 4 Greenshank, several Swallows, Willow Warbler, Eider and a flock of Whooper Swans. Not bad for a ‘doesn’t count’ day!

Anyway breakfast calls…