Friday, 17th may. Mileage only 33.20, but it feels like 330! It was lovely weather to start with but it changed and had a nnw hitting us, which slowed us down. Also many long, long hills.
Left at 10 for the Castle of Mey - the Scottish castle, the Queen Mother purchased and had it restored to its former glory. We did a tour of the castle and the guide informed us with many details of the Queen Mother's likes and dislikes. We also looked and admired the walled garden. It is so lovely and sitting on her favourite bench, I felt like royalty myself! The castle overlooks Pentland Firth.
We continued our journey and arrived in Thurso at 1 o'clock. Thurso is the birthplace of Sir William Smith. He was the founder of the Boys Brigade. We cycled to Melvich in Scotch Mist and after our meal we will be heading to The Shielings in Melvich for our B&B.
We met several cyclist on the road. At Dunnet Bay was a group of cyclists coming towards us. Just a few miles for them to reach JOG. They can truly say: 'W've almost 'Dunnet'. They certainly had that look of glory, that it's almost over!
We get lots of waves from car drivers, who incidentally are very courteous.
Yesterday on the way to JOG we stopped at Carnisbay Kirk. This ancient church is the northernmost place of worship in the Scottish mainland. John o'Groats is buried here. They have moved his tombstone into the vestibule of the church for preservation. There is unusual lettering around the carved cross. It reads as follows: 'Donald Grot, sone to Johne Grot laid me heir April XIII day 1568 M.D.L. Lewys and Donald Grot and his gonaield lad and thaar faorbears of Donald whouse God cald me ye XIII day of April Anno Dominy MDL 1568".
Well, there is some ancient Gaelic for you to practice on!
This church was also used for worship by the Queen Mother and Prince Charles Duke of Rothesay worships here each year in August.