Overcast, drizzle/showers getting heavier then clearing afternoon.
Old bridge in Helmesdale with memorial on hill in background.
Great hostel, soon away on route, mid morning was the famed climb out of Berriedale which though steep i thought was much shorter than the climb out of Helmesdale so actually less taxing (they were both fine), notice how this area has place names ending with ‘dale’.
Quiet A9.
Wildlife included lapwings, cuckoo,s curlews and still plenty of oyster catchers.
Camped just north of Dunbeath, met Chris (lejoger) in the pub where i was having the pot of tea, originaly i had planned to go through Watten but now thinking i like Andys idea of going to north east corner and aproaching John O Groats from the east via Duncansby head is good.
LeJogPlod Reader 