Today was a much shorter section, only 17k (11 miles). My plan was to start by 8.00 to be finished by early afternoon. However we woke to thick sea mist, and in the end I got away at 8.50 in a light drizzle.
The whole day was basically spent on the cliff edge path with only a couple of excursions inland to cross burns. Amazing stacks and arches followed one after another. The Stack of Ulbster was the first highlight, followed quickly by a blowhole. That would be spectacular in an easterly gale.
Carrying on past geo after geo…
…I came The Needle’s Eye at Ashy. This huge arch easily rivals Durdle Door in Dorset.
At Girston there were South Stack…
…and Dunbar’s Stack.
Just when you thought nothing could top these, Stack o’Brough appears…
…with finally another impressive arch near The Castle of Wick.
Unfortunately, towards the end of my day the mist came back, so my photographs are not as good as I would wish. It would be wonderful coastline to paddle, and I am a little surprised not to have seen any sea kayaks.
Near the castle I caught up with another walker, my first for 3 days. He was carrying an enormous rucksack and going very slowly. I was incredulous when he explained that he was only on a day hike. Goodness knows what was in the bag.
The rest of the route was through Wick, and I met up with Alan at 2.15.
The weather for tomorrow is not looking great, and more fog is likely. It is not the most impressive scenery, being largely on a golf course or beach, but there is a lighthouse and castle, so I hope that I can get some pictures.
- Spring Squills (Scilla verna) – blue flowers
- Sea-thrift (Ameria maritima) – pink flowers
- Seagulls or Kittiwakes on the cliff
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