Run Britain Day 144: From Dunnet to John O’Groats

The west coast took me 100 days, the north has taken me four. That is partly because I have done some very big days this week, but also the simple fact that it is shorter and straighter and significantly easier. I have loved it and I’m sad that it is already over. 

It’s been another great day to complete the north coast though. In fact, the weather has been so good, I have been able to get my shorts out for the first time since November. 

There is something momentarily horrifying about the first shorts day of the season. When your legs haven’t seen the sun for several months and you feel like they’re glowing white. But it doesn’t take long to get over that incredibly vain thought and enjoy the fact that spring is in the air. 

Reaching Duncansby Head (which is further north and further east than John O’ Groats) in my shorts, in the sunshine, was quite an emotional moment. Turning right at the corner put me properly back on the east coast. I felt like I could almost see home. It is now only two short months until I will be running along the beach in Thorpeness again, which is incredibly exciting. 

I completed the day by running to the John O’Groats sign, which is nicer than the Lands End one, mainly because they don’t try and charge you to take a picture of it. And there is also a pub, which is very friendly and welcoming. And the carpark is £3.50, compared to £5.