Day 93 - Inverness

A rest day before setting off on the last 150 miles to John o'Groats. An opportunity to discover Inverness and hopefully enough time for the blister to cool off.

A relaxed coffee just up the road from the hotel - straight across the road from Abertarff House 

- the oldest building in Inverness 1593 and as the information board said...Cromwell's troops marched past it, Jacobite soldiers walked through it. Almost invisible in the street, it is real unassuming history.

For the fourth time this trip, I've had by boots re-heeled by Timsons. Previously at Monmouth, Halifax, Galashiels and this time by Chris, Manager at Inverness.
Really quick and good value - many thanks again Chris.

Back to the Castle and as it was surrounded by builder's hoardings,
I thought I'd sketch the Castle Tavern instead - 
the tree in the middle was a bit of a nuisance and ...difficult! 

There are some really fine Georgian buildings in the town centre 
and I noticed these cautionary words....!!

Having had numerous 'goes' at the blister on my heel - I'm starting to resemble a pin cushion - I wasn't intending to go far for supper and as I headed out of the hotel, at the front door, bumped straight in to Tom and Michael from Berne who'd finished the last stage of the Great Glen Way and arrived in Inverness a little earlier.
So, ideal company for supper at the Black Isle Restaurant where we dined like kings on pizza
and discussed amongst LOTS of other things a comparison between Schwingen and Sumo!! 
If one is ever short of a conversation, I'd recommend walking the length of Britain - you never know what's going to happen next.

Then of course on to Hootananny's to hear some live music and an obligatory whisky tasting....only to help Tom and Michael with their essential research of course!!!!
This time it was
Knockando, Auchentoshan (Sherry cask) and Aberlour...amongst just one or two others!
I really believe T&M are going to be aficionados by the time they got on that plane from Edinburgh!

Another great evening!

Comments

  1. Mike D12 July 2022 at 18:21

    What will so many UK walkers do without David to cheer them on? And what we loyal followers do? Please take your time over these last 150 miles!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous14 July 2022 at 11:44

      Thanks Mike. It feels like Jo'G is coming towards me far too quickly.

      Delete
  2. Mike D12 July 2022 at 18:22

    How about a sketch of that heel blister?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous14 July 2022 at 11:48

      Hi Mike, They say a problem shared is a problem halved but in this case I think it might just put you off your supper!! Thankfully, today (14th) it's feeling much better and I'm back on the road.

      Delete
  3. Anonymous12 July 2022 at 23:25

    I agree with Mike. I’m already looking forward to your next walking adventure.
    All the best on the final leg of your epic walk!
    Neil

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous14 July 2022 at 11:56

      Thanks Neil. They say walking can become addictive! What about doing Taith Ardudwy - I'll let you suggest a date. I think Mike D might also be up for joining us!!?? How about it Mike while Christina is in Madrid next time??

      Delete
    2. Mike D14 July 2022 at 14:43

      I’ve heard the Camino de Santiago is a good one. By the way, I have massive respect for Appalachian Trail walkers. I tried the last portion in Maine (Mt. Katahdin) and had to turn around when I couldn’t get over a boulder.

      Delete
  4. Tom17 July 2022 at 03:10

    Hi David, with pleasure I remember our very nice evening in Inverness 😀

    I hope you are on a good way for your final stages!

    Take care and I follow you on your posts…🥾

    Thanks for all and the enjoyable moments 🌺
    Tom

    ReplyDelete

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