Day 97 - Tain to Dornoch - 10.5 miles

The route out of Tain crossed the A9 and soon passed into woodland where I met this chap who didn't seem bothered by my overtaking him.

Perhaps he'd been on the Glenmorangie!!

To cross the Dornoch Firth, walking on the A9 is unavoidable.

There was a narrow margin on both sides as the road led to the bridge and a pavement - of sorts - on both sides as the road crosses over the water. I decided that pulling the dayglow raincover over my bag was a good idea.

At the far end of the bridge, the map implied that there was a path along the waters edge. Finding it involved climbing over the crash barrier and a chain link fence - as others have obviously done.

Then a lovely walk along the side of Dornoch Firth with wild flowers.

A chatty horse keen to hear any passing gossip. Of course, I complimented her on the selection of colours for her front hooves.

On the outskirts of Dornoch, the trail goes through Camore wood which has remains of 2-3000 year old hut circles and field systems. Apparently, with 25 hut circles Camore might have been quite a significant place for its time.

Dornoch seems geared up for lots of visitors - with a cathedral, castle, an attractive town square and no shortage of coffee shops and what claims to be Scotland's finest golf course.

The cathedral was started in 1224 by Gilbert de Moravia ( don't ask! ) He was Bishop of Caithness at the time. He also built his  bishop's palace which 200 years later was rebuilt as a castle.
A few years later, his brother Richard de Moravia was killed in a battle at Embo - a few miles up the road - fending of a party of uninvited Danes who were trying it on!!!
Reputedly, during the battle, Richard slew the leader of the Danes with the leg of a horse!
Whether the leg was still attached to his horse at the time is unclear but a pretty nasty fight it must have been!

For this bravery, Richard and his sarcophagus have lain in the Cathedral ever since.

Sir Richard with a very fine book case !!

Dornoch Castle, now the Castle Hotel with a very tempting oak-lined whisky bar!!

Total distance walked so far = 1183.7 miles

Total ascent so far = 132 787 feet

If you'd like to leave a comment, correct me on any detail or just nudge, it'd be great to hear from you. If initially it comes up as Anonymous, please just add your name at the bottom so I can see who it's from.

email: david.LL.thomas@gmail.com

mob: 07850109100

If you'd like to contribute to any or all of the three great charities I'm supporting, here are the relevant links.

- Parkinsons UK   - My dad had Parkinsons in his latter years and the research work this charity funds and the support it provides to patients and their families is invaluable. - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-thomas215

- Just Wheels UK  - this is a small charity set up to provide wheelchairs in a rural community in Tanzania. It does this through funding training, education and the local fabrication and servicing of bespoke wheelchairs. My nephew uses a wheelchair and as he grows I can see the life changing freedoms that proper wheelchairs can bring to both users and their families.- 

 https://donate.thebiggive.org.uk/campaign/a056900002H35TDAAZ

- RNLI   - these are the brave guys who selflessly head out to sea to help others. I volunteer at Littlehampton RNLI shop and often meet families of those who’ve had first hand experience of their loved ones being saved from the sea. Having sailed for years I can say thankfully we’ve never had to call on the RNLI's services but it’s amazing what it does to know they are there 

https://www.justgiving.com/