Lands End to John O'Groats!

Starting the Glencoe Way - 15 days to go

2010-06-01T04:22:00.000-07:00

Well it's the 31st May and I've had a fantastic day coming over the beautiful Scottish countryside heading towards the entrance to Glencoe way. I will be passing through the mountain ranges and along the amazing loch's.

I've had a wonderful stay in the Kings House Hotel.

I've completed 950 miles now, and I'm into my 10th week of walking.

Only 15 days left now!

Chris

As far from Derby as I was in Land's End!

2010-05-26T04:50:00.000-07:00

23rd May 2010

I am now as far from Derby as I was when I started in Lands End!

840 miles in, 320 to go.

I've had two more donations on my travels, a couple at Hartwood donated £5 and a young lady I chatted to also donated £5.

Heading towards Glasgow and then the West Highland Way now.

Chris.

Day 45 - 12th May

2010-05-26T04:45:00.001-07:00

It is very cold!! I'm in Alstone now, 650 miles in and on my 45th day.

Feeling fine and looking forward to catching up with a friend tonight who has been visiting Scotland.

Chris

Going to plan

2010-05-26T04:43:00.000-07:00

9th May 2010 and I've just left the Middleton. 619 miles in now.

I'm having a great time, although the weather is very windy still with some showers.

On my way up to Alstone.

A piper welcome to Scotland!

2010-05-16T04:53:00.000-07:00

I crossed through the Scottish boarder and was welcomed by a local Bagpiper!

A lovely welcome and chat from a man who plays to those entering Scotland which was a nice surprise.

16th May, all going well and weather seems to be improving again.

Chris

Gales and strong winds

2010-05-09T10:52:00.000-07:00

Still very windy with some showers which is making it tough but still enjoying myself and going to plan.

619 miles in now.

Chris.

8th May - 600 miles and over half way!!

2010-05-09T10:50:00.000-07:00

Finally past the half way point today after enjoying 5 days walking with Keith Blood, totalling about 85 miles together.

Going well but very strong and persistant gales at the moment which is making the walk more difficult.

Home! 26th April

2010-05-06T05:26:00.000-07:00

Definitely the best B&B!! It has been wonderful being home and catching up with all my friends and family. Although, not cooking my own breakfast!

I had a great send off as I left Derby and headed north on Thursday 29th, with Cancer Research turning up and the Derby Evening Telegraph (see links for article).

I'm looking forward to my friend Keith Blood supporting me over 5 days next week.

Once again, thank you for all the donations I have been receiving on my way!

Appleby Magna, close to home

2010-04-25T09:47:00.001-07:00

Another great weekend walking. I've come up through Warwickshire now and into Staffordshire. All going well, more donations which is great. I'm really looking forward to a few nights this week in the best B&B, home!!

Dinner at Jane's on Monday with Lucy and Becky after walking from Ticknall to Mickleover. Then walking with an entourage on Tuesday with Becky, Jane, Michael Merrifield Snr, Carolyn Steele and Terry Noonan, which will be great.

Catching up with friends from Mickleover Golf Club Tuesday night and Gayton Community Centre Wednesday.

See you soon!

Very generous donations!

2010-04-25T09:37:00.000-07:00

I'd just like to say a big THANK YOU! to everyone who has been donating money to cancer research and supporting my challenge on the way. It has been fantastic meeting and chatting to people on route and people have been so generous with their donations.

In particular, Zena Broadbent from the White Swan Hotel, Henley-in-Arden who reduced the bill and donated the extra £55 to charity! Also, Diana Bendall from the B&B in Chippen Camden who donated £25.

Trek through the Cotswolds way with Jane and Lucy

2010-04-25T09:26:00.000-07:00

Saturday 17th April and I've been joined by Jane and Lucy in the very beautiful Cotswolds. Last night we met up in Kings Stanley for a lovely meal and set off early Saturday morning for an adventure through the Cotswolds way. Having Lucy as map reader meant I could veer off roads/lanes and enjoy the countryside and woods, even if it was very challenging at times, particularly Cooper's Hill! However, we made it to Little Witcombe in good time to enjoy the evening sunshine with a drink at the local pub.

Sunday morning saw us setting off early for the route up to Badgecroft and onto Bishops Cleeve. Jane and Lucy headed back after a couple of hours after a great weekend. Looking foward to catching up again a week on Monday in Derby.

Sunday 11th April - arrived at Street

2010-04-11T12:23:00.000-07:00

Half way back to Derby now! 1/5th of the way to John O'Groats.

All going well, feet are doing fine so far and rash in check!

People I meet are donating along the way which is wonderful.

Heading towards Chewton Mendip tomorrow. Looking forward to Lucy and Jane joining me in the Cotswolds on Friday.

Going well - 120 miles in

2010-04-09T02:43:00.000-07:00

After the first 120 miles, all is going well, no blisters yet and I'm having a great time. The accomodation has been excellent.

I am currently walking from Bridestowe to Oakhampton.

Another 14 miles to go today!

www.justgiving.com/ChrisHarrington

1,150 miles to go!

2010-04-09T00:18:00.000-07:00

Only 1,150 miles to go!

Having just celebrated turning 60, I have decided to take on the huge and inspiring challenge of walking from Land's End to John O'Groats. I am dedicating this walk to the memory of my late brother-in-law Michael, who lost his fight against cancer in October 2004 aged just 51 years.

There is a special magic about the phrase 'Lands End to John O'Groats', conjuring up images of challenge and adventure. My immediate challenges were planning the route, contacting and booking almost 80 B&B stops, and having to cope with my failing eyesight. Having to retire early from teaching has allowed me to delight in my favourite passion .... walking. I've walked several long distance trails, on my own and with friends, but 2010 is the really big one. I will be walking 1,150 miles in 79 days (11 weeks) ... 15 miles per day. I leave Lands End on March 29th and cross the 'finish line' on June 15th (Lucy's birthday, Mike and Jane's eldest daughter).

Walking the route on my own may appear daunting but I am very much looking forward to the company of Jane, Lucy, Becky and a few friends at various stages along the way.

Derby Cancer Research is my chosen charity, so please dig deep and donate now.

www.justgiving.com/ChrisHarrington