Day 16 Helmsdale to John O'Groats

55.4 miles in 315 mins

Since it was the last day, the rain, wind and hill(?) gods decided to have one last go at stopping us. There were steep long hills from the outset, into the biting wind and driving rain. We were reduced to a crawling pace for the first couple of hours, but we were not to be defeated now. We met with our steepest ascent, heaviest rain and some strong winds. Things lulled a bit by lunch time and we resolved to pick up the pace in the afternoon, determined to finish at a respectable time. The rain and hills gave up one by one and although the wind persisted, we realised we wouldn't have felt at home if it hadn't. It was even decided that we should sprint the last 15 miles, which we managed in under an hour (doesn't sound that fast, but it required quite a lot of effort). We reached the village of John O'Groats at about 5, where mum met us and paid for the extortionate official photo. We had a pint in the pub and visited Duncansby Head, the actual farthest point. Anyway, we're done now - very relieved and a little tired.