On day nine we set off with a fresh determined resolve. Even the two hour downpour of thundery rain was strangely enjoyable. It wasn't cold and I laughed as I cycled through deserted lanes drenched to the bone, my toes squelching with water. Once the rain stopped we slowly dried off as we pedalled through Brampton; passing into Scotland was a great psychological boost. We arrived at Langholm having completed 60 miles we were buoyed up and keen to keep cycling. So we booked up a B&B 35 miles ahead and continued into the evening soaking up the uplifting scenery of Scotland. The hills followed the contours of the mountains, deer were drinking from the rivers the roads were deserted, it was magical.

Day fifteen and we had 75 miles to go. The first 25 miles were a dream we seemed to sail alongside the Loch and River Naver up to the North Coast at Bettyshill. Unfortunately the last 55 miles proved to be the toughest conditions of the journey. A strong blustery South Easterly Wind meant that keeping upright, let alone going forwards was a battle. I struggled painfully onwards, buffeted constantly with the gusts; at times I had to check my odometer to confirm that I was moving forwards and not cycling just to stay stationary. We wearily ploughed our way to John O'Groats where the cows mooed a greeting of congratulations. At 7pm we stopped beneath the white sign and got some tourists to take our photo. I was tired, relieved and quietly thrilled. We cracked open a bottle of champagne that Stu had bought in Thurso and toasted our efforts, it had been tough but the 1073 mile journey had been worth it.