Now in Tichborne Arms near Winchester. This morning walked around beautiful Bicton Park Botanical gardens for an hour. Stunning but marred by the cold wind and rain. Every time I lent over for Sacha she was soaked by a deluge of water that had collected in the brim of my waterproof hat. The driving became worse with thick fog as well. Having only had cold, leftover coffee I stopped in Waitrose for coffee and croissant and had a chat with Wendy who was my age a...

The adventure begins. The house exterior is being cladded and painted. The scaffolders were busy on my house and I'm leaving everyone to it - heading for Scandinavia. Pee stop and walk for Sacha at the bicycle trail near Sourton on the edge of Dartmoor I had discovered it before and it is conveniently 80 miles from home. Idea! Someone should write a book on convenient dog walks off main routes. The weather is cloudy and trying to drizzle. Using Britstop - t...

The day started all grey and misty and then it changed to a gloriously warm and sunny day. I headed for Whitby with the beautiful Abbey on the headland as shown in the picture. Then made my way to Robin Hood Bay before driving onto Scarborough. All these places were very busy with people enjoying the sunshine. Decided to go onto Grimsby and now at the White Horse Inn and enjoying the delicious food and considerate service.

Earlier I did visit Scone (pronounced Scoon) Palacewhich was amazing. Now back in England and feel quite sad to be leaving friendly efficient Scotland. Camped with another Britstop stop at a farm shop near Berwick upon Tweed. In the morning drove into the town and walked around the ramparts. Then onto Holy Island and luckily the tide was out so I could drive along the causeway. Many wild fowl. Surprisingly busy but then anywhere would be after the remote areas...

Before Durness I had stayed on the island of Hoy in Orkneys at Rackwick Walked to the Old Man Of Hoy Earlier ferry enabled me to catch the north link to Scrabster. Felt bad not saying goodbye to Kath who had a meal cooking for me but was at the hairdresser. Doug was outside digging up the potatoes. From ferry views of Hoy. Drove west until dark looking for camping place. A couple of false hopes like going down long track to beach and then no overnight camping ...