Durness 5k and (not) parkrun #47

[Sandie1961]

This time last year I should have run the Cape Wrath 10k but it was cancelled due to covid so I was determined to have a run when we finally got here. Unlike the news we’re hearing from home, the north of Scotland is having dry, frequently sunny weather and it’s quite mild. T-shirt and capris and I set off up the hill then a gentle slope down to the sea where the road ran out at the golf club and back again with a quick loop round the campsite to complete 5k and (not) Parkrun #47 in 32.05 with an elevation gain just over 80m. Enjoyed that 😃

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

I hope you are enjoying Durness. A group of 6 regulars did the 1/2 marathon route yesterday.

[Sandie1961 Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

It is lovely (although a little more damp this afternoon!) Unfortunately the Cape Wrath lighthouse trip hasn’t started back up again, which is a shame, as I booked 2 nights here so we could go ☹️ Just been watching 2 guys alternately running up the hill in the direction of Smoo cave and then doing burpees and squat thrusts at the bottom. Crazy 😝

[Grannyhugs Graduate10 in reply to Sandie1961]

Just spotted this reply, shame about the lighthouse trip - I think the peninsular was being used for firing practice at the weekend, not sure if that’s still ongoing just now too. Great effort those guys were you not tempted to join in? Did you get walks out to the sand dunes? If you are at all interested in birds id recommend a trip to Handa island on your way down the west coast. We may be on a mercy mission to Inverness this weekend to help a friend with a house clearance, just waiting to hear.

[Sandie1961 Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

We did see various warships sailing across the bay and there were a few booms!

No, absolutely not - we walked round to Smoo cave and that was hard enough. You know I don’t do hills 😂

Thanks I’ll look up Handa. We did go out to Duncansby before we left JOG to see the nesting sites. Incredible!

[Grannyhugs Graduate10 in reply to Sandie1961]

It’s a very narrow twisty road to the boat - I don’t know the size of your vehicle

[Sandie1961 Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

Just 6m long - a van conversion

Campervan

[Grannyhugs Graduate10 in reply to Sandie1961]

Brilliant. Have you seen the 6 guys from Orkney they’ve been running each event. They keep posting on the cape wrath site sounds like they’re having a great time

[Sandie1961 Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

Sadly not!

[backintime Graduate10]

That's a great time Sandie!Cape Wrath sounds scary

[Sandie1961 Graduate10 in reply to backintime]

As we drove over from John O’Groats yesterday, it got wilder and more rugged the further west we came. You can drive for miles without seeing a house or another person (apart from motor homes doing what we are 😂) There are beaches which wouldn’t be out of place in the Caribbean if it was 20 degrees warmer!

[Katnap Graduate10]

Looks lovely! Happy holidays 🐱

[Sandie1961 Graduate10 in reply to Katnap]

Thank you. Hope you are having a good trip visiting the relatives for the first time in months too 😃

[Couchpotato2]

That sounds great and I was up in Leeds and the weather was nice there too! Well done !

[Frenc Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Oh how lovely, you are lucky! 🏃‍♀️👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🏃‍♀️

[Sandie1961 Graduate10 in reply to Frenc]

It is so wonderful to finally be back on holiday again. Not everywhere is open, but we are in a campervan, so don’t really need very much!

[Oldgirlruns Graduate10]

What a glorious place for a (not)parkrun Sandie! The pics are beautiful!

[Sandie1961 Graduate10 in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Honestly, some of the beaches on the north coast can rival the Caribbean (even though it is somewhat chillier 🥶😂)

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

How lovely, stunning scenery and good place to run. I trust you are enjoying yourselves

[Sandie1961 Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

It is wonderful to be away again. I haven’t felt this chilled for over a year!

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Sandie1961]

Must be lovely

[Doris8 Graduate10]

Oh what a lovely place to do a not parkrun , all that beautiful scenery. Great time 😊

[Sandie1961 Graduate10 in reply to Doris8]

I want to get to 50 (not) parkruns before the real ones return, so 🤞🏻 the next one will be on the Isle of Skye on Friday

[Doris8 Graduate10 in reply to Sandie1961]

That will be lovely as well. Hope the weather stays good 🤞

[tmbtrain Graduate10]

That sounds fab. Great you've got some nice weather too! I had no idea there was a 10km there.

[Sandie1961 Graduate10 in reply to tmbtrain]

They used to have an annual running festival including 10k, half marathon and other events but, sadly, last year’s had been intended to be the last one until it was cancelled

[tmbtrain Graduate10 in reply to Sandie1961]

That's a shame. Maybe they'll still do a last one.

[BaddieThePirate Graduate10]

Wow, that’s a zoomy speed uphill. Well done.

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Lovely pics of secluded beaches Sandie. I’m glad you are able to keep the runs up too. The Cape Wrath run just had to be done

[Sandie1961 Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

It’s lovely finding different routes, although as we are moving on most days, I’ve only been able to do 2 so far

[HevvyH Graduate10]

You are reminding me of our trip round the NC500 a few years ago. Durness was one of our favourite places. Beautiful views from the campsite. Enjoy the rest of your journey and next run. 🏃‍♀️

[Sandie1961 Graduate10 in reply to HevvyH]

We are doing the NC500 and are leaving Sango Sands for Inverewe today. Superb view from our pitch

View of beach

[HevvyH Graduate10]

Ahh wonderful. Have a fantastic day. 😀

[Fionamags Graduate10]

Fabulous photos - sounds like you are having a great trip. Great run time too!

[Coddfish Graduate10]

Sounds a lovely place to run Sandie, enjoy your break.

[Sandie1961 Graduate10 in reply to Coddfish]

Thank you! The weather was so beautiful yesterday I escaped for a mooch around Inverewe Gardens. Rhodies and azaleas in full bloom. Stunning 😍