Day 24: The adventure concludes

Start: Bught Park Campsite , Inverness

End: Great Glen Way end marker, Inverness

Distance: 1 mile

Approximate total trail distance: 350 miles

I woke up early to the sounds of rustling tents, zips opening and campers shuffling around. I lay in my tent for a while, appreciating the freedom to lounge, as I finally didn't have a long day ahead of me. I ate some snacks in the sun as my tent dried from the night's rain and then repeated my usual morning routine, methodically organising and packing away my gear. The final mile into the heart of Inverness was surprisingly nice, it followed the River Ness and crossed bridges between the river islands. The skies were blue and the morning sun was warm. I walked slowly but purposefully in the direction of the trail end marker, allowing my mind and body to adjust to the feeling of almost finishing. I didn't feel eager to dive into the deep end all at once, wanting to savour the moment. To acclimitise step by step, acknowledging whatever feelings bubbled to the surface. I arrived at the trail end marker and although it signified the ending of the Great Glen Way, to me it represented the end of a much longer journey. I stood staring blankly up at the sign. It's always mildly underwhelming when you finish these adventures, it's never the intoxicating high that people envisage. Despite the odd shudder of nostalgic melancholy that sweeped my mind, I felt very little. I always feel like this as it takes time to process but I knew I was happy, contented and grateful. An American couple approached me as I was taking a photo of the sign. They asked if I'd just finished the trail and when I told them I had they replied, "Awesome, let us take your photo!"

I headed into town in search of breakfast and a big mug of tea. As I felt the relief of taking the weight off my back and sunk into my chair, a wave of elation and satisfaction washed over me. Over the last 24 days I've wandered through valleys and meadows, roamed over moorland, explored forests, climbed hills, followed rivers and Lochs to arrive here. Traversing coast to coast routes of Wales, England and Scotland. I've hiked distances ranging from 10 to 24 miles daily, carrying everything I needed and sleeping under a new sky each night. I've slept in a barn and in a soggy tent, eaten lunch crouched under a tree in the pouring rain, slid around uncontrollably on mud caked slopes, received electric shocks and scratches from my attempts to escape bulls. I've witnessed beautiful scenery, had several encounters with friendly people, overcome challenges and discovered many wonderful places. Most importantly of all, I've had an adventure and made memories.

We are so accustomed to comfort and security in today's society that it feels refreshing to step out of conformity for a while and live a little differently. Live freely. I'd advise anyone with an inkling of curiosity to briefly swap your mattress for the ground, the carpet for a grassy meadow, the ceiling for a star studded sky. It may be a little uncomfortable at first, but the rewards by far outweigh this. Adventures like these have the ability to restore your faith in humanity too. I've been given a camping chair, endless free cups of tea, had drinks bought for me, stumbled across honesty boxes and surprise woodland lunches and offered kind, encouraging words.

I have achieved my goal and the adventure is over but in the coming weeks as the winds of nostalgia sweep my mind, reflections and lessons learnt will take root, giving me not only confidence pursue new endeavours but also motivation for daily life. If I can get up everyday for almost a month and complete the miles irrespective of the conditions, then that early alarm, that difficult workout and that endless work day pale into insignificance.

Life continues as the journey concludes. From here lies stories of afternoon snoozes, huge plates of food and heavy eyelids on public transport. As always I am grateful for anyone who played a part in my adventure. From sending supportive messages, motivating me, sharing miles and following my progress. All of this is invaluable for maintaining morale and does not go unnoticed. I'm sure it won't be long before I'm wistfully gazing at maps and scheming my next project. In the meantime I'll take a brief exploration into life indoors; the luxury of pillows, carpets and beds. But as soon as the novelty wears off, I'll be back outdoors where I belong.

Thank you,

Amy x