The walkers arrived in John O'Groats on-schedule on 27th June. Their pace was so fast by the end that they would have arrived sooner but for the fact that they took care to keep to schedule so that others could meet up with them at the times and places advertised.

The walk took 87 days in all, with just 2 rest days scheduled en route (at Ilam and Jedburgh). You can see the route itinerary here: http://www.folktrail.com/stages.php

Unlike those who take the shorter 800+ mile road route, the FolkTrail took the scenic/endurance route, following long-distance paths to avoid roads wherever possible. So the terrain was tough in places - especially in the north Pennines, where the going is hard at the best of times without the foul weather conditions that they encountered there. After leaving the Great Glen in Scotland they again encountered tough walking conditions - but this time due to having to walk the A9, where they had to constantly jump into the hedge to get out of the way of heavy traffic.

The four walkers who walked the entire route had covered 1240+ miles (not to mention the extra miles walked most evenings to the session or pub!). They found the long-distance walking easy, but unsurprisingly they found that keeping awake at the late-night sessions was not so easy.

In all we numbered fourteen (walkers and supporters) at John O'Groats, where we enjoyed champagne, chocolates and cake followed by a celebration dinner and lively session in the evening. The following day most of us took the ferry from Gills Bay to Orkney, for a couple of days rest before heading back southwards.

Congratulations to the FolkTrail walkers and here's looking forward to FolkTrail 2012...