After a hectic week, it finally all came together. The toiletries got bought and packed, the travel cubes packed, decisions made on how many shoes and coats to take, the itinerary checked and printed and then it all got crammed into the little boot of my Fiat Spider.

Dave collected me from work and we were on the road at 12 midday. Traffic not too bad to begin with but a big hold up around Newark Upon Trent added at least an hour to our journey. A quick pit stop at Blyth Services and we set off again. One more traffic jam and diversion and we finally arrived in Newton Aycliffe where we had our first stay in The County a restaurant with rooms. The journey had taken 6.5 hours and we travelled 263 miles, just a little under half way to Inverness.

Having checked in to our lovely room we headed downstairs for dinner and a drink.