At Helmsdale the pilgrim can choose to either stay on the JOGT to the end (Braid 3), branch inland up the strath (Braid 1) or continue to Dunbeath and branch inland via Braemore (Braid 2). If Braid 3 is chosen, the pilgrim needs to be aware that the Helmsdale to Dunbeath section of the JOGT includes a very challenging gorge at the Ousdale Burn and other sections include seriously vertiginous cliff-top walking. If you have any doubts about your ability to cope with these, then take the A9/A99 for these sections. (See the JOGT website for details.)

Braid 1 is Tain to Helmsdale via the JOGT, then branch inland via Kildonan, Forsinain,

Altnabreac and Loch More. Continue on the tarred road to Spittal, Watten, Canisbay and

Gills Bay, from where there is a ferry to Orkney. On Orkney, follow the main road to

Kirkwall.

Braid 2 is Tain to Dunbeath via the John O Groats Trail (from now on, referred to as the JOGT) (but

see safety warning for Ousdale on stage 8), then branch inland to Loch More via Braemore,

Glutt and Dalnawillan. From there, continue as for Braid 1.

Braid 3 is Tain to 'Groats via the JOGT and on to Canisbay and Gills Bay along the

coast/road/tracks

Spittal was one of the main resting places for pilgrims and continued to be used as a graveyard until comparatively modern times. It also forms a site for the Northern Saints Trails. These are six circular routes linking thirty- two Caithness sites associated with the early saints. For those with a few days to spare and some form of transport, these trails give a fascinating glimpse into the early history of the county. Only four miles/6.4 km from Spittal are the remains of the cathedral building at Skinnet, just past Halkirk. For details of the history of this site and all the others, go to www.wickstferguschurch.org.uk/page16.html