Me actually stepping foot on the Cape Wrath Trail was only a tiny part of the journey, with so many people helping me on the way. I cannot thank you all enough. To my eternally helpful readers – Sheila Griffiths, Juliet Hancock and Stuart Hepburn – a huge thank-you for your thoughtful comments that have certainly helped to improve what is written here. And to Allan Macinnes, who long ago schooled me in the ways of early modern Scottish History, but has been kind enough now to save me from error in what is mostly very much not my period, but is certainly his (and any lingering errors are most definitely mine and not his).

To Lorna Jones, for her constant, incredible friendship that has not flinched even after six years of listening to Cape Wrath angst and enduring quite a bit of worry. The same goes to Doreen and Ian Marshall – at least the tracker helped keep an eye on me. To Juliet and Sheila, for listening wisely, always believing, and knowing me better than I know myself. To Kat and Kenny, for almost serving me coffee in Torridon on what turned out to be their wedding day. To Andy H, for the loan of his tracker, and to him and Monika, for many mountaineering exploits over far too many years. To all the members of the Glasgow University Mountaineering Club c.1988-1992 – you taught me so much and not just about mountains. To the Wednesday Walkers, who have been such a huge part of this journey, as well as fabulous women. To Ross Nixon, for some really useful advice on training, not to mention hyrox and for being an all-round inspiration. To all my friends far and near, including the wonderful community of Braco and Greenloaning, who have shown me so much kindness when I most needed it.

One of the most unexpected and endearing aspects of the Cape Wrath Trail are the people encountered along the way. They all enriched my experience, but I would particularly like to thank Chrissie, Sarah and Gaby. All three women are remarkable indeed, with a quiet strength that I found most inspiring. Though the time we spent together was short, it was unforgettable.

Finally, there is my family, for whom words are really not enough, but I’ll have a go anyway. To Kit and Craig – you have always been and always will be part of my story, much of which you’ll recognise, especially the early stuff. To Rose, whose fortuitous stay in the UK from her home in New Zealand meant she was with me at the end, giving the best hugs. And I’ve had the most perfect distraction from training these last few months, thanks to Charlie and Carmen, who have brought new life to the clan in the shape of little Arthur.

And last, but certainly not least, my two boys. I am so lucky to have Finn, my faithful companion, on training walks and in listening to tales of the trail, boosting my confidence and making me laugh. Finally, I must acknowledge the huge debt in love and gratitude to Nick. Six years!!! SIX BLOODY YEARS he has put up with Cape Wrath, on, off, on, off, etc.. Always on my side. Always helping me to see the way through. Now, at last, we can plan some adventures together.