Lands End to John O’Groats Cycle 26th June 2022 (10 days)

This is an absolutely classic ride, from one end of the UK to another! Over ten days cycling you’ll be covering nearly 1000 miles through some of the most glorious scenery England and Scotland has to offer. This is a fully supported and guided trip, staying in hotels/B&B’s throughout. The route begins at the most westerly mainland point of the UK, Lands End. The first few days are pretty tough with plenty of big hills, but we assure you, Cornwall and Devon has enough scenery to make up for it! From the southwest, our route heads north into Shropshire and Cheshire before entering the north of England and into the wilds of Scotland. Our cycling ends at John O’Groats, the furthest point from your start point, Lands End, on the UK mainland. HIGHLIGHTS • The rolling hills of southwest England • Fabulous cycling through the Shropshire & Cheshire plains • Skirting the edge of the Lake District • Cycling through the Scottish Highlands • Secluded beaches and the rugged seascape of the north coast of Scotland • Reaching John O’Groats!

Day 1Lands End to Launceston (91 miles) We meet at Lands End at 08:00am. Once the whole group has arrived, you will be given a trip briefing, have the opportunity to take some photos at the world-famous Lands End sign, before beginning your ride to John O’Groats. From here we head north-east through this quiet and picturesque area of the UK. Be under no illusions, today is a tough ride so please be prepared!

Day 2Launceston to Wells (105 miles) From Launceston we cycle through some beautiful countryside, skirting around Dartmoor National Park to the historic city of Wells. Again, it’s a challenging day with many hills to overcome but the views make up for it, and Wells is a truly charming place.

Day 3Wells to Ludlow (110 miles) We continue our journey northwards through rural Gloucestershire, skirting Gloucester and then onto Herefordshire. There are fewer hills than previous days so we’ll hopefully cover more ground. Our ride ends in the pretty town of Ludlow.

Day 4Ludlow to Wigan (102 miles) Although undulating, today should seem a great deal easier than previous days. From Ludlow, our route heads into Shropshire then onto the Cheshire plains, skirting around the Welsh borders, dipping into Merseyside then onto Greater Manchester and to our overnight stop in Wigan.

Day 5Wigan to Penrith (100 miles) Leaving the built-up areas of Wigan and Preston, the route soon heads directly north alongside the M6 on quieter roads. Today you’ll tackle the famous climb to the village of Shap, which always gives the day a focus, with some dramatic views to the west of the Lake District.

Day 6Penrith to Lanark (101 miles) After breakfast, our route leaves Penrith and onto Carlisle. Most of the morning is climbing so we’ll hopefully have lunch once most of the hills have been done! Today we cross into Scotland, passing through the small village of Gretna Green, once popular with eloping English couples wanting to marry before the age of 21! Our overnight stop is in Lanark, just southeast of Glasgow.

Day 7Lanark to Crianlarich (90 miles) We’ll be skirting around the southern edge of Glasgow this morning before tackling some of the hills of one of Scotland’s most famous National Park, Loch Lomond, and the Trossachs.

Day 8Crianlarich to Fort Augustus (96 miles) You’ll begin to get a sense of how wild Scotland really is today as our route continues north into the heart of the Western Highlands and through the adventure capital of the UK, Fort William. Passing by the foot of Ben Nevis, our route then continues northeast to Fort Augustus, positioned on the south-western end of the infamous Loch Ness.

Day 9Fort Augustus to Lairg (85 miles) We cycle along the banks of Loch Ness (keep your eyes on the road please!) before heading north on quieter roads, firstly passing Cromarty Firth then along mountainous, forested roads to our overnight stop at Lairg.

Day 10Lairg to John O’Groats (96 miles) The final day has arrived! By now your legs will be used to the demands of full-days cycling, so today should be a breeze! The first part of our route today is an absolute delight, along mostly quiet, highland roads before we hit the north coast of the UK. Once here, we head due east to the holy grail of the journey – John O’Groats! Congratulations! You made it! It’s time for a few photos (to prove you made it!), a hot shower and a celebratory meal.

Day 11John O’Groats to Inverness (0 miles!) Today you will be transferred with your bikes and luggage to Inverness train station where the trip ends! Congratulations!
 
Inclusions
Accommodation - Comfort
Hotels and/or B&B's; 3 minimum
 
What's Included
🚆 Transportation - Transfer from Penzance train station to Lands End. Transfer from John O’Groats to Inverness train station
🍴 Food - 10 x breakfasts. 10 x buffet lunches
📋 Other - 10 x nights hotel accommodation
 
What you'll need
📋 Other - Bike & helmet, Evening meals, drinks and snacks, Insurance
🧤 Warm Clothing
☂️ Waterproofs