lejog guided tours

LEJOG: Your guide to the Land’s End to John o’ Groats cycle route

The Land’s End to John O’Groats cycling route (also known as LEJOG or the UK end to end) is one of the ultimate road bike holidays in the UK.

This iconic cycling challenge immerses you in some of the best scenery the UK has to offer: from the rugged Cornish coastline, to the bleak beauty of Dartmoor, quintessential English villages, wooded river valleys, dramatic lakes, lochs and mountains.

In this article we talk to Darren Ball, owner of Pedal Britain , whose 14 day LEJOG cycle route covers 1,000 miles and climbs 55,000ft (almost twice Mount Everest!).

Darren has been running this classic ride since 2016. His motivation is to inspire and support cyclists of all abilities to make their cycling dreams a reality.

Want to cycle Land’s End to John o’Groats?

Whether you want to do a self-supported or supported LEJOG, this article is full of practical tips and advice for how to turn a dream of riding the length of the UK into a reality.

1. Cycling Land’s End to John o’ Groats: an overview

Of all the trips I run, the LEJOG cycle route is my personal favourite – and an absolute classic challenge.

LEJOG is a bucket list ride, taking you 1,000 miles across the UK, from the tip of Cornwall all the way to the top of Scotland. It’s the absolute best way to immerse yourself in the beautiful British countryside and get a sense of the scale and beauty of our island.

I often find many cyclists feel this kind of distance and climbing is out of their reach; I’ve heard every reason not to do a LEJOG! But I believe that with the right support, it’s a challenge anyone can achieve.

The camaraderie that develops between individuals is really special on LEJOG, with groups working as a team to encourage and help each other achieve their common goal. Arriving at John o’ Groats is always an emotional moment. The shared experiences and bonds of friendship remain long after the tour ends.

2. Distance from Land’s End to John o’ Groats (and how long it takes)

How far is land’s end to john o’ groats.

As the crow flies, the geographically direct route between Land’s End and John o’ Groats is 603 miles (970km).

The fastest route (by road) between the two points is often debated, but the most quoted distance is 874 miles (1,406km). However, this is not a route you would want to cycle on!

How long does it take to cycle LEJOG?

There’s no set rule for this. People undertake LEJOG across a wide range of days and a variety of distances. Also remember to add a day on at the start and finish of the cycling route to allow for travelling.

For those of you with plenty of time then I’d recommend the Sustrans route of 21 days which enables you to really take your time, explore areas in more depth and choose even more remote roads.

Most common is the 14-day 1,000 mile option. The reason we opt for this on our trips is that it strikes the balance between speed and being able to pick the best road. It means we can avoid many of the main urban areas and you can mainly cycle on quiet, country roads.

At 71 miles average per day, the longest day we do is 87 miles and the shortest is 50 miles. The route has a total ascent of 55,000ft and it provides a tough challenge, whilst still allowing for time to take in your surroundings. You can spend up to 8 hours per day in the saddle, so be prepared.

Another popular option is the 9-day Ride Across Britain challenge, which with an average of nearly 100 miles per day, is targeted more at cyclists wanting to test themselves to the very limit of their capability. With those kind of distances, enjoyment is a secondary consideration!

When you hit 5 or 7 days you are into ultra cycling territory usually only attempted by those raising money for charity or looking for bragging rights at the cycling club!

The point is that whatever your aim, be it a personal challenge or simply a desire to experience the incredible beauty of the UK from the saddle of a bike, LEJOG can be tailored to suit your needs.

3. Land’s End – John o’ Groats cycling record

Point-to-point challenges have held a certain allure for cyclists for generations – and none more so than LEJOG. As far back as the 1800s people were attempting to compete for the fastest time on this route!

Records…

LEJOG attracts people trying to beat records on all sorts of bicycles from penny farthings to virtual bikes. The current Land’s End John o’ Groats cycle record time (based on speed) is 41 hours, 4 minutes and 22 seconds. This was set by Andy Wilkinson who rode a Windcheetah recumbent tricycle.

One of the newer Land’s End to John o’ Groats records was set by three cyclists on a triplet bicycle. They completed the route in 6 days 13 hours and 30 minutes.

We also have our own ‘unofficial record breaker’; in August 2019 Brian Lewis (82 years) came on one of our trips and became the oldest Octogenarian to cycle LEJOG in the shortest time. Proof that if you are fit enough you are never too old to take on LEJOG!

…Or ride at your own pace

A more normal speed to ride LEJOG is 10-14 days.

My philosophy is that you should ride LEJOG at your own pace.

On our tours you will usually get three or four groups forming, each with its own characteristics in terms of pace, photo stops and time spent at brew stops. Generally the average pace of these groups ranges from 15mph to around 11mph. Also these groups are fluid depending on how you feel and if you fancy a few miles alone, that is no problem.

4. Land’s End to John o’ Groats cycle routes: how to plan the best one for you

The million dollar question – what is the best route from Land’s End to John o’ Groats!

Which LEJOG route to take?

There is no “classic” Land’s End to John o’Groats cycle ride route.

There are thousands of different alternatives and sorts of route you can take depending on the time you have and your objectives – ask yourself how important scenery, speed, accommodation and visiting specific places are to you?

That said, many people prefer to experience the western side of Scotland, past Glasgow to Fort William and along Loch Ness, due to its famous lochs and mountain passes. There are any number of alternatives, including riding up the east coast of Scotland which is probably less busy and flatter, but also perhaps not as classically spectacular.

I’ve mentioned a few roads it’s important to miss in the Tips section below .

I also set out what to expect from our 14 day LEJOG route below . Hopefully it will give a good idea of the kind of riding to expect, even if you end up doing a slightly different route!

Planning a LEJOG route

You can find LEJOG GPX route files that people have done before by looking at online route planning tools such as Ride with GPS and Strava.

You’ll need to check any route you download very thoroughly – don’t assume it’s the best route out there or on the best roads. However, once downloaded a GPX route can easily be adapted to whatever preferences you have in terms of the route, daily distances and overnight stops.

You can also consider route information on sites like the National Cycle Network, Cycling UK and Sustrans websites.

Beware, planning your own route will take a lot of time to perfect!

Our Land’s End to John o’ Groats cycle route

The route for Pedal Britain’s LEJOG is created from a combination of my own experience of cycling end to end in 2013 and Nick Mitchell’s excellent book ‘End to End Cycle Route: Land’s End to John O’Groats.’

I chose the LEJOG route that incorporated many of the areas and iconic landmarks that I thought our clients would want to see, such as Dartmoor, the Lakes, the Wye Valley and western Scotland.

Over the years, I’ve refined it to incorporate improvements, recommended from books and clients local to certain areas who have tipped us off about minor roads and scenic options. For example, we now cycle eight miles of canal paths to avoid busy roads around Warrington and the excellent compacted gravel paths alongside the Caledonian Canal to avoid the A95 into Fort Augustus.

LEJOG route versus JOGLE route

Start at the bottom and do the Land’s End to John o’Groats route or start at the top and do the John o’ Groats to Land’s End route. Which is better for cyclists?!

There are a number of myths about JOGLE v LEJOG, the most common being that the JOGLE route is easier as you are going downhill. In actual fact, Land’s End’s signpost, perched on a cliff top, is higher than John O’Groats, which is almost at sea level.

It can be argued that the traditionally feared days of Devon and Cornwall are easier on JOGLE, as you’ve ridden yourself fit by time you reach them. But if the wind is blowing the wrong way on day 1 of JOGLE there is no harder cycling test in the UK than along the north coast of Scotland!

The main reason we chose LEJOG over JOGLE, is that the prevailing wind is from the southwest. This means, for the most part, this wind should be helping riders.

In reality, whether you ride Land’s End to John o’ Groats or John O’ Groats to Land’s End is purely personal and often down to where you live. For example, people from Cornwall may want to finish in the south so that family can join them at the end. But we find the majority of cyclists want to complete the journey in the more classic direction of Land’s End to John o’ Groats.

LEJOG with Pedal Britain

To find out more about doing LEJOG with Darren and the team, head to their  website !

You might also want to check their   Trust Pilot page .

5. Day by day on the LEJOG route

Below I’ve set out a taster of what to expect on each day of our Land’s End to John o’ Groats bike ride. Of course, you might choose to do a different route, but this gives you an idea of the kind of distances and landscapes you’d see on one of our trips.

Day 1 – Land’s End to St. Austell

60 miles | 100km | 5,309ft | 1618m

This is the day cyclists fear the most. It is a tough first day in the saddle, but it’s not the hardest of the route. Cornish hills tend to be short and sharp; they’re not particularly long, it’s the frequency of them that provides the challenge.

This route takes in the south Cornish coast road via Penzance and with stunning views across to St Micheal’s Mount. Heading inland on quiet, narrow country lanes, with customary high hedgerows and through tranquil villages, you begin to earn the fabulous cream tea lunch we provide – a must do in this area!

A wonderful feature of this day is crossing the river Fal on the ‘King Harry’ chain ferry (one of only five in the UK). It connects St Mawes and Roseland Peninsula with Truro – avoiding the 27 mile alternative route…

After crossing the river, a longish climb leads to an afternoon exploring deeper into rural Cornwall, before spending Sunday evening in St. Austell.

Day 2 – St. Austell to Moretonhampstead

71 miles | 114km | 5,870ft | 1789m

A ferry takes you across the River Fowey, after which you are bowling along the Cornish coastline, passing through seaside towns of Seaton and Looe towards Plymouth.

A highlight of the day is the Cremyll ferry ride that takes you from Cornwall into Devon, with lunch overlooking the historic Naval Harbour.

The afternoon starts with 8 miles through the peaceful Plym Valley, before ascending into the rugged splendor of Dartmoor. There are fantastic views from Sharpitor, a tough 18 miles through the National Park via Princeton to Moretonhampstead.

Day 3 – Moretonhampstead to Wookey Hole

83 miles | 133km | 4,236ft | 1291m

The morning starts with a gorgeous wooded climb as the route takes the scenic route towards Exeter.

There’s more climbing to come in the quiet roads of Devonshire, with short climbs and quick descents.

We eventually find flatter ground in Somerset, cycling through quirky Glastonbury and parts of the Somerset Levels. We visit the historical town of Wells, before the short ride to our overnight accommodation at the famous Wookey Hole.

Day 4 – Wookey Hole to Hereford

76 miles | 122km  | 4,868ft  | 1483m

Today starts with an optional detour to climb Cheddar Gorge, a fantastic experience if you have the energy.

The route traverses across the Mendips via Chew Lake, towards Bristol and across the Clifton Suspension Bridge. After navigating through Bristol there is a memorable ride over the Severn Road Bridge on the dedicated cycle path to Chepstow, as we make our way into Wales.

After lunch in the shadow of Tintern Abbey, we cycle along the Wye Valley AONB towards Monmouth and on to historic Hereford. This is a truly glorious part of the tour.

Day 5 – Hereford to Shrewsbury

67 miles | 107km | 3400ft | 1036m

A day of picture perfect villages, we take quiet country roads and lanes as we wend our way towards medieval Shrewsbury where we stay for the night.

Lunch is in the rural village of Clun, with its castle ruins. It’s also home to the Clun Brewery. A shorter day means arriving in good time to explore medieval Shrewsbury or take advantage of Dave Mellor’s bike shop for repairs.

Day 6 – Shrewsbury to Leigh

72 miles | 115km  | 2,300ft  | 701m

What we jokingly call the tour’s ‘rest day’, is a much easier ride than previous days along quiet rural lanes, canal paths and through lush green countryside on the flattish terrain towards Leigh in Lancashire.

There’s a morning coffee stop in the pretty village of Hamner, overlooking its open swimming lake, which provides an opportunity for the brave to take a dip! After lunch near Mickle Trafford, the afternoon is spent navigating cycle paths to Leigh.

Day 7 – Leigh to Kendal

69 miles | 111km  | 4656ft  | 1419m

We leave Leigh early on Saturday to miss the traffic through Bolton. From there we climb on to the moors that provide a stunning view across this industrial landscape towards Manchester.

Once through Blackburn, we approach the quieter roads and the impressive Forest of Bowland and lunch at its heart in Slaidburn.

After this, the route ascends via a UK Top 100 Climb ‘The Cross of Greet’ onwards towards the Yorkshire Dales village of Kirkby Lonsdale. After briefly stopping at the Devil’s Bridge we head into The Lakes and Kendal, our stop for the evening.

Day 8 – Kendal to Gretna

76 miles | 138km  | 5,208ft  |  1587m

Heading north into the Lake District we pass through Grasmere, then a tranquil traffic-free ride alongside Thirlmere Lake takes us via Castlerigg Stone Circle and stunning landscapes towards Keswick.

After lunch in the shadow of Skiddaw, we turn east through the Caldbecks onwards to Gretna Green. There are fantastic views across the Solway Firth enroute.

A must-do is the obligatory picture at the “Welcome to Scotland’ sign at the border.

Day 9 – Gretna to Larkhall

76 miles  | 122km | 3,500ft  | 1066m

The cycling today is relatively easy, through the brooding beauty of the Scottish Lowlands, where majestic purple covered hillsides and dark lochs lure us deeper into the heart of this incredible country.

After lunch, in the busy town of Moffat, we wind our way through river valleys towards our overnight stop in Larkhall.

Day 10 – Larkhall to Tyndrum

79 miles  | 128km  | 2,397ft  | 1298m

The traffic-free River Clyde cycleway see you traverse Glasgow and head towards the Trossachs.

The cycle path through Glasgow is a great way to see this vibrant Scottish city, with numerous traces of its shipbuilding history still visible and a chance to buy whiskey from the Clydesdale Distillery.

From our lunch stop near Balloch on the banks of Loch Lomond, we often watch seaplanes swoop into land. Our LEJOG route follows the cycle path that runs along Loch Lomond’s western shore, to Tarbet and on to our evening stop at Tyndrum.

Day 11 – Tyndrum to Fort Augustus

79 miles | 128km  | 4,259ft  | 1298m

For many, this day is a highlight of the tour.

We cycle from Tyndrum on spectacularly scenic roads onto Rannoch Moor and through the magnificent Pass of Glencoe.

We pause here to take in the dramatic landscape, before dropping down into Glencoe village and pushing onwards to Fort William.

We have a  final break at the Commando War Memorial and on a clear day we get amazing views of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. There’s then a lovely ride alongside the Caledonian Canal, to beautiful Fort Augustus, situated at the head of Loch Ness.

Day 12 – Fort Augustus to Invergordon

62 miles | 100km  | 4,278ft  | 1303m

First thing in the morning, we stretch our legs on the toughest climb of the entire tour, when we ascend on to General Wade’s Military Road.

The views at the top of this climb are breathtaking. Another benefit is a fast descent to Loch Ness and lunch on its banks in Dores, before heading towards Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.

Having passed through Inverness, we cross the Kessock Bridge, with some great views across the Cromarty Firth before ending on its banks at Invergordon for the evening.

Day 13 – Invergordon to Bettyhill

77 miles  | 123km  | 3,314ft  | 1010m

Today is most often quoted as ‘best of the tour’, and I cannot disagree.

The day begins with a long and steep climb onto the ‘Struie’ where we will be rewarded with some epic views across the Kyle of Sutherland and the Carbisdale Castle at Invershin.

There’s a long, exhilarating downhill ride to Bonar Bridge. We ride through the village of Lairg and alongside Loch Shin into proper wilderness before climbing to lunch at the famously isolated Crask Inn.

The next stretch of cycling is my favourite on the whole tour. We descend to Altnaharra, then under the shadow of the towering Ben Klibreck the route takes us on the single-track road alongside Loch Naver. Expect to pause many times to capture the amazing views!

We stay at Bettyhill for the evening and you’ll be greeted with the almost tropical sight of white sandy beaches and wild seas of the north Scotland coastline.

Day 14 – Bettyhill to John O’Groats

50 miles | 80km  | 2,783ft  | 848m

This is the last cycling day of the tour.

There are a couple of steep hills between Bettyhill and Strathy that will test weary legs for the final time. If the wind is in the wrong direction then this can be a tough ride.

The final few miles to John O’Groats are relatively flat, but emotional, as we re-group to ride them together, finishing in front of the famous signpost where champagne awaits, followed by a celebratory meal.

6. Navigating the LEJOG route

Land’s end to john o’ groats maps.

Before digital maps or GPS navigation systems, cyclists doing LEJOG would have to rely on paper maps. The best option for paper route maps is the Ordnance Survey range, the most detailed being Explorer maps – which would require 54 maps to cover Land’s End to John O’Groats!

GPX file of Land’s End to John o’ Groats/LEJOG route

These days, online route planners take a lot of the stress out of route planning (there’s more on creating your LEJOG GPX route above and check out this article  for general cycle route planning tips).

However, if you’re planning to be completely dependent on GPS routes for your navigation, have a serious think about also bringing a small portable battery pack in case you forget to charge your cycling computer or phone overnight.

What help do you give your clients with navigation

For customers wanting to do it the traditional way, we issue detailed turn-by-turn route notes. These can be mounted on the handlebars in a clear waterproof map holder. I’m always surprised by how many people still prefer this!

We also provide our cyclists with access to a specific LEJOG event area on Ride with GPS. From here they can download the GPS files in the format required and upload them again easily to their navigation device of choice.

The free Ride with GPS app also turns your mobile into a GPS turn by turn navigation device – useful if you do not have a Garmin / Wahoo and a great back up if you do. Mount it on your handlebars and away you go.

The Ride with GPS app lets you download the route maps and store them on your phone, giving ‘offline’ access in areas of poor signal.

Finally, we also ask clients to download a tracking app to their phone. This means we can find them and they can also see where we are.

These things really do take the stress out of navigation!

More about LEJOG with Pedal Britain

To find out more about doing LEJOG with Pedal Britain, get in touch with Darren and the  Pedal Britain team!

7. Accommodation on the LEJOG cycle route

One of the big things to be arrange on a LEJOG attempt is accommodation; a new place each night.

Types of Land’s End to John o’ Groats accommodation

The type of accommodation available when doing LEJOG really depends on your budget, route and how flexible you’re willing/able to be.

In most parts of the country there’s a good range of accommodation, from campsites to B&Bs and hotels.

However, bear in mind that if your route doesn’t deposit you in the middle of a big town – and if you’re in less populated parts of the country, there will be less accommodation available. I’d definitely recommend booking in advance for Scotland, the Lakes or Cornwall, especially during peak seasons.

Wild camping is becoming another popular way to do LEJOG. There’s the obvious advantage of being totally flexible and very cheap – you just need to make sure you’re doing it in a way that’s legal (far easier in Scotland than England).

It is also very feasible to plan a route that incorporates a large number of YHA/Bunkhouse accommodation, supplemented with B&Bs to provide that extra level of comfort versus camping.

Bike-friendly accommodation on the LEJOG route

While there may be a good number of places you could potentially stay on the LEJOG route, some are better than others in terms of welcoming cyclists. Some of the things we consider when selecting accommodation are whether they

• allow cyclists to keep bikes in their rooms overnight
• help dry wet clothes
• provide flexibility around cancellations
• provide evening food at the accommodation or nearby restaurants.

Over the years, we have developed excellent relationships with our hospitality partners. They reflect our philosophy about customer service and they are very sensitive to our needs as a cycling group; they’ll cover off the points above and more.

Our guests often tell us that not having to worry about accommodation reservations (or transporting their luggage) makes the whole LEJOG experience enjoyable and hassle free.

Indeed, to make riders’ lives easier, we also make dinner reservations – as the last thing you want to do after a hard day in the saddle is wander around trying to find somewhere to eat in the evening! (You can also choose not to dine with the group and indeed we have two nights where we encourage this and provide a list of nearby restaurants to help.)

Booking accommodation in advance

The accommodation conundrum is the reason we most often get as to why our guests have opted for our tour rather than a self-guided trip.

The issue is what to do if for some reason you get delayed – whether due to a mechanical or illness/accident. Having to deal with all the accommodation providers remaining on the trip would be time consuming and potentially costly depending on what cancellation policies the providers have.

This then leads to the need to dig into the detail of hotel cancellation policies before you book – as well as the dilemma of whether to book all the accommodation or chance it and book as you go.

If travelling alone or as a couple, and you haven’t got strict requirements over when you need to get back home, you could remain super flexible and book accommodation as you go. So long as you’ve planned to arrive in a relatively large town you’d generally be able to find accommodation – albeit you may not have much choice. There’d also be the possibility to add in an extra day of cycling or a rest day if accommodation wasn’t available.

If you’re on a time limit or travelling as a larger group, booking as you go becomes more difficult…

8. Packing list for a LEJOG

Below you’ll find the kit we recommend our guests bring on one of our trips . One of the benefits of a supported tour is that you haven’t got to lug all this stuff yourself!

Cycle Helmet

Cycling glasses

2 x water bottles

Portable battery pack – to keep GPS/phone batteries charged during the long days

Spare SPD cleats – useful as you’ll do a lot more walking in your bike shoes

First aid kit – to carry with you; our support van has comprehensive kit

Your bike – serviced and in good condition

For your bike:

Cycle computer – with navigation function

Working lights (front and rear) – a good idea to have these on at all times, even during the day, to aid your safety and essential in poor visibility.

Pumps – hand pump essential and CO2 pressure pump is optional

Spare brake pads

Spare inner tubes – minimum 3-4 recommended

Bike multi-tool

If your bike has any ‘non’ standard parts that may not be held in a bike shop please consider bringing a spare along.

Spare spoke – many bike shops do not hold specific ones in stock. Saves buying a new wheel!

Bell – we occasionally share same paths as pedestrians

Medium saddle bag – handy for camera, mobile, wallet/purse and essential tools for repairing a puncture.

Puncture repair kit – optional if you bring spare tubes

Back pack (if you can’t fit the following elsewhere) – to carry waterproofs, first aid kit and food

Bike wing mirror – can be handy for the busier roads

Map holder on handlebars, with waterproof cover – not needed if using Garmin or GPS device

1 x wind-stopper soft shell jacket

1 x cycling gilet

4 x cycling jerseys – bright yellow, pink, green tend to attract more insects

3 x cycling shorts

3 x cycling socks

2 x cycling gloves – short and long fingered

Waterproof over jacket – ideally this will be high visibility colour

Waterproof trousers

Waterproof overshoes

Cycling shoes with preferred cleat system

Clothes for the evening – comfortable casual wear will suffice

Arm warmers – not essential but useful for chilly mornings

Other essentials

Antiseptic wipes

Antiseptic hand wash liquid

Mobile phone (and charger)

Money/cash card

2 x clothes hangers – for drying wet kit

Insect repellent

Lightweight medical supplies – antihistamines, ibuprofen, antiseptic cream

ASSOS cream – or similar essential daily care for your rear

USB Multi-Plug Adaptor – useful if carrying multiple devices that need charging overnight

9. Best bike for a LEJOG

Most people on supported tours will do LEJOG on a road bike or lightweight hybrid. These are fine as the most you’ll be carrying on the bike at any given time will be a saddlebag for essentials and perhaps some waterproofs.

If you are riding unsupported, you’ll need a specialist touring bike with panniers designed to carry much more in the way of luggage. These bikes should also have more gears to haul the extra weight up the hills!

Most people doing the LEJOG will travel on-road, perhaps with a few railway paths or canal towpaths thrown in to avoid busy roads. If you plan your own route, just make sure that your bike is suitable for the surfaces you’ll be riding on.

10. Best time of year to do a LEJOG

Most people attempt to ride Land’s End to John o’ Groats between May and the end of September.

Any earlier than that and you have issues with having enough time to get fit beforehand – along with highly unpredictable weather.

Any later and you run into issues with available daylight to safely ride and you’re also more likely to encounter storms.

Being Britain, there really is no consistently ‘best’ time from a weather perspective to do LEJOG. We have had tours in June where they’ve had rain for 14 days and others where it has been 30 degrees, both are equally challenging in their own way!

I personally enjoy riding in September, as although it can be chilly first thing you tend to get the most stable weather in Scotland and there are no midges. Also, being outside holiday season, there is less traffic on the roads.

11. Mechanical issues on a LEJOG

Definitely get your bike serviced at your usual local bike shop before heading off on LEJOG.

It’s also sensible to go for at least two or three rides on the newly serviced bike, before your LEJOG, especially if new brake or gear cables have been fitted. This helps bed them in and you can make adjustments as necessary to compensate for them stretching before the tour.

What sort of mechanical issues should you be able to deal with before doing LEJOG?

If you are planning to do LEJOG unsupported then I’d recommend that you are either qualified to CYTEC Home Mechanic level, or have enough knowledge to deal with many of the frequent issues that arise such as new gear or brake cables, adjustments to gears, mending chains and fitting new spokes.

What spares and tools should you take?

Our kit list sets out what we recommend our clients take on our supported tours. If you’re on an unsupported tour, you’ll have less back up and so might need more in the way of spares.

For more serious mechanical issues you’ll likely need a bike shop for permanent fixes, but by having certain spares such as chain links and an emergency derailleur hanger means you can at least get the bike to either the next overnight stop or bike shop. Bear in mind though that these patch ups still require a certain level of knowledge and a comprehensive toolkit.

Bear in mind that you should do some basic servicing on your bike while you’re on LEJOG, to keep it running well. If you’re self-supported you might want to bring materials; on our trips we provide the required cleaning materials.

Bike shops on the LEJOG route

Bike shops on LEJOG routes are usually incredibly helpful. They fully understand that you are on a timeline and will generally go above and beyond to keep you moving.

We find that so long as we call ahead and they have parts they’ll usually jump you ahead in the queue so that any impact is minimal.

We’ve found Dave Mellor’s in Shrewsbury particularly helpful. Shrewsbury comes five days into the trip, which is when people tend to realise they need something doing or they want that annoying squeak sorted or just require new brake pads! We’ve found that the shop will even stay late or get in early to help out.

Another trick is ordering kit or parts online is to arrive at the accommodation or bike shop a day or two ahead. Just make sure you clear it with the owners!

Support on a Pedal Britain trip

We’re often told that mechanical support is a major factor in why riders choose to take an organised tour with us, as opposed to being independent.

All riders need to know how to mend a puncture and should do so themselves wherever possible. However we find that as cyclists are riding in groups, they often wait for each other and fix punctures as a team effort, to keep things moving smoothly.

Having a van with track pumps and driver/guide close by, to help if needed, is also comforting.

On every LEJOG our support van carries two spare bikes and on most tours they will get some use, although usually only for part of a day. Whilst the support van is not a mobile bike shop, we do carry a comprehensive tool kit, have some generic spares and a bike stand for running repairs. However if you have a bike that requires non-standard parts, bring them with you!

Want more info about Pedal Britain?

Get in touch with Darren and the  Pedal Britain team!

Head to their website to find out more about their LEJOG trips – and other supported end to end challenges.

12. LEJOG cycle training

The question of fitness and training is one of the most common ones we get from clients.

What are your tips for training for LEJOG

I’m often asked, “can you send me a generic training schedule please?”

My answer is simply no.

My reason for this is that I think the ‘vanilla’ style training plans that can be found easily on many websites linked to LEJOG actually do more to deter people than encourage participation.

They very often exaggerate what is required to successfully complete LEJOG because they are designed for a highest need scenario – couch to LEJOG in four months.

Our formula for training is a simplistic framework that can be adapted for all needs. We recommend as a rule of thumb that in the 10-12 weeks leading up to the tour you are cycling at least 100 miles per week. If you are doing this, you can complete LEJOG.

Obviously, the more you do, the easier it becomes.

Also bear in mind that your body should be less prone to injury on the LEJOG if you’ve had a sensible build up.

Our aim is that you ‘enjoy not endure’ LEJOG, which is why we also partner with Grant Goodman who provides specific packages targeted at improving our clients performance.

How fit do you need to be to do LEJOG?

As mentioned, we’d recommend you are cycling at least 100 miles per week in the build up.

In terms of speed, we find several groups tend to form naturally, ranging from 14-15mph at the front to 11mph, the key being no group gets held up by another or has its pace dictated to by a guide. This means you never need to cycle beyond what you have trained to do or want to attempt.

Ideally you’ll have ridden the longest distance of your tour a few times before going. But if you are cycling three-quarter distances at least once a week then your body will adapt to the extra required as your pace on tour is likely to be slower.

If you are cycling slower than 10mph then we’d perhaps suggest doing LEJOG over a longer time period than 14 days, as that would mean some very long days in the saddle.

Do you need to do multi-day rides ahead of LEJOG?

Being 14 days long, it is just not practical to do a “practise” LEJOG (even one of the LEJOG virtual challenge events that have sprung up!).

But in training you can provide yourself with some mental reassurance and hone your body by doing consecutive days in the saddle. These should be two or three back-to-back days riding at three-quarter distance, so say 50 miles per day.

You should also consider seeking out some hills if the area around you is really flat… Strength training can also be a good idea.

Some people that live close to the route will try a particular day out to also provide further comfort that the degree of difficulty is not beyond them.

13. Tips for a successful LEJOG cycle trip

Route choice.

There is a huge temptation when doing LEJOG to choose a route simply because it fits a particular objective, as opposed to leading with safety first.

If you’re planning your own route, do a thorough and careful job; don’t scrimp on safety or route planning. Consider using Google Street View if you’re ever unsure about a road. These pointers might also assist:

One road you must avoid at all costs is the A30 through Cornwall. Sadly, too many inexperienced cyclists wanting to take the shortest route to minimise miles use this and have ended up being seriously injured or killed on this very busy road. Local drivers will go so far as to stop and warn cyclists if they see them. There are numerous routes out of Cornwall, both along the north and south coast that are safer and more scenic.

Large towns/cities

Large conurbation areas such as Manchester / Liverpool should also be avoided where possible, especially during Friday afternoon rush hour. With numerous busy A roads and junctions over motorways, the roundabouts here can be challenging to navigate around.

In Scotland, if travelling on the east coast route to John o’ Groats do not be tempted to cycle along the A9 or A99. These are again very busy roads and can easily be avoided without compromising on the scenery.

The A95 route on the west coast can also be challenging for cyclists as it becomes quite narrow in places. Being a main commerce and tourist link road, it is also busy with coaches and lorries.

Avoid big pelotons

Safety is hugely improved when riders are not cycling in large groups.

On busier sections of road, we suggest clients ride in twos, with several coach lengths between them and the next pair. Riders stretched out in a peloton are what make these roads dangerous, with vehicles becoming impatient to overtake. Simple considerate cycling keeps everyone happy and safe.

The biggest risk on a multi-day cycling tour is running out of energy and not drinking enough, which leads to the dreaded ‘bonk’. Little and often is the best ride management approach so you never reach the point of feeling hungry or thirsty on the bike.

You cannot go 10-14 days fuelled by coffee, gels, bananas and energy powder in every water bottle. Consider “real food” such as a bag of nuts or crisps in the afternoon and eating jellied sweets instead of that extra gel. If you treat each day like a training ride then I guarantee your stomach will quickly go into “reject mode” by Day 4!

On a Pedal Britain ride you’ll be stopping at least three times during the day for food and drink. Our famous brew table provides a full range of options and our nutritious lunch stops are something to look forward to.

Off the bike routine is equally important, as your metabolism by day 5 is in overdrive meaning that eating enough food in the evening is very important. A protein snack within 45 minutes of finishing is also a good idea. If you do not eat enough then you’ll find your body will wake you up in the middle of the night, hungry!

For hydration always carry two bottles on the bike (ideally 750ml).

Our rule thumb is you have 1 x bottle with energy power, 1 x plain water and for every 20 miles you should be drinking at least 500-750ml of fluid (weather dependent – obviously more if hotter).

Highs and lows

Everyone has a low day on a cycling tour of this length, be it physically or mentally.

Breakfast on day 1 of the ride is often a very quiet affair as riders contemplate the challenge that lies ahead.

The ‘Day 1 blow out’ is where people ride harder and faster than they can sustain from the start. Caused mainly through the release of the excitement and nervous energy of finally participating in LEJOG. It can also be a function of simply not knowing the riding ability of those around you and being dragged along, trying to keep pace with them, as opposed to finding a more suitably paced group.

Another common point where spirits are tested is on Day 8. After the euphoria of crossing the border into Scotland the temptation is to think ‘you’re almost there’, however the realisation that you still have 6 days to go can be tough. So that evening in Gretna we hold what we call our ‘MAD Awards’ to lighten the mood – essentially just some fun certificates for things that have happened on the tour so far.

Mental tricks to keep cycling when you’re tired

You cannot underestimate the importance of being mentally fit to take on LEJOG. This starts with being in the right positive frame of mind; you’ve done the training now time to enjoy the experience.

So many riders spend time worrying about the hills and what is coming up opposed to enjoying the moment. “What are the hills like today Darren?” – is the most asked question on any tour. I’ll always answer honestly and reassure where I can see someone is concerned, but mostly I’ll deflect it by saying “Nothing you have not done before.”

I also make a point of getting people to break a day down into smaller bite size pieces to help combat physical and mental tiredness. It’s easily done as most days on tour are divided into three distinct sections of Morning Brew Stop, Lunch and Afternoon Brew Stop. Which is why in the morning we issue our ‘Magic Numbers’ essentially the distance to each stop. This makes the focus the next 20-25 miles opposed to a full day.

Also if you are raising money for a good cause, I recommend using this and the people supporting you as motivation when you hit a low point in energy. I’ve used this myself numerous times on charity rides to get me through tough periods.

How to get to Land’s End by train

Assuming you don’t want to leave your car at Land’s End, the best way to arrive is by train. Penzance is the nearest railway station to Land’s End, roughly 12 miles away.

Train services to Penzance are operated by GWR and CrossCountry. You’ll need to book your bike on the train as far in advance as possible, including a bike space. The best way to do that is in person at a railway station as we’ve found that booking office staff can sometimes seem to find a bike space when the online systems say there are none. It’s also sensible to reserve a seat near to the bike compartment if you want to keep an eye on your bike.

How to get back from John o’ Groats by train

For the return trip, there are train stations at Wick, 16 miles from John O’Groats and Thurso, 20 miles away. Services are run by ScotRail and booking is also needed here. Train services are not quick and to get to England in one day from Wick or Thurso you’ll need to get an early morning train. You could also consider the Caledonian Sleeper from Inverness.

Other transport options

Other options are to courier your bike to the start/finish (there are specialised companies that will do this) or you can courier it to a local bike shop.

Finally, you could consider hiring a car. You can leave it with Europcar in Penzance – and pick one up from Hertz at Wick airport near John o’ Groats.

14. Self-supported vs. supported LEJOG

You can certainly do LEJOG without the need of a tour company such as Pedal Britain.

Self-supported

Full on panniers to many is the purist’s way of completing the UK end to end, as it affords complete independence and flexibility compared to the more structured approach of a supported tour.

However it can be very tough doing LEJOG alone – and do not underestimate the organisation required. It’s definitely not an option for the inexperienced. But it does mean you can plan each day around how you are feeling, so where you stop for breaks, lunch and overnight.

This kind of approach is definitely more suited to individuals and very small groups.

Friends and family support crew

A hybrid option that is common with varying sized groups is to rope family or friends in to act as your support crew. This means you have the reassurance of backup if anything does go wrong and places

The self-supported and friends and family options are the cost-efficient route to take.

Supported tour

If all you want to focus on each day is getting on your bike and pedal, then choosing an operator such as Pedal Britain to take away all the organisational hassle is the best option – but as you’d expect, such convenience comes at a price.

A supported tour is definitely comparatively expensive compared with the self-supported/friends and family route.

The advantage is the reassurance of van support, which carries your luggage, and tour guides who can provide any mechanical and first aid assistance as required. Indeed the support starts before you even book with a comprehensive FAQ section on the website, along with guidance and optional coaching packages relating to training for the tour.

All of your accommodation is booked, lunch is provided along with brew and snack stops in the morning and afternoon, plus we’ll even reserve tables for the evening meal.

The van is fully equipped with cleaning materials and there’s no need to carry anything very much on your bike.

Want support on your LEJOG?

Pedal Britain would love to help!

You might also want to check their   Pedal Britain’s Trust Pilot page .

15. LEJOG with Pedal Britain

I’m from Northamptonshire and before setting up Pedal Britain, I cycled all over the UK and Europe with a number of different cycling tour companies, as a paying client.

It was because of the poor experiences I had with many of them that I decided to set up Pedal Britain.

Issues I encountered with other operators included poor pre-tour communication and documentation, limited training support and guides with little or no interest in customers (they seemed to just be having a holiday themselves!)

I also didn’t enjoy being forced to ride at a certain pace, poor accommodation and very large groups of up to 30 people that left little scope for good customer service.

I wanted to set up a business that addresses the issues I experienced and puts customers at the heart of everything we do.

To this day, customer service is what motivates me and it’s at the core of every decision we make. I couldn’t be more proud that this is reflected in our Trustpilot reviews .

Our aim principle is to make your cycling holiday as hassle free and enjoyable as possible. That’s why our tagline is “We Take Care of Everything, You Just Pedal Britain.”

16. Find out more about LEJOG with Pedal Britain

Find out more about us here:

www.pedalbritain.com

www.facebook.com/pedalbritaineurope

www.instagram.com/pedalbritaineurope

17. You’ve done LEJOG. What next?

The camaraderie that develops over the duration of the epic journey that is LEJOG creates a special bond between riders. WhatsApp groups buzz for many months after with newly found cycling buddies planning the next trips together – which is also a good way of getting over the inevitable ‘post tour blues’!!

Luckily Britain still has plenty of fantastic rides to challenge you such as a 3-Day Wales End to End tour from Chepstow to Caernarfon. This lesser known but stunningly beautiful end to end can be completed in just a long weekend. It incorporates some incredible landscapes, from the views across the Wye Valley from the Gospel Pass in the Brecon Beacons to a top 100 climb, Bwlch y Groes.

Ireland End to End is also growing in popularity and Pedal Britain offers a 10-Day tour, which at 580 miles is purposely more relaxed than LEJOG, allowing riders to soak up the Wild Atlantic Way and its stunning scenery including the iconic Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Connemara National Park, Galway an County Kerry.

We’ve also seen huge demand for our 5 and 7 day Scotland NC500 tours in May and September which are traditionally the best times to visit Scotland. Experience spectacular mountain ranges, tranquil lochs and deserted beaches whilst sampling some of Scotland’s best food and drink. We start and end in Inverness (Capital of the Highlands) visiting Ullapool, Loch Inver, Durness along with taking on Top 100 UK Climb favourite ‘Baelach Na Ba’ .

Another popular option further afield is Channel to Med in France such as St Malo down to Nice in 14 days taking in some spectacular scenery from around the Loire Valley, Central Massif an optional ascent of Mont Ventoux before experiencing the Gorges du Verdon, ending on the beach in Nice.

A big thank you to Darren for sharing so much valuable knowledge. Whether you go with him, and Pedal Britain, or not, we hope the information here helps you plan your trip!

Have you completed the Land’s End to John’s o’ Groats cycling challenge?

Tell us about your LEJOG/UK end to end experiences below!

LEJOG features within our pick of the UK ( and World’s ) best cycling routes. Click through to the links to find out why.

Got a question for Darren?

Fill out this form and we will send it to Darren. We aim to get you an answer within 24 hours wherever possible!

We will use this info to send the enquiry to Darren and/or their team. Our privacy policy explains more and here’s a reminder of our disclosure policy and terms and conditions.

We’d love to see you on one of our trips!

The contents of this website are provided for general information purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on it. You should carry out your own due diligence and take professional advice. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content on our website is accurate, complete or up to date. If you use any information or content on this website, download from, or otherwise obtain content or services through our website, it is entirely at your own discretion and risk. Epic Road Rides Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on the information and content on this website. Find out more here .

Want to do LEJOG?

Head to their website to find out more about their LEJOG trips – and other supported end to end challenges.

Here’s  Pedal Britain’s Trust Pilot page  too.

2 Responses to “LEJOG: Your guide to the Land’s End to John o’ Groats cycle route”

HI, two of us completed LEJOG two weeks ago in seven days. It was mostly bum up, head down – highlights were riding over Shap into Penrith, through the Cairngorms (via Aviemore) and the frantic pedal from Wick to the end. The A30 in Cornwall is to avoided at all costs, but we did go up the A9/A99 early on a Sunday morning so there was little traffic, thankfully. We only had one puncture throughout the ride! My wife drove the support vehicle which was a God-send. Nutrition and hydration were key, as was the right mental approach – thank you David Goggins ‘stay hard’. It is only as we drove back down towards London that we appreciated the daily distances. I would thoroughly recommend riding LEJOG!

Fantastic job – huge congrats for completing it and in only seven days! Thanks for sharing your experience.

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CYCLE RETREATS TOUR - LEJOG

Land's end to john o'groats - uk tour in style, please e-mail [email protected] for our next tour date, land's end to john o'groats... this is going to be one of the biggest achievements you are ever likely to accomplish and cycle retreats will guarantee you do it in style our goal is to guide and support a fun and enjoyable tour, making sure we create many memorable moments thrown in with a few laughs along the way.

The challenge that awaits you is to be taken over 12 days of epic cycling and is around 1000 miles in distance, over some of the most stunning landscapes the UK has to offer.

This is a real bucket list tour for cyclists worldwide and what better way than to take on this challenge than with a 5 star support team behind you. The Cycle Retreats team offer you a fully guided and supported cycling tour, led by experienced guides. 

Our specialists pride themselves in taking good care of everything, so you only have to concentrate on pushing the pedals.  We'll even carry your luggage and feed you on the way!

Click below to see our full ride itinerary

The Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle tour conjures up a variety of images, an escapade, a challenge, hard work, a puncture or two, stunning scenery, and a tremendous sense of achievement.

LEJOG has become a firm favourite with the many cyclists. Every  cyclist navigates the length of the British Isles and experience tells us that the best way to ride the length of the country; is from the southwest to the northeast. The rationale behind this choice revolves around wind and transport. The prevailing wind blows from the southwest and the transport connections work best when returning from the northeast of Scotland.

During the ride, aim to keep you away from busy roads wherever possible. Whilst riding you will see some of the most spectacular countryside and experience exhilarating cycling.

Click below to download our full brochure

What's included in your package

• 12 nights accommodation on twin shared basis
• Lunch provided in sheltered accommodation with toilet facilities 
• Morning and afternoon feed stations
• Final night Gala Dinner
• Full board options (see pricing)
• Training plan
• Qualified tour guides, all first aid trained
• Pre Ride bike mechanic course with access to video tutorials 
• Bike Mechanic on site 
• Support vehicles
• Route support cards
• Full GPX files 
• All luggage transported daily 
• Daily briefings of the route ahead
• Transport from John O'Groats to Inverness
• Iconic Cycle Retreats limited edition LEJOG jersey and medal

Getting your bike to Land's End & home again

Bike Transfer is free of charge

Bring your bike to and collect if from a northern location to be confirmed. 

No need to dismantle, we'll take if fully assembled and secure it safely in the support vehicle. 

Full details will be given nearer to the time.

Please note:   Arriving into Penzance we understand can be tricky so we are putting on some local collection services and one from Newquay also, please ask about these for more information. 

Getting to Penzance

The M5 will take you as far as Exeter, there you can join the A30 which will take you all the way to Penzance. 

By Train  

There are frequent trains from London Paddington to Penzance and via numerous connections from the North such as Reading, 

You can fly to Cornwall by taking a flight from London to Newquay Airport. From Newquay you can take a coach or train onwards to Penzance. If taking the train to Penzance ensure you change at Par station.  Flights from Ireland - The closest major airports are Bristol or Birmingham, from here you can get the train or coach to Penzance. 

By Ferry 

For visitors coming from Europe there are ferry links from Roscoff, in France or Santander, in Spain, both to the nearby port of Plymouth. A train or coach can then be taken to Penzance.

Full cost of your package:

£2,500 per person 

£450 per person

£500 single room charges will apply

£50 Wahoo with routes if required

We require a minimum of 10 people to run this event please enquire for avilability

Charity of Choice

Support Cancer Research UK

Cycle Retreats has chosen CRUK as our charity of choice due to massive leaps they are making in finding ways to fight cancer. We truly hope you will choose to be a charity rider on the Land’s End to John O'Groats and to say thank you to every rider who chooses to be a rider for CRUK and raise a minimum of £250. Each charity rider will go into a prize draw to win a Cycle Retreats European holiday.  The prize draw will take place at the Gala Dinner on the last night of the event. 

Together, we will beat Cancer

A Message from CRUK...

We are absolutely thrilled to be the chosen charity for Cycle Retreats’ Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle challenge 2023.

We know how passionate Cycle Retreats is about supporting the work of Cancer Research UK and by taking part in this challenge, you could help fund vital life-saving research right now!

Roughly 90% of the UK population lives within 30 miles of a Cancer Research UK centre and your support will help us to continue our work and make progress for people affected by cancer. We have 4,000 smart minds working in the best research facilities across the country to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat this disease.

When you support Cancer Research UK, you are not only funding research into life-saving discoveries, kinder treatments and ways to educate people about lifestyle choices, but you are also helping to keep loved ones together for longer, see people reach milestone birthdays and bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

Whether you’re cycling for someone you know, to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured, or for no other reason than to complete the challenge - if you’ve decided to fundraise for Cancer Research UK - every mile you complete and every penny you raise will make a huge difference. We’ve come so far. And we will go much further. Thank you, Cycle Retreats and your participants.

For more information about the work of Cancer Research UK, visit our website  www.cruk.org  

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• Coast and Castles
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C elebrating 14 Years  of  Land's End to John O'Groats  tours in  2024!

Lands End to John O’Groats – 14 day tour

Description

• Additional Info

Booking Conditions

Testimonials.

The Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle tour or LEJOG conjures up a variety of images, an escapade, a challenge, hard work, a puncture or two, stunning scenery, and a tremendous sense of achievement. Since the 1960’s the End to End has become a firm favourite with the British people. Every year, walkers, cyclists, joggers and runners navigate the length of the British Isles. We are proud to support hundreds of cyclists to complete this iconic rite of passage every year.

This page shows details about out 14 day tour. If you would like to try the 10 day LEJOG challenge please click here 10 Day LEJOG

Highlights – Cycle the length of the UK! – A tried and tested route, which keeps away from busy roads where possible – A truly remarkable journey showcasing the spectacular countryside and exhilarating cycling the UK has to offer, including: – The dramatic coastal scenery of Cornwall – The beautiful landscape of Dartmoor – complete with plenty of wild ponies! – The quiet and underrated Shropshire – Excellent views as we weave our way through and around the Forest of Bowland, the Yorkshire Dales, the Howgill Fells and the Lake District – Lovely steady climbs greet us as we enter Scotland… – …followed by longer and harder climbs as we venture north – the Cairngorms offers a particularly spectacular and memorable couple of days of cycling – The wild and vast landscapes of Northern Scotland, where mountains and lochs dominate – Views of the Atlantic Ocean as we reach our destination: John O’Groats

Duration 15 nights / 14 days of cycling

Total distance approximately 1000 miles / 1600km (average 70 miles / 115km per day)

Total elevation 57,750 ft / ~17,600m m ascent (average ~4125 ft / 1257m per day)

Practicalities You will need to arrive for the start of the tour on Saturday . You have accommodation included on Saturday night, your ‘ Arrival Day ;’ the dates below reflect this. We will pick you up from Penzance train station from 10 am onwards on the Saturday , and take you to your hotel so that you can settle in before a welcome meal and group briefing in the evening. The first day of cycling is the Sunday .

At the end of the tour, the final day of cycling is Saturday , when we will have a celebratory end of tour evening meal. Accommodation is included on this final Saturday . After your overnight stay in John o’Groats, you will be transferred to Inverness airport or train station on the Sunday . If you are worried about getting your bike home at the end of the trip we can arrange for it to be packed, boxed and sent to your address for you so you can relax when you have completed the challenge.

You can download the trip notes for the tour here: 14 LEJOG Trip Notes

If you would like to view photos from our latest tours then just click here: 14 Day LEJOG Photos 2023 and 14 Day LEJOG Photos 2022

Also, if you would like a motivating read about preparing for and completing the 14 Day LEJOG then you can read a book about it. One of our customers rode the LEJOG tour and then the Channel to the Med tour a few years later. You can see the book here – Diary of a mid life Cyclist . You can also read a book with a massive amount of historical information and facts about places that you will see along the way by Daniel Darkens who rode LEJOG with us in 2017 and again in 2021 here – LEJOG – A Sightseer’s Guide for the colour and Kindle versions and here – LEJOG – A Sightseer’s Guide for the black and white copy.

2024 Tour Dates:

Sat 11th – Sun 26th May 2024 – 2 places now available

Sat 1st – Sun 16th June 2024 – 3 places now available

Sat 22nd June – Sun 7th July 2024 – Tour Full

Sat 13th – Sun 28th July 2024 – Only 8 places left

Sat 20th July – Sun 4th August 2024 – Places Available

Sat 3rd – Sun 18th August 2024 – Only 8 places left

Sat 10th – Sun 25th August 2024 – Only 9 places left No single or sole occ available

Sat 31st August – Sun 15th September 2024 – Only 1 space available

Sat 7th- Sun 22nd September 2024 – Only 4 places left

Prices for 2024 are £1995 for the YHA & B&B option, £2295 for shared twin or double in B&Bs only, £2795 single B&Bs and £2995 for sole occ of a double in B&Bs.

2025 Tour Dates:

Sat 10th – Sun 25th May 2025 – Places Available

Sat 31st May – Sun 15th June 2025 – Places Available

Sat 21st June – Sun 6th July 2025 – Only 8 Places Available

Sat 12th – Sun 27th July 2025 – Places Available

Sat 26th July – Sun10th August 2025 – Places Available

Sat 9th – Sun 24th August 2025 – Places Available

Sat 23rd August – Sun 7th September 2025 – Places Available

Sat 6th- Sun 21st September 2025 – Places Available

Prices for 2025 are £2095 for the YHA & B&B option, £2395 for shared twin or double in B&Bs only, £2895 single B&Bs and £3095 for sole occ of a double in B&Bs.

*** If you have a group of 16 people or more then ad hoc tours can also be arranged specific to your group ***

Or why not go for something a bit different and cycle the opposite two corners? Presenting our stunning alternative end to end: Dover to Durness

Go To Booking Form

Lands End to John O’Groats – 14 day tour Route

Arrival Day Saturday: Non-riding day Everyone will arrive at St Just today ready for a welcome brief and group meal at 7:30pm. You can travel directly to St Just or you can travel to Penzance and we will meet you there from 10am onwards and transfer you to your accommodation.

Day 1 Sunday: Lands End to Fowey (64 miles)  Elevation Gain : 1409m / 4622ft  On the day of departure we will be making an early start from the famous signpost at the most south westerly point on the English mainland, Lands End. The first day is perhaps, one of the toughest. The hills in Cornwall are not particularly high, but they are steep and there are a lot of them, any miles that are done in training, prior to the ‘big trip’ will reap huge dividends on this early stage.

Day 2 Monday: Fowey to Moretonhampstead (60 miles)  Elevation Gain : 2051m / 6730ft The second day of the journey is one of the toughest. We have plenty more Cornish hills to climb up and down although the scenery is lovely. We continue into Devon and more hills await as we cycle through Dartmoor National Park. On a clear day this is a truly spectacular section although it can get very bleak if the weather is bad!

Day 3 Tuesday: Moretonhampstead to Street   (68 miles)  Elevation Gain: 1200m / 4000ft The next day of our adventure will begin with some hilly cycling as we negotiate the back roads towards Exeter. As we leave Exeter behind the terrain becomes a little easier and after lunch, as we will be wending our way through gentle, quiet country lanes through the Isle of Avalon. We continue across the Somerset Levels to bring us to the lovely little town of Street, near Glastonbury.

Day 4 Wednesday: Street to Monmouth (64 miles)  E levation Gain: 1028m / 3372ft We will continue to the cathedral city of Wells, often referred to as the smallest city in England. A climb out of Wells is rewarded with some fine cycling across the top of the Mendip Hills, before dropping to Chew Valley lake and through the Long Ashton Estate. We will cycle over the iconic Clifton suspension bridge before cycling through Bristol. After lunch we will continue over the Severn Bridge and into Wales. The afternoon is spent cycling along the Wye Valley – a truly memorable days cycling.

Day 5 Thursday: Monmouth to Clun (58 miles)  El evation Gain: 1052m / 3451ft The fifth day of the journey is perhaps one of the easiest and the scenery is stunning with the Black Mountains in the distance. The roads are very quiet and the scenery amongst the best of the trip. We will be cycling to the west of Leominster and eventually stopping for the night at the recently restored watermill at Clun Mill, a local pub or B&B. Clun has a couple of great real ale pubs and places to eat.

Day 6 Friday: Clun to Runcorn   (79 miles)  Elevation Gain: 1200m/4000ft A scenic, undulating road takes us away from Clun to the white & black timbered buildings of Shrewsbury. After Shrewsbury the route is flat & easy as we continue northwards along the Cheshire plains so although the mileage is high this is one of the easiest days of the tour.

Day 7 Saturday: Runcorn to Lancaster (73 miles)  Elevation Gain: 1205m/3953ft Leaving Runcorn we will be weaving through the Manchester – Liverpool conurbation. The terrain is easy for the first half of the day but we have a number of roads, roundabouts, cycle paths and town centres to navigate so concentration is required. As the day progresses, the countryside beckons once again and there is a nice run in to Lancaster.

Day 8 Sunday: Lancaster to Penrith   (60 miles)  Elevation Gain: 1024m / 3359ft Sunday will see us cycling to the North West of Lancaster where we pick up a cycle path which winds alongside the River Lune heading East continuing on to the beautifully picturesque market town of Kirby Lonsdale. Kirby Lonsdale has had a market once a week since 1227AD and is home to a Norman Church, which we will cycle right past, which is 1000 years old! We then continue onwards edging the Yorkshire Dales National park and then the Howgills to our right and the Lake District National Park to our left. Initially the cycling is easy but we will encounter a number of hills further north as we pass Sedbergh on our way to Penrith.

Day 9 Monday: Penrith to Moffat (70 miles)  Elevation Gain:  648m / 2127ft On the second Monday morning, the ‘daily commute’ or the ‘school run’, will be the last thing on our minds, as stiff climbs from the Lake District are forgotten we will be navigating through the tail end of the Lake District towards the city of Carlisle, the terrain flattens out around this historic city and the cycling becomes relatively easy as the day wears on.

Day 10 Tuesday: Moffat to Kinross (82 miles)  Elevation Gain:  1206m / 3956ft                 Leaving Moffat, a gradual climb takes you up over the Lowther Hills through some wild and stunning scenery. You will cycle alongside the River Tweed before descending towards Edinburgh. A great ride through Edinburgh city centre leads you over the iconic Forth Road Bridge over the Firth of Forth and onto Kinross.

Day 11 Wednesday: Kinross to Ballater (80 miles)  Elevation Gain: 1604m / 5262ft            Continuing north you will skirt round Perth and cross the River Tay. A lovely ride takes you onto Blairgowrie and Glen Shee. A notable climb up to the ski resorts at Glenshee is followed by a long descent to Braemar. Further along you will pass by the Queens country home at Balmoral and finish the day in the vibrant highland town of Ballater.

Day 12 Thursday: Ballater to Inverness (73 miles)  Elevation Gain :  1695m  / 5561ft           A tough start takes you up and over the Lecht before descending to Tomintoul. You will pass ski resorts, castles and stunning scenery as you continue through the Grampian Mountains before arriving at the capital of the Highlands, Inverness. This is another truly memorable days cycling although a tough ride and your legs will be ready for a rest by the time you reach Inverness.

Day 13 Friday: Inverness to Crask (66 miles)  Elevation Gain: 1106m / 3628ft A stunning ride away from Inverness takes you over the Kessock Bridge and alongside the Beauly Firth to the Muir of Ord and Dingwall. Just out of Dingwall brings another ascent onto what the locals call the ‘Struie’. As we reach the top of the ‘Struie’ we will be amply rewarded with impressive views of the Dornoch Firth and away in the distance Loch Shin. The final few hours are spent descending down to Bonar Bridge and then the steady climb to Lairg and beyond which is our destination for the evening, The Crask Inn, arguably the finest and friendliest of pubs in the UK.

Day 14 Saturday: Crask to John O’Groats (82 miles)  Elevation Gain: 1163m / 3815ft A freewheeling descent from the Crask Inn and the dazzling backdrop provided by Loch Naver and Ben Klibreck will make this morning truly unforgettable. As Loch Naver gives way to the famous salmon runs of the River Naver, we will be enjoying some of the finest cycling of the whole journey. Around lunchtime we sight the Atlantic Ocean at Bettyhill and the final afternoon will be spent making progress along the northern coastline of Scotland towards John O’Groats. The final few hours of the afternoon will find the terrain flatten out and we are rewarded with an easy ride to the finishing line at John O’Groats, where the champagne corks will be popping.

Departure Day Sunday Non-riding day A coach will leave John O’Groats at 6:15 am to transport us all to Inverness today making a drop off at both Inverness Train Station at around 9:30am and Inverness Airport at around 9:45am

Additional Information

What’s included.

The tour price includes 15 nights accommodation, 15 breakfasts, 14 lunches, snacks, fruit, dried fruit, jelly babies, cake, tea, coffee, & hot chocolate etc, full trip support including a tour leader that cycles with the group, back up van with spare parts and a few spare bikes, detailed route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace, gpx files, Lands End to John O’Groats Cycle Shirt, certificate, luggage transfer each day, transfer from Penzance to Lands End and transfer from John O’Groats to Inverness.

What’s Not Included?

Evening meals, cycle hire (available for a fee), Garmin hire (available for a fee), transport to Penzance, transport from Inverness.

The group will be a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 25 people. We feel that this size of group works best as there will always be enough in the group for some good company but there won’t be so many people that it becomes overcrowded.

Accommodation

You have a choice of staying in a mixture of hostels and B&B’s or B&B’s only sharing a double or a twin room. If you would like your own space then you can choose the single room option, or sole occupancy of a double. Most of the rooms are en-suite however there maybe a few nights where your room isn’t en-suite (Sole occupancy of a double room is guaranteed e/suite).

Although the shortest route from Lands End to John O’Groats is 874 miles our route of 990 miles avoids main roads and takes in some of the UK’s most beautiful scenery. Wherever possible we cycle along quiet country lanes and cycleways and only join main roads when we absolutely have to. The terrain is varied but generally undulating rolling fields and hills with some areas hillier than others (primarily Cornwall, Dartmoor, Lake District & Scotland).

All of your breakfasts and lunches are included in the price of the trip. You will usually have a choice of full English, toast, cereals, fruit juices, tea, coffee etc. Lunches will be provided each day and will generally be a buffet at a cafe or a country pub. Evening meals can be bought at your accommodation or in a nearby pub. We also have fruit, biscuits, nuts etc in the back up van that you are welcome to pick at throughout the day.

An experienced tour leader will cycle with you each day and be on hand to help with any bike problems that may occur. You will have detailed route notes so that you can go slower or faster than the guide if you prefer or you can cycle at the back with the tour guide so that you don’t have to navigate at all.

A back up van will leap frog the group a number of times each day so that help is never far away. We carry a range of spare parts so that repairs can be made en-route and we will have a spare bike available in the event that your bike has a serious breakdown.

We highly recommend that you use a bike that you are used to and feel comfortable riding. Your bike should be fully serviced and in good condition before you start, this will reduce the risk of mechanical problems and unnecessary stoppages along the way. It should be noted that if you have your bike serviced before the tour then it is a good idea to ride it a few times to allow things to ‘bed in’ before joining the tour. Either a road bike or a touring bike is preferable. We have a range of road and touring bikes available for hire if you don’t have your own bike. We will take your bike over for you if you bring it to us before hand and we will take it back for you at the end of the tour as well (free of charge if you drop off and pick up or we can box the bike and post it to you for a charge). Please note that Peak Tours will not be held responsible for any damage cause in the transportation of the bikes, problems are very rare indeed and we have a very safe, tried and tested system. Any bikes with DI gears need to bring their chargers with them for the trip and riders also need to be aware that it may be necessary to remove the saddle and in some cases with DI gears, unplug the cable (although we try to avoid this). We also remove the front wheel of most bikes being transported and place them in wheel bags, if anyone has a wheel that requires a specific tool you would need to provide that too please.

This tour is suitable for someone with a good level of fitness and who wants a challenge. If you do plenty of training beforehand you should have no problem completing the ride. We will organise a training weekend in the Peak District if you would like to get in some hill climbs/practise before the main event. You can book onto this via this link; https://www.peak-tours.com/shop/training-weekend/

It must be stressed that a good amount of training before the ride will make your tour much more enjoyable and ensure that you finish your ride. We are always happy to advise about training plans so please just ask.

Clothing & Equipment

Clothing for all weathers is recommended so waterproofs are essential. A full recommended kit list is provided & we are always happy to answer any questions that you may have.

You can do washing at many of the B&B’s & hostels so that you don’t have to bring a mountain of clothes.

It is highly recommended that you take out adequate insurance to cover against, personal accident, loss of belongings and cancellation cover.

How do I get to Penzance?

You can get to Penzance by Car, train, plane & ferry (or you could cycle). We can pick you up at Penzance when you arrive from 10 am onwards on the Saturday and transport you and your bike to your first nights accommodation. Penzance is about 8 miles from our accommodation in St. Just. To get to Penzance:

By Car The M5 will take you as far as Exeter, there you can join the A30 which will take you all the way to Penzance. If you are hiring a car there is a Europcar depot at Penzance train station where you can leave your hire car.

By Train There are frequent trains from London, Paddington and major stations along the way. Penzance is at the end of the line, so if you fall asleep you won’t go past your stop! If flying to Newquay, you can take the train from Newquay, then onwards to Penzance, changing once at Par station. This journey takes just under 2 hours. For train timetables tel: 08457 48 49 50 or book online at www.nationalrail.co.uk

By Ferry For visitors coming from Europe there are ferry links from Roscoff, in France or Santander, in Spain, both to the nearby port of Plymouth. A train or coach can then be taken to Penzance.

What happens when I arrive?

If you would like collecting from Penzance we will meet you at the station and take you, your luggage & your bike to St. Just where we will spend our first night. It is about 8 miles from Penzance to St. Just so if you want to cycle we can meet you at Penzance and take your luggage for you. Just let us know when you want picking up and we will meet you then. We will have a group meal at 20:00 on the first night so if you are arriving much earlier you have the time free to yourself.

What happens at the end?

On the final day we finish cycling late afternoon or early evening and spend the night at John o’Groats. We have a ‘final supper’ where we all get together for a last group meal. On final morning a coach is booked for 6.45 & will take everyone back to Inverness. We should arrive at Inverness station at around 9.15 and the airport for around 9.45.

If you are taking your bike back with you then we will transport your bike to Inverness for you, or, if you choose the ‘return transport’ option then your bikes will be packed and couriered back to your address for you.

What mechanical knowledge do I need?

We don’t expect you to be an expert bike mechanic but there are a few simple skills that will be a great benefit to you. The most important skill you need to know is how to fix a puncture. It is quite likely that at some point you will have a puncture or two so it is essential that you carry a puncture repair kit and a spare tube or two with you. It is also helpful if you know how to change your brake pads and adjust your brakes and gears, however this isn’t essential. Our guides will help you with any repairs and adjustments en-route.

What are the lunches like?

We arrange a buffet lunch at a pub or café each day. This will be a mixture of sandwiches, salads, soup, pizza, pasta salad etc and will be different at each place. There will always be enough to go round so don’t worry if you are at the back of the group. The lunch stops provide a good opportunity to re-group and catch up with others and compare notes.

Will I be left behind?

No, a tour leader cycles at the back of the group so that you won’t be left behind if you are worried about cycling too slowly. Throughout the group there will be a mix of abilities and cycling speeds so you will usually be able to cycle with others that cycle at a similar pace. Some people like to cycle fast whilst others prefer to take their time, stop for coffee & cake or stop to take photos etc so whether you are a ‘speed demon’ or more of a ‘tourer’ there usually will be someone to cycle with each day.

Do I need to be super fit?

No, you don’t need to be super fit but a good level of fitness is important as the LEJOG is a challenging ride. The fitter you are and the more training that you do before hand will add to the enjoyment of your tour and improve your chances of succeeding the challenge. If you need any advice about fitness please contact us and we will be happy to discuss any questions and concerns that you may have.

What are the groups like?

Obviously each group is different but generally lejoggers are a fun, friendly, helpful and adventurous bunch. There will be people of all ages and from all walks of life. We tend to get quite a few older riders although there will always be a few younger riders as well. So far our youngest rider was 13 & the oldest 84. We think that a group of 20-25 is ideal as there will be plenty of people with similar interests and character without being such a big group that it becomes too much.

Generally the group will be split 50/50 between people travelling alone & people that travel as a pair such as two brothers, two friends, two partners. There will be plenty of people to socialise with throughout the day and in the evening.

How do I get my bike home at the end of the trip?

If you are flying then you will need to box your bike before you board the plane. If you choose to do this you will need to send your bike box or bag to the final destination at the hotel in JOG as we don’t have space in the back up van to carry bike boxes or bags (exceptions can be made for one or two foldable bags for overseas travellers) . If you are travelling by train you will need to ensure that your bike is booked on each leg of your journey. We will transport your bike back to Inverness for you.

An easy alternative to transporting your bike yourself is to use the services of Ticket to Ride (www.johnogroatsbiketransport.co.uk). Whilst we don’t take any responsibility for any outside bike couriering services previous ‘lejogers’ have used them and have reported that they offer an excellent service.

The way it works is that we will transport your bikes back to Inverness where a member of the Ticket to Ride staff will meet us at the airport/station & take any bikes that are to be posted or they will collect bikes from JOG. The bikes will then be boxed (this usually means that they will remove the front wheel, pedals, saddle & handlebars) and posted to your address. The price for this service is available on request. If you would like to use this service please let us know & we will book it in for you.

What happens in the evenings?

Once you have arrived at your accommodation you should have chance for some time to relax, have a shower etc before the evening meal. We usually arrange somewhere to eat for the evening meal so that we can all get together and you won’t be left alone if you would like to eat with others. Quite often will simply arrange a certain pub to meet up & just drift in when you are ready whilst at other places we have a set time to eat – it just depends on the location.

Does the support vehicle follow the group?

No, the back up van doesn’t drive behind the group at all times but the van shouldn’t be too far away if you require assistance. In the morning we have a group brief and set off cycling, meanwhile the backup driver will collect all the luggage from the various B&B’s & hostels. Once all of the luggage has been loaded, the support vehicle will leapfrog the group stopping when necessary. The backup driver will be at the lunch stop should you need anything from the van and in the afternoon will go on ahead to ensure that your luggage is in place before you arrive.

How much luggage can I take?

There is limited space in the back up van to store luggage. We therefore request that you try to keep your luggage size to a minimum & try not to bring too much with you. Washing clothes can be done en-route so you shouldn’t need to bring a clean set of clothes for every day. The ideal size for luggage is 70 x 50 x 30 cm and a weight of 15 – 18kg (or less).

What training should I do?

The more the better. We will provide a training guide for you so that you can build up your cycling strength and prepare for the ride in the correct way. It is important that you cycle two long days back to back whilst training and also that you cycle on some hills. We hold a training weekend in April so that you can meet with others in the group, ask any questions you may have and also test yourselves amongst the challenging hills of the Peak District.

What bike should I use?

The most suitable bike for this trip is a hybrid, touring or road bike, however it is entirely up to you what type of bike you use. Some people may be riding mountain bikes, others hybrids & others on racing bikes.

Please ensure that your bike is fully serviced and in good working order before the start of the trip.

If you are riding a mountain bike then it is advisable to use slick tyres or if you are using a lightweight racing bike it would be better to use a wider tyre if possible as the route does include narrow lanes and some roads have a lot of pot holes. Tyre inflation and rubber composition is important & a tyre width of 25mm or more is recommended for this tour. Please ensure that you have hard wearing tyres with plenty of tread.

You are going to cycle 1000 miles so it is important that your bike won’t let you down. You may want to fit new brake blocks, tyres & inner tubes before you start the ride and also bring 3-4 spare inner tubes, pump, puncture repair kit and multi-tool to carry with you each day. It is essential that you are able to fix a puncture.

It is also advisable to have front and rear lights on your bikes and try to be a visible as possible.

What gear should I take?

We provide a suggested kit list so please contact us if you would like a copy sending to you.

What is the male / female ratio?

This varies with each group. There are usually more guys than gals but an average would be about 1/3rd ladies and 2/3rds gents.

What are the Accommodation Options?

We have tried to offer a variety of accommodation options to cater for different budgets and to offer a few alternatives for anyone that wants to join us for a Lands End to John o’Groats tour. Throughout the tour we stay in fifteen different locations and may use up to seven different B&B’s in each location (sometimes we will all be in the same hotel). The standard of each B&B will be different in each place but I always try to be fair when allocating rooms as some rooms are better than others. Please have a read through the following information to ensure that you choose most suitable option for you.

A mixture of hostels and B&B’s This is the most cost effective option as you will stay in hostels on approximately four or five nights of the tour and B&B’s on the remaining ten or eleven nights of the tour. Whilst you are staying in a hostel you are likely to be staying in a dormitory room of 4-8 people (same sex). Usually the hostels that we use are in old historic buildings and are full of character. There is usually a good social atmosphere in the hostels and they all have hot showers, bedding, communal areas and breakfast is provided. The downside is that you are sharing with others and there is a higher chance that there may be more snorers so ear plugs are recommended and also a towel. You don’t need to be a YHA member to book this option as we have a group membership.

B&B’s only option It is fairly obvious that if you choose this option then you will stay in a B&B/hotel every night. If you are with your partner then you can have a double room each night of the tour. If you are with a friend/relative then you would have a twin room each night of the tour. If you are travelling alone and choose this option then you will be roomed with other members of the group (same sex) and stay in a twin (occasionally a triple) room throughout. Usually you will have an en-suite bathroom but occasionally you have a separate bathroom.

Single room option Here you are guaranteed a single room each night of the trip. You will have a mixture on en-suite rooms and rooms that have a private bathroom or a shared bathroom. Sometimes you will have sole occupancy of a double room.

Sole use of a double room option Here you are guaranteed single occupancy of a double room. You will almost always have an en-suite but there may be the odd occasion where you have a separate bathroom.

Can I hire a bike from you?

It is advisable to use your own bike if possible however we realise that it is not always possible to use your own steed so you may wish to hire one. We have two types of road bike and three types of hybrid/touring bikes bike available. Details of these bikes can be found by clicking on the ‘Tour Extras’ tab.

All of our hire bikes come fitted with a cycle computer, water bottle cage, bell, map holder, rear rack and mudguards (hybrids) and front and rear lights. We can also provide a pannier with a multi-tool, pump, puncture repair kit, spare tube and tyre levers at no extra cost. All bikes have flat pedals so if you would prefer to use your own (and maybe your own saddle) then please bring these along with you. We can also provide a helmet for you at no extra cost.

These Booking Conditions, together with our Privacy Policy and where your holiday is booked via our website or over the phone, our Website Terms of Use , together with any other written information we brought to your attention before we confirmed your booking, form the basis of your contract with Peak Tours Ltd, company number 07992506, of 38 Storth Meadow Road, Glossop, Derbyshire, SK13 6UZ ("we", "us", "our"). Please read them carefully as they set out our respective rights and obligations. In these Booking Conditions references to "you" and "your" include the first named person on the booking and all persons on whose behalf a booking is made or any other person to whom a booking is added or transferred.

By making a booking, the first named person on the booking agrees on behalf of all persons detailed on the booking that:

• he/she has read these Booking Conditions and has the authority to and does agree to be bound by them;
• he/she consents to our use of personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and is authorised on behalf of all persons named on the booking to disclose their personal details to us, including where applicable special categories of data (such as information on health conditions or disabilities and dietary requirements);
• he/she is over 18 years of age and, where placing an order for services with age restrictions, declares that he/she and all members of the party are of the appropriate age to purchase those services;
• he/she accepts financial responsibility for payment of the booking on behalf of all persons detailed on the booking.
• he/she has key rights under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 - Standard Information Form on Travellers Rights when Booking a Package Holiday .

1. Booking & Paying For Your Arrangements

A booking is made with us when you pay us a deposit (or full payment if you are booking within 60 days of departure) and we issue you with a booking confirmation. All bookings are made subject to the eligibility requirements listed at section 2 below. We reserve the right to return your deposit and decline to issue a booking confirmation at our absolute discretion. A binding contract will come into existence between you and us as soon as we have issued you with a booking confirmation that will confirm the details of your booking and will be sent to you. The accommodation provisions included at section 14 will also apply to your booking.

Upon receipt, if you believe that any details on booking confirmation or any other document are wrong you must advise us immediately as changes cannot be made later and it may harm your rights if we are not notified of any inaccuracies in any document within ten days of our sending it out.

The balance of the cost of your arrangements (including any applicable surcharge) is due not less than 60 days prior to scheduled departure. You will receive a payment reminder from us prior to your balance becoming due. If we do not receive this balance in full and on time, we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled by you in which case we shall retain your deposit.

2. Eligibility Requirements

In booking with Peak Tours you understand that there are certain risks and dangers inherent in taking part in a cycling holiday and that by the very nature of the activities you will participate in these may be hazardous to you, including cycling on uneven surfaces, cycling in inclement weather, cycling in close proximity to vehicular traffic and any other activities involving inherently dangerous risks, and you acknowledge that you will be exposed to an element of personal risk. These include the risk of personal injury and death and loss of or damage to your property. You are under a duty to mitigate any risks to yourself as far as is practicable, by taking all reasonable steps to comply with all instructions of your tour leader and the instructions included in your route map, and taking all reasonable steps to ensure your own safety whilst taking part in the holiday.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are at a sufficient level of fitness to take part in your chosen holiday (please also see section 13 - Disabilities and Medical Problems). You will generally be at a sufficient level of fitness if you are able to complete your day's cycling within a reasonable timescale (which shall be set by your tour leader, and in respect of most holidays shall mean completing the day's cycling by 18:30 hours local time at the latest). If you finish your day's cycling beyond this time period, it shall be at the tour leader's absolute discretion as to whether you are at a sufficient level of fitness to continue with your chosen holiday. You are required to follow any safety advice or other instructions provided to you by your tour leader, and wear a cycle helmet and appropriate clothing at all times whilst cycling.

If you are using your own bike, it must be suitable for use for the duration of the route of your chosen holiday. It is your responsibility to arrange for your bike to be transported to the holiday. Your bike must be insured for the duration of your holiday, and your insurance should cover loss or damage to your bike that may occur during your holiday. Peak Tours take great care to ensure that your bike is safe at all times. However, Peak Tours cannot accept any responsibility for any damage to your bike or loss of your bike, including if your bike is stolen during the holiday. This includes times when your bikes are being transported in one of the vans. If a van was stolen containing your bike then you would need to have an adequate insurance policy in place to cover this.

Bike hire is available to be booked at any time up to the start of your holiday, subject to availability. If you choose the bike hire option, your bike will be provided at the beginning of the holiday and returned to ground staff at the end of your holiday.

3. Accuracy

We endeavour to ensure that all the information and prices contained in our advertising material are accurate, however occasionally changes and errors occur and we reserve the right to correct prices and other details in such circumstances. You must check the current price and all other details relating to the arrangements that you wish to book before you make your booking.

4.Insurance

Adequate travel insurance is a condition of your contract with us. You must be satisfied that your insurance fully covers all your personal requirements including pre-existing medical conditions, cancellation charges, medical expenses and repatriation in the event of accident or illness. If you choose to travel without adequate insurance cover, we will not be liable for any losses howsoever arising, in respect of which insurance cover would otherwise have been available.

We reserve the right to amend the price of unsold holidays at any time and correct errors in the prices of confirmed holidays. We also reserve the right to increase the price of confirmed holidays solely to allow for increases which are a direct consequence of changes in:

• the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from the cost of fuel or other power sources;
• the level of taxes or fees chargeable for services applicable to the holiday imposed by third parties not directly involved in the performance of the holiday, including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports; and
• the exchange rates relevant to the package.

Such variations could include but are not limited to cost changes which are part of our contracts with accommodation suppliers (and their agents), transfer operators and any other transport providers.

You will be charged for the amount of any increase in accordance with this clause. However, if this means that you have to pay an increase of more than 8% of the price of your confirmed holiday (excluding any insurance premiums, amendment charges and/or additional services or travel arrangements), you will have the option of accepting a change to another holiday if we are able to offer one (if this is of lower price you will be refunded the difference in price), or cancelling and receiving a full refund of all monies paid to us, except for any insurance premiums and any amendment charges and/or additional services or travel arrangements. Should you decide to cancel for this reason, you must exercise your right to do so within 7 days from the issue date printed on your final invoice. We will consider an appropriate refund of insurance premiums paid if you can show that you are unable to transfer or reuse your policy.

Should the price of your holiday go down due to the changes mentioned above, then any refund due will be paid to you less an administrative fee of £10. However, please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your travel due to contractual and other protection in place.

There will be no change made to the price of your confirmed holiday within 20 days of your departure nor will refunds be paid during this period.

6. Jurisdiction and Applicable Law

These Booking Conditions and any agreement to which they apply are governed in all respects by English law. We both agree that any dispute, claim or other matter which arises between us out of or in connection with your contract or booking will be dealt with by the Courts of England and Wales only. You may however, choose the law and jurisdiction of Scotland or Northern Ireland if you live in those places and if you wish to do so.

7.Cutting your holiday short

If you are forced to return home early, we cannot refund the cost of any travel arrangements you have not used. If you cut short your holiday and return home early in circumstances where you have no reasonable cause for complaint about the standard of accommodation and services provided, we will not offer you any refund for that part of your holiday not completed, or be liable for any associated costs you may incur. Depending on the circumstances, your travel insurance may offer cover for curtailment and we suggest that any claim is made directly with them.

8. If You Change Your Booking & Transfers of Bookings

If you wish to change any part of your booking after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you must inform us in writing (which includes by email) as soon as possible. This should be done by the first named person on the booking. Whilst we will do our best to assist, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to meet your requested change. Where we can meet a request, all changes will be subject to payment of any costs and charges incurred by us and/or incurred or imposed by any of our suppliers in making this change. You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Where we are unable to assist you and you do not wish to proceed with the original booking we will treat this as a cancellation by you. A cancellation fee may be payable in accordance with clause 9.

Transfer of Booking:

If you or any member of your party is prevented from travelling, that person(s) may transfer their place to someone else, subject to the following conditions:

• that person is introduced by you and satisfies all the conditions applicable to the holiday;
• we are notified not less than 7 days before departure;
• you pay any fees, charges or other costs arising from the transfer; and
• the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us.

You and the transferee remain jointly and severally liable for payment of all sums. If you are unable to find a replacement, cancellation charges as set out in clause 9 will apply in order to cover our estimated costs. Otherwise, no refunds will be given for passengers not travelling or for unused services.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed and any alteration could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

9. If You Cancel Your Booking Before Departure

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel your confirmed booking you must notify us in writing (which includes by email). Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by us at our offices and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

Since we incur costs in cancelling your arrangements, you will have to pay the cancellation charges as follows:

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

10. If We Change or Cancel

As we plan your holiday arrangements many months in advance we may occasionally have to make changes or cancel your booking and we reserve the right to do so at any time.

Changes: If we make a minor change to your holiday, we will make reasonable efforts to inform you as soon as reasonably possible if there is time before your departure but we will have no liability to you. An example of a minor change would include change of accommodation to another of the same or higher standard.

Occasionally we may have to make a significant change to your confirmed arrangements. Examples of "significant changes" include the following, when made before departure:

• A change of accommodation area for the whole or a significant part of your time away.
• A change of accommodation to that of a lower standard or classification for the whole or a significant part of your time away.
• A change of outward departure time or overall length of your arrangements by more than 12 hours.
• A significant change to your itinerary, missing out one or more destination entirely.

Cancellation: We will not cancel your travel arrangements less than 60 days before your departure date, except for reasons of Events Beyond Our Control or failure by you to pay the final balance. We may cancel your holiday before this date if, e.g., the minimum number of clients required for a particular travel arrangement is not reached.

If we have to make a significant change or cancel, we will tell you as soon as possible and if there is time to do so before departure, we will offer you the choice of:

• (for significant major changes) accepting the changed arrangements; or
• having a refund of all monies paid; or
• if available and where we offer one, accepting an offer of an alternative holiday (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value).

You must notify us of your choice within 7 days of our offer. If we do not hear from you within 7 days, we will contact you again to request notification of your choice. If you fail to respond again, we will assume that you have chosen to accept the change or alternative booking arrangements.

Compensation

In addition to a full refund of all monies paid by you, we will pay you compensation as detailed below, in the following circumstances:

• If, where we make a significant change, you do not accept the changed arrangements and cancel your booking;
• If we cancel your booking and no alternative arrangements are available and/or we do not offer one.

The compensation that we offer does not exclude you from claiming more if you are entitled to do so.

*IMPORTANT NOTE: We will not pay you compensation in the following circumstances:

• where we make a minor change;
• where we make a significant change or cancel your arrangements more than 60 days before departure;
• where we make a significant change and you accept those changed arrangements or you accept an offer of alternative travel arrangements;
• where we have to cancel your arrangements as a result of your failure to make full payment on time;
• where the change or cancellation by us arises out of alterations to the confirmed booking requested by you;
• where we are forced to cancel or change your arrangements due to Events Beyond Our Control (see clause 11).

If we become unable to provide a significant proportion of the arrangements that you have booked with us after you have departed, we will, if possible, make alternative arrangements for you at no extra charge and where those alternative arrangements are of a lower standard, provide you with an appropriate price reduction.

11. Events Beyond Our Control

Except where otherwise expressly stated in these Booking Conditions we will not be liable or pay you compensation if our contractual obligations to you are affected by "Events Beyond Our Control". For the purposes of these Booking Conditions, Events Beyond Our Control means any event beyond our or our supplier's control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken. Examples include warfare and acts of terrorism (and threat thereof), civil strife, significant risks to human health such as the outbreak of serious disease at the travel destination or natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes or weather conditions which make it impossible to travel safely to the travel destination or remain at the travel destination, the act of any government or other national or local authority including port or river authorities, industrial dispute, labour strikes, lock closure, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, chemical or biological disaster, unavoidable technical problems with transport and all similar events outside our or the supplier(s) concerned's control.

Brexit Implications: please note that certain travel arrangements may be affected as a result of the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union. Please rest assured that this is something we will continue to monitor and will advise our customers as soon as possible if we become aware of any confirmed bookings that will be affected. However, since this is something which is completely unprecedented and outside our control, we would treat any such changes as Events Beyond Our Control, and whilst we will endeavour to provide suitable alternative arrangements or refunds where possible, we will not be liable to pay you any compensation.

12. Special Requests

Any special requests must be advised to us at the time of booking e.g. diet, room location, a particular facility at a hotel etc. You should then confirm your requests in writing. Whilst every effort will be made by us to try and arrange your reasonable special requests, we cannot guarantee that they will be fulfilled. The fact that a special request has been noted on your confirmation invoice or any other documentation or that it has been passed on to the supplier is not confirmation that the request will be met. Failure to meet any special request will not be a breach of contract on our part unless the request has been specifically confirmed by us. We do not accept bookings that are conditional upon any special request being met.

13. Disabilities and Medical Problems

We are not a specialist disabled holiday company, but we will do our utmost to cater for any special requirements you may have. If you or any member of your party has any medical problem or disability which may affect your booking, please provide us with full details before you make your booking so that we can try to advise you as to the suitability of your chosen arrangements. We may require you to produce a doctor's certificate certifying that you are fit to participate. Acting reasonably, if we are unable to properly accommodate the needs of the person(s) concerned, we will not confirm your booking or if you did not give us full details at the time of booking, we will cancel it and impose applicable cancellation charges when we become aware of these details. If, during your holiday, we become aware of a medical problem or disability which may affect your health and safety or the health and safety of others, which you did not disclose at the time of booking, we reserve the right to postpone, restrict or cancel your involvement in any cycling activities, at the tour leader's sole discretion.

14. Accommodation Provisions

B&b option & double or twin/triple.

If you choose the B&B only option you will stay in a mixture of B&B's, hotels and country pubs. If you are travelling with a friend then you will be roomed together in a twin or if you're with your partner then you will be in a double room (or a twin if you prefer). If you are travelling alone then you will be roomed with another member of the group in a twin or triple room (same sex). The actual stopovers may change from the advertised accommodation providers, if this happens then an equivalent standard of accommodation will be used nearby. The majority of the rooms you stay in will be en-suite however you may stay in a couple of rooms that are not en-suite.

SINGLE ROOM OPTION

If you choose the single room option, you will have your own room for the duration of the holiday. This will be in either a single room or single occupancy of a double room in a mixture of en-suite and non en-suite rooms.

SOLE USE OF A DOUBLE ROOM OPTION

If you choose this option, you will have a guaranteed double room to yourself throughout the tour. You will always have an en-suite each night of your holiday. There may be an exceptionally rare occasion when you have a separate bathroom but this is very unlikely. Occasionally you may have a twin room to yourself if a double room isn't available but again, this is rare.

YHA (YOUTH HOSTEL) OPTION

This option is only available for the fourteen day LEJOG tour. If you choose the YHA option you will stay in a mixture of hostels, hotels & B&B's staying in dormitory rooms, single rooms, twin rooms & triples.

15. Complaints

We make every effort to ensure that your holiday arrangements run smoothly but if you do have a problem during your holiday, please inform the relevant supplier (e.g. your hotelier) and your tour leader immediately who will endeavour to put things right. If your complaint is not resolved locally, please contact 07495 023 022 or 01457851462.

If the problem cannot be resolved and you wish to complain further, you must send formal written notice of your complaint to us at our office, ideally within 28 days of the end of your stay, giving your booking reference and all other relevant information. Please keep your letter concise and to the point. This will assist us to quickly identify your concerns and speed up our response to you. Failure to follow the procedure set out in this clause may affect ours and the applicable supplier's ability to investigate your complaint, and will affect your rights under this contract.

You can access the European Commission Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform at http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr/ . This ODR platform is a means of registering your complaint with us; it will not determine how your complaint should be resolved. Please Note: the ODR platform is unlikely to be available for use by UK consumers at such a point that the UK ceases to be a member of the European Union.

16. Your Behaviour

All our customers are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly and acceptable manner and not to disrupt the enjoyment of others. If in our opinion or in the opinion of any hotel manager, tour leader or any other person in authority, your behaviour or that of any member of your party is causing or is likely to cause distress, danger or annoyance to any other customers or any third party, or damage to property, or to cause a delay or diversion to transportation, we reserve the right to terminate your booking with us immediately. In the event of such termination our liability to you and/or your party will cease and you and/or your party will be required to leave your accommodation or other arrangements immediately. We will have no further obligations to you and/or your party. No refunds for lost accommodation or any other arrangements will be made and we will not pay any expenses or costs incurred as a result of termination. You and/or your party may also be required to pay for loss and/or damage caused by your actions and we will hold you and each member of your party jointly and individually liable for any damage or losses caused by you or any member of your party. Full payment for any such damage or losses must be paid directly to the hotel manager or other supplier prior to departure. If you fail to make payment, you will be responsible for meeting any claims (including legal costs) subsequently made against us as a result of your actions together with all costs we incur in pursuing any claim against you. We cannot be held responsible for the actions or behaviour of other guests or individuals who have no connection with your booking arrangements or with us.

17. Our Responsibilities

• We will accept responsibility for the arrangements we agree to provide or arrange for you as an "organiser" under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, as set out below and as such, we are responsible for the proper provision of all travel services included in your package, as set out in your confirmation invoice. Subject to these Booking Conditions, if we or our suppliers negligently perform or arrange those services and we don't remedy or resolve your complaint within a reasonable period of time, and this has affected the enjoyment of your package holiday you may be entitled to an appropriate price reduction or compensation or both. You must inform us without undue delay of any failure to perform or improper performance of the travel services included in this package. The level of any such price reduction or compensation will be calculated taking into consideration all relevant factors such as but not limited to: following the complaints procedure as described in these Booking Conditions and the extent to which ours or our employees' or suppliers' negligence affected the overall enjoyment of your holiday. Please note that it is your responsibility to show that we or our supplier(s) have been negligent if you wish to make a claim against us.
• the acts and/or omissions of the person affected; or
• the acts and/or omissions of a third party unconnected with the provision of the services contracted for and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable; or
• Events Beyond Our Control (as defined in clause 11).
• loss of and/or damage to any luggage or personal possessions and money: the maximum amount we will have to pay you in respect of these claims is an amount equivalent to the excess on your insurance policy which applies to this type of loss per person in total because you are required to have adequate insurance in place to cover any losses of this kind.
• Claims not falling under (a) above and which don't involve injury, illness or death: the maximum amount we will have to pay you in respect of these claims is up to three times the price paid by or on behalf of the person(s) affected in total. This maximum amount will only be payable where everything has gone wrong and you or your party has not received any benefit at all from your booking.
• The extent of our liability will in all cases be limited as if we were carriers under the appropriate Conventions, which include The Athens Convention (with respect to sea travel); The Berne/Cotif Convention (with respect to rail travel) and The Paris Convention (with respect to hotel arrangements). You can ask for copies of these Conventions from our offices. Please contact us. In addition, you agree that the operating carrier or transport company's own 'Conditions of Carriage' will apply to you on that journey. When arranging transportation for you, we rely on the terms and conditions contained within these international conventions and those 'Conditions of Carriage'. You acknowledge that all of the terms and conditions contained in those 'Conditions of Carriage' form part of your contract with us, as well as with the transport company and that those 'Conditions of Carriage' shall be deemed to be included by reference into this contract.
• When making any payment, we are entitled to deduct any money which you have received or are entitled to receive from the transport provider or hotelier for the complaint or claim in question.
• It is a condition of our acceptance of liability under this clause that you notify any claim to us and our supplier(s) strictly in accordance with the complaints procedure set out in these conditions.
• Where any payment is made, the person(s) receiving it (and their parent or guardian if under 18 years) must also assign to us or our insurers any rights they may have to pursue any third party and must provide ourselves and our insurers with all assistance we may reasonably require.
• which on the basis of the information given to us by you concerning your booking prior to our accepting it, we could not have foreseen you would suffer or incur if we breached our contract with you;
• relate to any business;
• indirect or consequential loss of any kind.
• We will not accept responsibility for services or facilities which do not form part of our agreement or where they are not advertised on our website. . For example any excursion you book whilst away, or any service or facility which your hotel or any other supplier agrees to provide for you.
• Where it is impossible for you to return to your departure point as per the agreed return date of your package, due to "unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances", we shall provide you with any necessary accommodation (where possible, of a comparable standard) for a period not exceeding three nights per person. Please note that the 3 night cap does not apply to persons with reduced mobility, pregnant women or unaccompanied minors, nor to persons needing specific medical assistance, provided we have been notified of these particular needs at least 48 hours before the start of your holiday. For the purposes of this clause, "unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances" mean warfare, acts of terrorism, significant risks to human health such as the outbreak of serious disease at the travel destination or natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes or weather conditions which make it impossible to travel safely back to your departure point.

18. Excursions

Excursions or other tours that you may choose to book or pay for whilst you are on holiday are not part of your contracted arrangements with us. For any excursion or other tour that you book, your contract will be with the operator of the excursion or tour and not with us. We are not responsible for the provision of the excursion or tour or for anything that happens during the course of its provision by the operator.

19. Insolvency Protection

In accordance with the requirements of the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, we provide full financial protection for all package holidays that we sell, by way of a separate account held by HSBC.

If you book arrangements other than package holiday from us, your monies will not be financially protected. Please ask us for further details.

20. Passport, Visa and Immigration Requirements & Health Formalities

It is your responsibility to check and fulfill the passport, visa, health and immigration requirements applicable to your itinerary. We can only provide general information about this. You must check requirements for your own specific circumstances with the relevant Embassies and/or Consulates and your own doctor as applicable. Requirements do change and you must check the up to date position in good time before departure.

Most countries now require passports to be valid for at least 6 months after your return date. If your passport is in its final year, you should check with the Embassy of the country you are visiting. For further information contact the Passport Office on 0870 5210410 or visit https://www.gov.uk/browse/citizenship/passports .

Special conditions apply for travel to the USA, and all passengers must have individual machine readable passports. Please check https://uk.usembassy.gov . For European holidays you should obtain a completed and issued form EHIC prior to departure.

Up to date travel advice can be obtained from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, visit https://www.gov.uk/travelaware .

Non British passport holders, including other EU nationals, should obtain up to date advice on passport and visa requirements from the Embassy, High Commission or Consulate of your destination or country(ies) through which you are travelling.

We do not accept any responsibility if you cannot travel, or incur any other loss because you have not complied with any passport, visa, immigration requirements or health formalities. You agree to reimburse us in relation to any fines or other losses which we incur as a result of your failure to comply with any passport, visa, immigration requirements or health formalities.

21. Conditions of Suppliers

Many of the services which make up your holiday are provided by independent suppliers. Those suppliers provide these services in accordance with their own terms and conditions which will form part of your contract with us. Some of these terms and conditions may limit or exclude the supplier's liability to you, usually in accordance with applicable International Conventions. Copies of the relevant parts of these terms and conditions are available on request from us or the supplier concerned.

22. Prompt Assistance

If, whilst you are on holiday, you find yourself in difficulty for any reason, we will offer you such prompt assistance as is appropriate in the circumstances. In particular, we will provide you with appropriate information on health services, local authorities and consular assistance, and assistance with distance communications and finding alternative travel arrangements. Where you require assistance which is not owing to any failure by us, our employees or sub-contractors we will not be liable for the costs of any alternative travel arrangements or other such assistance you require. Any supplier or transport supplier may however pay for or provide refreshments and/or appropriate accommodation and you should make a claim directly to them. Subject to the other terms of these Booking Conditions, we will not be liable for any costs, fees or charges you incur in the above circumstances, if you fail to obtain our prior authorisation before making your own travel arrangements. Furthermore, we reserve the right to charge you a fee for our assistance in the event that the difficulty is caused intentionally by you or a member of your party, or otherwise through your or your party's negligence.

23. Delays, Missed Transport Arrangements and other Travel Information

If you or any member of your party misses a transport arrangement, it is cancelled or you are subject to a delay of over 3 hours for any reason, you must contact us and the transport supplier concerned immediately.

We cannot accept liability for any delay which is due to any of the reasons set out in clause 11 of these Booking Conditions.

24. Foreign Office Advice

You are responsible for making yourself aware of Foreign Office advice in regard to the safety of the countries and areas in which you will be travelling and to make your decisions accordingly. Advice from the Foreign Office to avoid or leave a particular country may constitute Events Beyond Our Control. (See clause 11).

Company Details

Peak Tours Limited 38 Storth Meadow Road, Glossop, Derbyshire, SK13 6UZ. Registered in England 7992506 VAT No 130935822

Absolutely amazing organisation to make everything happen exactly as planning, which I know takes a lot of effort behind the scenes and attention to detail. You have a really great system worked out to make life so easy for the customers.

Peak Tours have the ability to support you through the sometimes daunting prospect of yet another long day in the saddle. The guides were professional and connected well at a human level. They had empathy and the ability to encourage you to go beyond what you believe you can do on a bike! The variety of lunch stops, bed and breakfasts, scenery and challenge made it a wonderful once in a lifetime experience for me.

Route was excellent, avoiding major roads where poss and utilizing cycle tracks and minor roads for the majority of the time. Even the ride through the Manchester conurbation was much better than expected. One of the best holidays I’ve ever had. An amazing sense of achievement at the end.

Great comms throughout. Also liked the fact we were able to ring up and speak with Jo / PT throughout all points prior to the trip So many companies could learn from yourselves and the provision of a great product. Genuinely, THANK YOU to Peak Tours, Julie, Jim and Dave for a wonderful fortnight and life experience.

I can’t begin to imagine how long it took to devise such an amazing route showcasing the best of the UK countryside. I know we did have to go through some built up areas but that couldn’t be helped and was kept to a minimum. The route is one of the things I’ve raved about to anyone who’d listen when I’ve talked to them about the trip. I can’t see how you would improve on this. I’ve wanted to do LEJOG for years since my husband and I visited the End to End museum at Lands End and having looked at the reviews Peak Tours stood out when I finally made the decision to make it a reality. I can honestly say the tour far exceed my expectations and was worth every penny. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Peak Tours and if I decide to do another tour I won’t go anywhere else.

Did not appreciate until we started just how well it would be organised, & how seemlessly, as a couple who have not done such a Tour before we did not expect to be so well cared for

Excellent logistics and planning & communications Outstanding, these guys were the best, always happy, hard working and eager to please. From day 1 they went over the top to keep us happy.. thank you Matt, Paul and Mike.. you kept us organised and where we should be. Absolutely brilliant!!!!!

These two weeks were possibly the best in my many years of roadbiking. Perfect organisation, fantastic locations, great routes, luck with the weather (understatement of the year!), unbelievably nice guys in the group. All in all, memories that’ll last a lifetime. Thanks for a great experience that truly enriched our lives!

This was my 7th tour, with the 8th already booked. I cannot praise the PT team highly enough. Fantastic support from Mike, Matt and Paul. I’d toured with Mike and Matt last year D2D, so it was great to see them again. Super. I love the way all the tour is arranged

“This was my first organised tour . The brew vans were definitely a highlight of the day, always well stocked with all the energy loaded snacks and fresh fruit to help you achieve your daily goals.My favourite part of the route was cycling through Edinburgh exploring the Scottish highlands . Climbing up through the Ski areas was amazing. I would definitely use Peak Tours again.”

The following extras are available for this tour:

Garmin Hire – 10-15 Days

Dawes Galaxy Plus Touring Bike – 10 – 15 Days Hire

Cannondale Synapse Road Bike – 10 – 15 Days Hire

Dawes Galaxy Super Touring Bike – 10 – 15 Days Hire

Training Weekend for difficulty level 5-7 tours

Cycle Servicing

Many of our previous lejogers have written journals and blogs about their adventure. If you would like to read their accounts of the trip click on the following links  Simon Swans blog (April 2011) or Jim Jenkins (USA) article (July 2011) or Nick Priors blog (Sept 2011) or  Sue Blakes blog (Aug 2012) or Janet Mcroberts blog (Aug 2012) or Gill Caines blog (Sept 2012). Also John has some great advice about training and day to day routines etc on his blog John Plants blog (Sept 2012). Leonard Daly (July 2013),  Jane Cullen  (May 2014),  Colin Mcgregor  May/June 2014,  Vajrin Malin  (June 2015),  Pauline Bedwell  (Aug 2015), Stephanie Small (Aug/Sept 2015)

Our latest blog has been written by Martin Levoir who completed his LEJOG in July 2016 along our new route, read all about his journey here:  Martin Levoir blog July 2016

For the first time we had three generations from one family complete the tour in 2016 – Andrew Tweed (Grandad) put together a short video of their ride here

To view photos of the latest tours please click here

May 2012   June 2012   July 2012   Aug 2012   Sept 2012

April/May 2013   May 2013   June 2013   June/July 2013   July 2013   July/Aug 2013   Aug 2013   Sept 2013

May 2014   May/June 2014   June/July 2014   July/August 2014   August 2014   August/September 2014

May 2015   June 2015   June/July 2015   August 2015   August/September 2015   Best of 2015 LEJOG

May 2016   May/June 2016    July 2016   August 2016

May 2017   June 2017   July 2017   July/August 2017   August 2017   September 2017

May 2018 June 2018 June/July 2018 July 2018 July/August 2018 August 2018 Aug/Sept 2018 September 2018

May 2019 June 2019 June/July 2019 July 2019 July/August 2019 August(1st) 2019 August(2nd) 2019 Aug/Sept 2019 September 2019

August 2020 September 2020

May 2021 MayJune 2021 June 2021 JuneJuly 2021 July (1) 2021 July (2) 2021 JulyAugust 2021 August (1) 2021 August (2) 2021 AugSept 2021 September (1) 2021 September (2) 2021

May 2022 June (1) 2022 June (2) 2022 June (3) 2022 June/July 2022 July 2022 July/August 2022 August 2022 September 2022

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• Jun 3, 2023

Conquering the LEJOG cycle route: Our start to finish guide and free route map

Introducing our LEJOG guide

Completing the iconic Land's End to John o'Groats (LEJOG) cycle is top of the bucket list for many cyclists. The 1,170 mile (1,883km) ride is a proper eye-opening adventure, with diverse landscapes and a special glimpse into everyday life in the towns and villages across the full length of England and Scotland. I know many cyclists describe cycling LEJOG as a deeply personal experience and a chance to get to know the Britain in a new and intimate way.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything from the LEJOG route, how long it takes, discuss training tips, and provide an essential packing checklist so you’re fully prepared to make the most of this incredible cycling adventure. We will also share our free LEJOG quiet route map.

What is LEJOG?

Is there an official lejog route.

Is there a quiet LEJOG route?

How long does LEJOG take on bike?

How should i prepare for lejog, what should i pack for lejog, where can i find a lejog map, what type of bike should i use.

LEJOG is the famous cycling route from Land's End, the southwestern tip of England, to John o'Groats at the very northeast of Scotland. The journey crosses the entire length of the United Kingdom, giving cyclists a proper taste of the diversity of the British countryside from the Cornish coast to the wilderness of the Scottish highlands. The real beauty of cycling the LEJOG route is in its test of endurance and to see Britain off-the-beaten-track through the countryside, towns and villages along the way.

While there is no official route for cycling LEJOG the shortest end-to-end distance is approximately 874 miles (1,407 km). However, many cyclists choose to meander a bit to avoid busy roads or take scenic detours which extends the journey.

The quiet LEJOG route we have mapped is 1,170 miles (1,883km) and uses the wonderful National Cycling Network as much as possible to avoid busier roads. If you would like us to email you our free LEJOG route map, click here .

Each section of the LEJOG route is unforgettable in its own way. Unique in its own character. We've chosen to break down the route into six natural segments. These are based on our experience of the topography more than by distance:

1: Land's End to Beautiful Dartmoor

This first section winds through picturesque Cornish countryside, as the rugged cliffs of Land’s End and Penzance fade from sight. Cornwall’s rolling hills can make for a challenging start but the stunning coastline and quaint villages like St. Ives and Port Isaac make up for it. As you cycle northeast, the landscape transitions leading to the enchanting beauty of Dartmoor National Park. This is untamed Devon and cyclists find conquering the ancient tors and hills is tough going.

2: The Somerset Levels

As you leave Dartmoor behind, the journey continues through Devon with sleepy villages and lush greenery. As you head from Tiverton towards Taunton in Somerset it will start to get flatter. The scenery transforms into gentle meadows and meandering rivers like the Axe and Brue. The Somerset Levels cover an area about 160,000 acres (650 km2) to the south of the Mendip Hills, creating a wicked backdrop and with the flatter terrain giving the legs a proper break.

3: Hills and Cotswold Charm

After Bristol it’s time for the Cotswolds - a region renowned for its English charm. The hills undulate, passing through classic villages of the honey-coloured cottages. Broadway and Chipping Campden are amongst the most popular stops. While the rolling hills can be demanding, the panoramic views are worth the effort. This is the home of Litebike. We especially love the view from Cleeve Hill towards the River Severn, Cheltenham and west Gloucestershire.

4: The Midlands to Cumbria

This is where the route forks, with LEJOG cyclists either heading west of Birmingham towards Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester, or to the east to Leicester and Nottingham. This was the centre of the Industrial Revolution and the cycling blends urban environments and heavy industry with short stints of green space. We recommend cycling from Manchester to Whalley in the Ribble Valley and on towards Penrith.

5: Into Scotland

From Penrith we would cycle through Gretna Green and Abington and up to Glasgow. As you cross the border into Scotland, the landscape becomes more dramatic. A mix of open fields, dense woodlands and winding country roads. Alternatively, if you have cycled east of Birmingham, Northumberland and the east coast is beautiful and unspoiled, dotted with little fishing villages like Seahouses, Craster and Beadnell and historical landmarks like Bamburgh Castle and Lindisfarne. From Edinburgh the route jaunts through the haunting beauty of Glen Coe and the enchanting wilderness of Cairngorms National Park.

6. John o' Groats Triumph

This is the true spirit of the Highlands. The final miles pass through the remote, rugged coastline of Caithness. It’s windswept up here. This is the United Kingdom untamed, at its most raw and epic. John o’ Groats is the sum of everything before it.

While there is no official path, we have mapped the perfect 1,170 mile (1,883km) LEJOG route using the National Cycling Network using traffic-free paths and quiet roads as much as possible. We have broken down the entire LEJOG cycle into 28 manageable stages, taking you through some of the most beautiful parts of England and Scotland.

Check out our free LEJOG quiet route!

The time it takes to cycle LEJOG varies but on average cyclists usually complete LEJOG in about 10 to 14 days. Some cyclists choose to take a less direct route to include points of interest or choose to take rest days. It is possible to cycle LEJOG in as little as 7 to 9 days taking a direct route and covering about 100 miles (160 km) per day. However, this requires a higher level of fitness and endurance as a perfectly mapped out route. The record is held by Andy Wilkinson, who completed the journey in 41 hours, 4 minutes and 22 seconds.

In this section we will give an overview of training strategies and how to prepare mentally for completing LEJOG as well as the importance of nutrition, rest and recovery.

Training strategies

Conquering LEJOG takes proper physical training and mental preparedness. We suggest doing some structured training in advance, which involves coming up with a cycling training plan and sticking to it. As we have written in depth elsewhere, an effective training plan should incorporate regular, easy-paced rides to build endurance and aerobic fitness. These should make up 70-80% of your training volume. The other 20% should come from high-intensity sessions, such as hill segments, that help build speed and strength and your anaerobic capacity.

Mental preparedness

Reading accounts from cyclists who have completed LEJOG it is clear that completing the cycle is as much a test in mental resilience as a physical challenge.

Sarah, a LEJOG finishes in 2021, describes this eloquently:

"LEJOG is not just a physical test; it's a mental one. There will be moments of doubt and fatigue, but it's in those moments that you have to dig deep, remind yourself why you embarked on this journey, and find the mental strength to push through."

Overcoming doubt and finding the mental strength to push through the tough kilometers is something we can train the mind to do. Mark, who completed LEJOG twice in 2001 and 2018 describes how visualising success and breaking down the journey into smaller, more manageable segments helped. Sometimes all you need to do is get to the next tree. These small victories help reinforce a positive feedback loop that helps the mind cope with stress.

Nutrition, rest and recovery

Any effective cycling training plan for LEJOG should include optimising rest and recovery to prevent overexertion. We have discussed the relationship between the regenerative role sleep plays in improving cycling performance in a previous post if you are interested in learning more.

You will also want to make sure you’re eating the right food to support your training. An effective cycling diet that gets results needs to be built on eating whole foods - plants and animals that have not been processed or refined and are free from additives or other artificial substances. As a rough guide your plate should be half vegetables, a quarter serving of protein (e.g. meat, seafood and eggs) and a final quarter legumes.

Packing for LEJOG (Land's End to John o' Groats) is key to your preparation, efficiency on the bike and overall experience. While LEJOG is a long-distance cycle, packing light will improve your bike’s handling and ensure you can maintain a steady pace, especially in the hilly sections in Cornwall and Scotland. Going lightweight will give you more freedom: to detour, make spontaneous stops and feel the wind in your hair.

We need to pack much less than we think. Tyler Durden in Fight Club said it best:

“The things you own end up owning you. It's only after we've lost everything that we're free to do anything.”

The essential gear for your LEJOG journey should fit comfortably in two medium pannier bags without compromising safety or comfort. Here’s your comprehensive gear checklist covering all the essentials to carry:

Bike repair kit (inner tubes, patch kit, tire levers, mini pump, multi-tool)

Water bottle or hydration system

Lightweight tent or bivvy bag

Sleeping bag

Comfortable sleeping mat

Lightweight cooking stove and fuel

Lightweight cookware (pot, knife, fork, spoon, mug)

Multi-purpose knife or tool

Clothing suitable for various weather conditions (including a warm layer and a rain jacket)

Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, sunscreen, insect repellent, toilet paper)

First aid kit

Headlamp (bike lights work too)

Sunscreen and sunglasses

Smartphone with maps/navigation app, charger, and backup battery.

This list has all the essential gear covered for your LEJOG adventure. One or two extra items isn’t going to hurt, but in our experience touring across Europe and parts of Africa we have found that anything else just ends up sitting at the bottom of the panniers. Adding extra weight on the hill climbs.

To help keep your bike weight to an absolute minimum - improving the overall enjoyment of your trip - we recommend a few simple lightweight upgrades that you can make.

RideNow TPU inner tubes

TPU inner tubes are a new technology in the cycling world and are a step-change in weight reduction and durability over traditional butyl tubes. TPU has been shown to be more puncture resistant and has a lower rolling resistance despite being a fraction of the weight. At the moment there are two big innovators in the TPU inner tube market: RideNow and Tubolito. We have rigorously tested both brands over thousands of miles and both are a dead heat in terms of performance. We decided to stock a small selection of RideNow TPU inner tubes because they are more competitively priced (at £16 compared to £28-30 for Tubolito). A pair will save you around 200g over regular tubes, making this one of the most cost effective upgrades you can make.

Lightweight carbon seatpost

Cycling LEJOG will put strain on your entire body, especially your shoulders, arms, bottom and legs. If your bike came with an alloy seatpost, we recommend upgrading to a lightweight carbon alternative. In addition to being lightweight, the properties of carbon fibre allow for more lateral flexibility and absorb road buzz. We have tested tens of seatposts and hand-picked a lightweight carbon design that is a balanced blend of lightweight and touch, with just the right amount of compliance to keep you fresh on your LEJOG adventure. Your whole body will thank you!

Navigating the LEJOG route can be challenging. As there is no official route, you will have to make lots of micro decisions based on your personal preference. One option would be to sketch out a rough plan in advance, with an idea of where you would like to get to each day and then to map the route for the next day in the evening before using a Garmin or an app like Komoot or Strava.

However, to save you time we have mapped the perfect LEJOG route making the most of the wonderful National Cycling Network and optimising for traffic-free paths and quiet roads. We have designed our 1,170 mile (1,883km) LEJOG cycle map in 28 manageable stages, which take you through some of the most gorgeous landscapes in England and Scotland.

Most bikes are suitable but when it comes to cycling the Land's End to John o' Groats (LEJOG) journey, we would optimise for comfort and reliability over long-distances. Gravel bikes have become more popular for LEJOG because of how they can handle a variety of surfaces, due to their tyre width. Touring bikes with sturdy steel frames are also popular. Road bikes are fine as long as they can carry panniers and ideally have thick-ish tyres (28mm+).

Concluding our LEJOG guide

Cycling LEJOG is an amazing experience. We hope you now have the knowledge (and confidence) to embark on this epic cycling adventure. In this guide we have covered everything from the LEJOG route, how long it takes, discussed training tips, and provided an essential packing checklist so you’re fully prepared to make the most of this incredible cycling adventure. We have also shared our free LEJOG quiet route map. Now it’s time to embrace the beauty of the British countryside, conquer the miles, and create lifelong memories from Land's End to John o'Groats. We wish you the best of luck. Happy cycling!

For more like this on cycling, sports psychology and wellbeing etc sign up to our newsletter, click here . To follow us on Instagram, click here . If you're after the very best lightweight bike parts you're in the right place. Ultra light carbon handlebars, seatposts, stem, pedals, waxed chains, RideNow inner tubes etc all rigorously tested by us and a small team of cyclists. Click here to see more.

Land’s End To John O’Groats (15 days) – 2024

£ 2,395.00

TOUR REF: KE24 DATES: 24 Jul – 10 Aug 2024  TYPE:   Road Cycling LEVEL:   Challenging DURATION:   17 days / 16 nights (15 days cycling) ACCOMMODATION LEVEL:   Standard

• Choose an option 2024 Jul
• Single supplement 725 £
• Bike transport – to Land’s End 85 £
• Bike transport – from Inverness 85 £
• Description
• Detailed Itinerary
• Holiday details
• What's included
• Get in Touch

Land’s End To John O’Groats – 15 days

• Our most popular trip provides the challenge of cycling Land’s End to John O’Groats in 15 days
• We are the longest established company running the ‘End to End’ route & we take care of everything – all you have to do is pedal, and enjoy!
• Our route is mainly on quiet roads, taking you through some of the most scenic countryside in the UK
• Hotel/B&B Accommodation

We have been organising cycling holidays from Land’s End to John O’Groats for over 15 years, and have helped many people realise their dream of cycling the length of the UK. Riding the ‘End to End’ in two weeks is a real challenge for some people, with long cycling days and no rest days.

Our route takes you from Land’s End, along the north Cornish coast, across the wilds of Bodmin Moor and Dartmoor, and up through the famous Cheddar Gorge. After crossing the magnificent bridge over the River Severn we continue north through the lovely rolling countryside of Herefordshire and Shropshire, before skirting around the urban sprawl of Manchester. We then head through the beautiful countryside of northern England, passing through the Yorkshire Dales and the Eden Valley in Cumbria.

After crossing the Scottish border we continue across the Southern Uplands to Glasgow, passing through the centre of the city on local cycle paths. We then enter the wilds of northern Scotland, passing close to Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, and along the shore of Loch Ness on the way to the small settlement of John O’Groats on the northern tip of the Scottish mainland.

This is a fabulous ride and our cycling holiday groups are always great fun. We look after you all the way and provide a certificate for those that complete the trip – just to prove you did it!!!

This trip is also available as:

9 day Hotel/B&B based holiday in August 3 week Hotel/B&B based holiday in July

10 day, 2 week, 3 week or 4 week Independent Holiday .

If you would like to read other people’s comments on our holidays then check out the Customer Comments  page.

Day 0 – Arrive at Penzance. Transfer to Land’s End.

Day 1 – Land’s End to Bodmin – 65 miles From the tourist complex at Land’s End we follow the spectacular Cornish coast before turning inland to the small town of Bodmin.

Day 2 – Bodmin to Whiddon Down – 55 miles A tough day that takes us around the southern edge of Bodmin Moor and through the highest village in Cornwall. We then continue through Tavistock and across the wild moors of Dartmoor National Park.

Day 3 – Whiddon Down to Bridgwater – 65 miles We continue along the narrow lanes of Devon before crossing into Somerset, over the Quantock Hills and down to Bridgwater.

Day 4 – Bridgwater to Monmouth – 74 miles An easier day as we cross the flat Somerset Levels to Cheddar, from where we cross the Mendip Hills through the famous Gorge, continue around Bristol before crossing the Severn Bridge into Wales.

Day 5 – Monmouth to Wentnor – 70 miles From Monmouth our route takes us through the pretty rolling countryside of Herefordshire and into Shropshire.

Day 6 – Wentnor to Acton Bridge – 68 miles We continue north on some lovely roads through Shropshire and Cheshire.

Day 7 – Acton Bridge to Clitheroe – 66 miles We cross the Manchester Ship Canal and weave our way through the northern industrial heartland of England.

Day 8 – Clitheroe to Kirkby Stephen – 55 miles A fabulous ride that takes us across the Forest of Bowland and through the beautiful scenery of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Day 9 – Kirkby Stephen to Ecclefechan – 72 miles From Kirkby Stephen we continue north along the beautiful Eden Valley before crossing Hadrian’s Wall into Scotland, passing through the Southern Uplands on some wonderful quiet scenic roads.

Day 10 – Ecclefechan to Motherwell – 82 miles A longer day that takes us through the Southern Uplands and into the Clyde Valley, finishing on the outskirts of Glasgow.

Day 11 – Motherwell to Inveraray – 78 miles Most level riding as we use local cycle paths to follow the River Clyde through the centre of Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow. Then continue around Loch Lomond and along the shore of Loch Long and Loch Fyne to the historic little town of Inveraray.

Day 12 – Inveraray to Fort William – 74 miles Some spectacular scenery as we head through Glen Aray and around the head of Loch Awe, then along the shore of Loch Linnhe to the busy town of Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles.

Day 13 – Fort William to Evanton – 80 miles From Fort William we follow River Lochy along the Great Glen, then follow the shore of Loch Lochy and Loch Ness to Drumnadrochit, where we leave the lake and head through the hills to Cromarty Firth.

Day 14 – Evanton to Tongue – 78 miles A long day that takes you on some wonderful wild and lonely roads to the north coast of Scotland.

Day 15 – Tongue to John O’Groats – 52 miles Our final day takes us along the coast through Thurso to John O’Groats.

Day 16 – A coach is arranged to take you from John O’Groats to Inverness.

Holiday Details:

The End to End: Ever since the invention of the bicycle people have been inspired to ride the ‘End to End’. The first official time recorded over the distance is 65 days, 16 hours and 7 minutes, ridden on a penny farthing in 1880, and since then the route has been covered on everything from a bed to a motorised bar stool!! Today the record is held by Gethin Butler who in September 2001 covered the distance in an incredible 1 day, 20 hours, 4 minutes and 20 seconds. The ladies record of 2 days, 4 hours, 45 minutes and 11 seconds is held by Lynne Taylor.

There is no ‘official’ End to End route and thus no official distance. There are various published guides – they all vary in the route they take, but most make the distance around 1,000 miles. Most trips start from Land’s End, the main reason being that the prevailing winds in the UK are usually from the south-west, and so if you are lucky you could have a tail wind all the way to Scotland.

The Tour: This is a fully supported holiday with a tour leader (who cycles with the group to ensure nobody is left behind) and vehicle support to carry all the luggage and provide additional assistance if necessary. The trip is designed to enable you to complete the ‘End to End’, while keeping to a scenic route that follows minor roads as much as possible. The total distance is just over 1,000 miles, and to complete this in 15 days is a challenge that you should be prepared for. The daily mileage is between 55 and 80 miles a day, and there are no rest days. Most people do find that they get fitter during the tour (so the longer days in Scotland generally are not a problem), but the hardest parts of the trip are the first couple of days through Cornwall and Devon, where there is a lot of up and down, and so you need to be well prepared before you start the trip.

Accommodation & Food: This holiday uses B&B/Hotel accommodation.  B&B accommodation is generally graded 2-3* or similar, we usually book en-suite rooms if possible but this cannot be guaranteed. Single people travelling alone will be booked into a twin bedded room with another single person of the same sex – unless you have paid the price for a single room (please note that there are only a limited number of single rooms available on this holiday). Breakfast will be provided at the accommodation each morning. Evening meals are available at nearby pubs or restaurants, although campers may wish to cater for themselves.

Start: The ride starts at Land’s End at approximately 09.30 on Day 1. As this is a full day’s ride, to enable us to get a prompt start you will need to arrive at Land’s End on Day 0. Therefore the price of the holiday includes the campsite or accommodation at Land’s End on Day 0. The nearest railway station to Land’s End is at Penzance and transport is provided from here to Land’s End if required. Remember to await trip confirmation before making related bookings.

Finish: The cycling ends at John O’Groats on Day 15. The holiday price includes the campsite or accommodation at John O’Groats on Day 15 night. Transport is provided from John O’Groats to Inverness on Day 16 morning, the coach arrives in Inverness around midday and will take you to the railway station or airport.

Cycle Transport: If required we offer a cycle transport service to return your bike from Inverness to anywhere in the UK (additional fee payable), to save you the hassle of getting your bike home by train or plane. Using a courier service we can also have your bike transported to Land’s End.

Documents: Insurance is optional for this holiday for UK residents. Participants from outside the UK must have suitable travel insurance.

Bikes: All types of cycle are suitable for the trip. The most important thing is that your bike functions properly and that you are comfortable riding it. However you should make sure that it has suitable gears as there are some very steep hills on parts of the route, notably in Devon and Yorkshire. Most people will require a cycle with a triple chainset. If you are riding a mountain bike then you should fit it with narrow ‘slick’ tyres. You should also make sure that you are able to carry some spare food and clothing with you on the bike. The route does cross some wild exposed areas with little in the way of shelter and no services, and you can get very cold and wet if the weather is bad.

Tour Price includes:

End to End cycle shirt Hotel/B&B accommodation Breakfast Evening meal at John O’Groats Vehicle support Services of leader/mechanic Local transfers Route information Transport from Penzance to Land’s End if required Transport from John O’Groats to Inverness at end of holiday Land’s End to John O’Groats certificate for those that complete the trip.

Tour Price does not include:

Lunches or evening meals (except at John O’Groats) Any snacks or drinks required during the day Transport to Penzance or from Inverness The cost of any optional excursions, entrance fees etc.

Get In Touch

If you have any questions about any of our trips, please call us on 0800 002 9559 or send us a message below.

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Serious long-distance cycling holidays! Well organised, well supported, great fun & good value for money with a fabulous choice of destinations.

Aaah, the dreamy, swooshy single carriage roads of northern Scotland are just awesome for cycling! Big skies, big hills, and big smiles! Join us for a 21 day LEJOG epic from the tip of Cornwall to the top of Scotland and re-find your Inner Glow http://www.bikeadventures.co.uk/product/lands-end-to-john-ogroats-21-days-2021-2024/

Are you up for cycling France from the English Channel to the Med Sea in 15 days? You'll get stunning scenery with mountains, plains and beautiful villages - and of course amazing food, wine and sunshine, too! Join us http://www.bikeadventures.co.uk/product/channel-to-med-15-days/

Oh my! The Irish beaches are to die for!! So grab your bike, cruise the 8 day ride from Mizen Head to Malin Head and bag the Ireland End-to-End this year. Don't forget your swimmers! http://www.bikeadventures.co.uk/product/mizen-head-to-malin-head-8-days/

There's plenty of reason to keep it close to home for your cycling holiday this year. With wonderful, varied terrain and some superb hospitality at our overnight stops, you'll love our big range of short weekend breaks and multi-day epics! http://www.bikeadventures.co.uk/product-category/destinations/uk/

Land's End to John O'Groats Explorer

Guided bike tour, prices from.

This tour is well-suited to both normal bikes and pedal assist e-bikes and you can choose to hire either when you book your tour with us. Confident cyclists will enjoy the boost from a battery for those cheeky climbs, and with less effort required on the bike, you’ll have more energy at the end of the day for off-the-bike activities.  You may choose to hire an e-bike on a group or supported tour but bear in mind that the pace will be set to riders without an e-bike.

E-BIKE HIRE AVAILABLE

• All Cycling Holidays
• All Road Cycling Holidays
• UK Road Cycling Tours
• England Road Cycling Tours

• Ride the length of Britain from toe to tip and declare yourself an ‘End to Ender’
• Experience the regional changes in tradition, culture and accents as you progress from county to county
• Enjoy spectacular scenery from Cheddar Gorge to the Cairngorms
• 3 countries in 19 days of riding
• 1,000 miles of Britain at its best
• Cornish pasties to haggis and everything in between

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This trip delivered on everything I expected! Riding through different parts of Britain, staying in different places and eating great food in great company made for a wonderful holiday.

You will be met on arrival and transferred to the coastal town of Land’s End where we will spend our first evening. For anyone wishing to arrive by car, accommodation details will be provided in advance of the departure date (please note that we will not be transferring back to Land’s End at the end of the tour).

A midday/early afternoon arrival will be necessary in order to allow enough time for the group transfer to Land’s End and for those bringing their own bikes to rebuild them. We will also use this time to make sure that anyone renting a Skedaddle bike is fitted to one of appropriate size with any necessary adjustments made.

The rest of the day is yours to relax before the evening when we will eat out as a group in the hotel restaurant, an opportunity to get to know the rest of the party and to discuss the programme with your Skedaddle guides.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 1,000 Metres Approx.

We’ll start our journey heading along the coast from Land’s End to Penzance, before heading inland to test our navigational skills through the Cornish country lanes.

We finish in Truro, one of the smallest cities in England, where we will be staying tonight.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 1,350 Metres Approx.

Make sure that you have a hearty breakfast today – the route is longer than yesterday’s and it’s a hilly one! A few miles into our second day in the saddle sees us riding along an incredibly beautiful stretch of south west England’s countryside. Onwards and upwards (and of course occasionally downwards!) through Wadebridge we will tick off our first hundred miles! From here we ride inland, towards the small town of Launceston where we spend the evening.

• Ascent: 1,250 Metres Approx.

Today is spent cycling through lovely countryside and small villages as we wind our way to our destination for the evening, the town of Tiverton, wonderfully positioned on the River Exe.

• Ascent: 1,050 Metres Approx.

Our last day of traversing cross country before we start chomping our way north. Travelling through the vale of Taunton and Deane we pass over the flat lands, from where we can spot in the distance the imposing and infamous Glastonbury Tor. From here it’s on to the large village of Cheddar on the edge of the Somerset Levels.

• Ascent: 1,200 Metres Approx.

Today we head north via the outstanding Cheddar Gorge to the city of Bristol. Here we can take a number of routes through or round Bristol and across the River Severn, and up the Wye Valley passing the wonderful Tintern Abbey on the Welsh border enroute to Tintern or Clearwell, where you will stay for the evening.

From Clearwell or Tintern we pass through the picturesque and unspoilt Forest of Dean. After a few stiff climbs we skirt the River Severn, then travel east of the Malvern Hills and on to Worcester, with its iconic cathedral.

Today is a relatively short ride following the River Severn north and passing through the old towns of Bewedly (stopping for a rest and a coffee down by the river) and Bridgenorth – time for further sustenance! We pass through the small town of Much Wenlock, the place famous for the origins of the modern Olympic Games (the London 2012 Olympic mascot was called Wenlock!) Our destination for the day is the ‘birthplace of the industrial revolution’ – Ironbridge.

• Ascent: 800 Metres Approx.

We start by climbing out of Ironbridge, passing the Wrekin and along the line of the Shropshire Union canal. We pass through Nantwich and Winsford to our overnight accommodation in Hartford.

Today is a dramatic change in scenery as we pass through some of the more urban and industrial areas of England. This is in great contrast to what lies before us on this epic cycle ride.

We break free of the urban areas and head for the stunning open moorland and fells of the Trough of Bowland around Slaidburn and Ingleton (we are approximately halfway through the entire trip now!). We then descend to the beautiful town of Kirkby Lonsdale for a relaxing afternoon stop before passing over ‘Devil’s Bridge’ to get to our accommodation.

• Ascent: 1,550 Metres Approx.

A stunning ride through unspoiled towns and villages of the fells. Alongside rushing rivers and rolling hills we head for Talkin or Hallbankgate, near Brampton, and our quiet overnight stay.

• Ascent: 1,800 Metres Approx.

One of the most rewarding day’s cycling of the trip, over hills, through valleys and forests giving stunning ascents and the bliss of some awesome downhills, before we arrive at our resting place in Cardrona for the night and the following day.

Some time to relax and take in the views or perhaps wander around Cardrona and its surrounding countryside. The more adventurous may want to visit either the Innerleithen or Glentress mountain bike centres, or maybe you just fancy a walk alongside the River Tweed. Peebles is a bustling border town with good shopping opportunities for souvenirs. Staying 2 nights here presents a great opportunity for catching up on laundry and also allows us to spend a little time caring for our bikes and, if necessary, pay a visit to one of the well-equipped local bike shops.

• Ascent: 1,100 Metres Approx.

Today we travel onwards, through the country borders and onwards to Edinburgh. We cycle through the city, stopping for coffee on the way before meeting up with the support vehicle at Queensferry, with spectacular views of the Forth road and rail bridges. Refreshed we head off on a challenging little jaunt to Kinross.

• Ascent: 750 Metres Approx.

Travelling through rolling countryside we cycle through Perth passing the historic Scone Palace and on to Blairgowrie. We are now in strawberry country – though not a traffic jam in sight! Climbing out of Blairgowrie we head for the Bridge Of Cally, where you will be staying this evening.

• Ascent: 1,700 Metres Approx.

A memorable ride that you will be proud to have accomplished. With time to stop in Braemar and catch glimpses of Balmoral Castle, today you will have ticked all the boxes. This is a day of classic Highland scenery, and the miles to Tomintoul will fly by with the epic views!

• Ascent: 850 Metres Approx.

We are now in whisky country, crossing Spey Bridge into Grantown-on-Spey. Next we stop at a beautiful little picnic spot at Dulcie Bridge and onto Inverness. Time allowing you may wish to visit Cawdor Castle (Macbeth) and the battle fields at Culloden. Tonight you are free to look round Inverness and take in the sights and flavours.

• Ascent: 950 Metres Approx.

Today we take in some spectacular scenery that will bring all your senses to life! With stunning views over the Cromarty Firth we’ll then cycle along the banks of the Durnoch Firth to Bonar Bridge and the Kyle of Sutherland. From here we pass the leaping salmon at Shin Falls, riding through forest to our destination, Lairg.

• Ascent: 650 Metres Approx.

Yet more fantastic mountain scenery, open moorlands and awesome views as we head towards the north coast. This afternoon’s ride follows a wonderful salmon and trout fishing river so keep an eye out for ospreys! Finishing the day’s relatively short ride into Bettyhill gives us an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come and rest ahead of tomorrow’s ride.

• Ascent: 900 Metres Approx.

The final push along the ancient barren coastline passing through Thurso and then John O’Groats. For those with time, a trip to Dunnet Head will gain more brownie points. At John O’Groats we stop for a picture and celebrations, before heading to our accommodation and getting bikes ready for the next day’s transfer. Then into the restaurant for a well deserved meal and several pats on the back. Congratulations! You’ve Skedaddled from Land’s End to John O’Groats!

We depart at approx 09:00 for the 3 hour transfer to Inverness. If travelling by train, please do not arrange your train home any earlier than 13:30. If travelling by plane your flight should not depart before 15:00.

The Cycling

We have picked quiet country roads wherever possible. The whole route is on good tarmac, and suited to lightweight road bikes. There are of course lots of climbs, and descents, with some sections through urban areas, but the majority of the route takes us through open countryside.

Some of this will be lowland, agricultural areas, and some will be over high and exposed hill country – especially in the North of England and Scotland.

It is possible to use an E-Bike on this holiday. For more information about riding an electric bike on our holidays please click here

Road Cycling Grade

Distances between 50-75 miles / 80-120km per day

For more regular riders who like to push themselves a little from time to time

Not extreme but certainly challenging on occasions with some good climbing opportunities

Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!

For more information about our grading system click here .

Is this suitable for you?

You’re an enthusiast. Road cycling is probably your main hobby and you ride regularly at weekends, staying on the bike for much of the day. You’re in pretty good shape, and you might also participate in cylo-sportive events. You also love a challenge and are looking for a tour with some good climbing, preferably with an opportunity to tick off some famous Tour de France cols, or the like. You’re a competent descender, and you’re not afraid of speed, but you ride safely and within your limits at all times. You understand road etiquette and you’re comfortable riding in a bunch. You might even take a stint at the front of the pack if the need arises.

For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.

The route was amazing, the picnics fantastic and the accommodation first class. The people were great and the guides were outstanding!

Dates & Prices

Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit

Book now with a $375 deposit and nothing more to pay until 60 days before departure. Choose a date to start your booking and see all prices, including bike hire and single room supplements.

Whats Included

A) Accommodation (shared twin / double en-suite rooms)

B) Meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

C) Full support service including a Skedaddle support driver and Skedaddle riding guide

D) Unless stated, at least one leader qualified in First Aid

E) Support vehicle and luggage transfers

F) GPX files provided (GPS units available on request)

G) Access to the Skedaddle App for holiday information

H) Train station transfer on scheduled arrival day from Penzance train station

I) Airport/train station transfer on scheduled departure day to Inverness airport (INV) or Inverness train station

J) Financial Protection through ABTOT

What's not Included

A) Bike hire (available if required)

B) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)

C) Meals not stated in the itinerary

D) Single room (available if required)

E) Travel insurance

F) Personal clothing and equipment

G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)

H) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en route

I) Airport/train station transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival / departure days

Private Departures

Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.

The Essentials

Travel options.

If travelling by car the arrival point is Land’s End.

Group train station transfers are included in the holiday cost. If travelling by train we ask that you arrive into Penzance train station by 16:15 in time for the group transfer departing at 16:30.

At the end of the trip we will depart John O‘Groats at 09:00 so will not arrive into Inverness before 13:00. Please bear this in mind when booking train/flight tickets home.

Please check with us before making any travel arrangements to make sure we have reached the minimum number required to guarantee your holiday and to ensure your arrangements fit with our scheduled transfers and logistics.

Please note If you make alternative travel arrangements, which fall outside of the planned train station transfers, there may be an additional charge for individual transfers.

Accommodation

The accommodation on the tour is well-appointed bed & breakfasts, inns and small family-run hotels, with towels and linen provided. We endeavour to provide en-suite facilities, though there may be times when only shared facilities are available. We will inform you when booking if this is not available. Single occupation is available for a supplement and is subject to availability.

If you don’t own a suitable bike or would prefer to avoid bringing your own we have road bikes and e-bikes available to rent.

Our road bikes are typically full carbon Giant Revolt / Liv Devote, great bikes with good quality components. These bikes are set up tubeless on road-specific wheels and 700×28c tyres. They provide a comfortable riding position and wide range of gears, running a 2×11 drivetrain with 32/48 chainrings and 11×34 cassette. They are fitted with hydraulic disc brakes.

The e-bikes are typically Giant Dailytour E+ pedal assist bikes with hydraulic disc brakes and batteries suitable for the daily distances on this holiday. E-bikes come with step through frames as standard.

If you do decide to rent and would like us to provide a helmet, please let us know at the time of booking, otherwise you should bring your own helmet with you. Please also let us know if you plan on bringing your own saddle and if you will bring your own clip-in pedals, or if you will use the flat pedals which our rental bikes come fitted with.

Our bikes are provided with at least one bottle cage, a bike pump, and a seat-post bag containing a multi-tool, a spare inner tube, and a puncture repair kit.

Given the variety of shapes and sizes of on bike luggage and the fact the mechanisms for fitting them varies so much, we aren’t able to safely accommodate customers own frame bags and on bike luggage on our hire bikes. This holiday has vehicle support and the riding group will meet the support vehicle at regular intervals, so you should be able to get away with using jersey pockets to carry any ride essentials.

News, Reviews & Stories

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Our guide to cycling LEJOG

Discover everything you need to know about this legendary long-distance route!

A great adventure... I liked the variety, some remote areas, some villages and some cities. I especially liked the Old Post House in St. Just near Land’s End. We did a beautiful walk from there on the arrival afternoon to “Poldark’s House” on the SWCP. Picnics were great with very healthy options. Jon was great with the selection and presentation and I learned to make a perfect hot chocolate. Also I liked the local fare from each area. I liked the first day of riding from Lands End because the weather was good and everyone was excited about starting a great adventure. I also liked riding down the long valley toward Peebles before the last tea stop and the day we rode into Bettyhill along Loch and River Naver. I think the majority of the routes were excellent and some were downright ingenious. The bike fit was perfect. In fact I am going to make some changes to my own bike to resemble the rental. I am sure Peter gets a lot of accolades, and I think if Peter was the tour leader I would go on that ride regardless of where it is was going. I have been on 30 plus guided bike tours and Peter did something I haven’t experienced. Not only would he tell you about highlights of the day, he would wait at the side of road so you wouldn’t miss them, which most people do. We got to see pagan stone circles, the worlds highest hedge, a ringing rock, jumping salmon and something great almost everyday. He also knew the location of every “cheeky” hill on all twenty days of the tour. Jon was new at this but he took it very seriously and for 12 hours a day for three weeks (wow). He worked well with Peter who is a hard act to follow and I expect demanding behind the curtain. Jon even picked up Peter’s skill at leading us to obscure highlights, such as climbing a huge glacier boulder to pinpoint it’s location and finding the hidden memorial to Neil Armstrong in Langholm, Scotland which was great due to the 50 year anniversary.

100% professional and remarkable. Everything that Saddle Skedaddle could control was 100% professional and remarkable. We loved how varied the accommodations were, but they always met all of our needs. Nice rooms, plenty of space, plenty of hot water for showers, room to wash out biking clothes in the evening. The lunches were absolutely amazing! So much delicious food, and all of it was healthy and delicious. If we had any requests, all we had to do was ask and the item would be available during the stops. Plus, there was always a local “surprise” that we got to enjoy. My favourite day was the last day, riding into John O‘Groats – it was the best! It was also the one day when the weather was near perfect for cycling. The woman’s bike fit perfectly and was amazingly comfortable. The geometry was perfect, the saddle comfortable, handlebars felt great. No aches. Peter is a natural at leading tours! It was like he was our best friend. Professional, discriminating, talkative, capable, he never missed a thing. It has to be very difficult to stay upbeat and professional for three weeks straight, but he pulled it off flawlessly. Jon was entertaining but still great at everything. Excellent cyclist, chef, mechanic, guide, humorist and storyteller, problem solver.

A really positive experience... This trip delivered on everything I expected and is one of the best holidays I have ever done. Riding through different parts of Britain, staying in different places and eating great food in great company made for a wonderful holiday. Great service from the office staff who answered multiple email questions from me. Excellent guiding by John and Charlie. They provided good leadership, assistance with the bikes, informative briefings every morning, and support on the bike or in the van. He also went beyond the call on several occasions!

A quality operation... I appreciate the flexibility shown in accommodating me joining the trip and the courtesy and efficiency of the office. The route was well researched and logistics well planned. But the thing that contributed to an outstanding experience was the quality of the support crew. Both extremely hard working and a credit to your company. Les was thorough, dedicated and went the extra mile. Tim was laid back yet on top of all potential issues, thoughtful in his briefings and nothing was too much trouble. They really are a credit to your operation. Thanks guys I had a fantastic time and will not hesitate to recommend you to others who are considering organised bike trips.

Great guides... Charlie and John were fantastic. Good humoured, hard-working and the trip ran like clock-work. The lovely warm, sunny weather helped to make this day of amazing contrasts so enjoyable. Great guides – full of encouragement & reassurance when needed. Professional & considerate!

Excellent! Enjoyed the experience very much and would look forward to doing another ride in the future. Saddle Skedaddle couldn’t do enough to assist in any way that they could!

Words can not explain how amazing this trip was! The achievement of cycling from one end of the country to the other is one thing, but to do it with such a fabulous bunch of people was something else. The quirky places that we’ve seen and stayed at meant that I’ve got enough stories and memories to last a lifetime. The whole trip seemed far less effort and so much more fun because it was done the skedaddle way – Pete and Rob were amazing, nothing was too much trouble and we all had an amazing time because of it. I’ve been on many Skedaddle trips and I keep coming back because the service provided is always spot on. It is so easy to book and any information you need is always readily available either on the website or over the phone. As a single traveler I was never left by myself and nothing was ever too much trouble. My bike broke and it got fixed, when there was limited vegetarian food it was sorted, Pete’s magical mystery tours were brilliant – I can not fault anything, it was brilliant. There were many highlights. Cycling up Cheddar Gorge was beautiful, rolling down into Tintern, the mamouth day to Peebles especially the end climbs and mega descents, and beautiful views out of Inverness. I could name many more. Excellent doesn’t really do Pete (guide) justice. What he didn’t know about this trip wasn’t worth knowing – the obscure things we saw and did were because he knew every corner of the route. His personalty made everything seem so easy, effortless, and weirdly fun! It was all of the little things that really made a difference. As a single traveler he made sure that I always had somewhere to go and somebody to talk to – this made a big difference to my enjoyment of the trip. He was so professional that if everything was going wrong we wouldn’t have known, and his stories were brilliant! I had an absolute amazing time – so many me mories that I’ll take with me. Not everything went to plan, but that’s all part of the adventure and means that we all have a bucket load of stories to tell our friends and family. Many thanks for an amazing holiday.

Excellent cycling... Saddle Skedaddle took care of just everything. Wonderful Accommodation. Good beds, bath/showers and always very welcome tea/coffee facilities. The lunches and refreshments provided by Saddle Skedaddle were always excellent. Excellent cycling. To have negotiated all those towns on such a rural route was brilliant. Highlights include the Forth railway bridge at Queensferry, all the big river crossings. I don’t have a sufficient vocabulary of superlatives to cover Graham’s huge efforts. Ever attentive, ever helpful, irrepressably cheerful, always encouraging and often funny. Laid on superb coffee stops and lunches. Always good company at dinner. A massive contribution to the success of our trip. We wanted to take him home. Tim also was very helpful and courteous. He did a great job of sorting my bike when it started to make funny noises.

10/10 Your advert said pack lunch provided, I was expecting a sandwich, crisps & a Mars bar, instead we were provided with an excellent feast for a King! Prepared & presented to a superb standard, nutritional & something for everyone, we were very pleasantly surprised. Our guide Tom is an extremely experienced team leader, no matter what problems occurred, he dealt with not only professionally but with it with a smile on his face. I couldn’t of asked for a better team leader, he is an absolute asset to Skedaddle. Tom made a great experience even better, 10 out of 10.

Excellent It would be hard to over praise our two fantastic guides Tom Owen and Jayne Cunningham. Knowledgeable and friendly , nothing seemed too much for them.They were a formidable team who went the extra mile to ensure all of us, regardless of cycling experience, had a great time.

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Land’s End to John O’Groats

• INFORMATION

Introduction

We are proud to offer our 16 day, 1000 mile, classic Lands End to John o’Groats cycle tour. You will receive a fully supported, leisurely approach to this epic journey.

You’ll follow country lanes and national cycle network paths wherever possible, avoiding main roads. We ride at a pace that is well within the reach of a fit and competent cyclist. You’re perfect for our Lands End to John o’Groats tour if you’re a newcomer to cycling or returning after a break, although is still open to everyone.

You’ll start each day of the ‘LEJOG’ at around 8.45am with a morning briefing. The tour leader will explain the day’s route and the traffic and weather conditions that you are likely to encounter. You will also be briefed on the place where we will be having our lunch stop – we usually provide a healthy picnic/sandwiches or if the weather is bad we will make use of one of the many cafes and pubs that lie along the route.

The support van will be available on each day and, towards the end of each day, will transport your luggage to your accommodation. Wherever possible during the course of each day we stop the van in a safe place and offer hot drinks and snacks. On the final day of the tour we have a shortish 51mile ride from Bettyhill to John O’Groats and then a coach journey down to Inverness for our final meal in the Capital of the Highlands. Everyone leaves on the Sunday morning. We can arrange to get your bike shipped home at the end of the tour for a small extra fee.

• Beautiful English countryside
• Cycling through Wells, Shrewsbury, Lake District, Scottish Highlands
• Finishing it!!

Accommodation

Your accommodation, on a twin share bed and breakfast basis, will be in family run hotels and good quality bed and breakfasts. We endeavour to accommodate you (as a group) in the same location however on occasions this might not be possible.

Single accommodation is available for a supplement of £575.

The hotels will provide breakfast whilst the support team will provide a pack-up lunch, this will depend on what is available on the day and could include a mix of fresh sandwiches, pasties or easy grab and bites sourced from local bakeries. If weather doesn’t permit outdoors we will get into cafes for quick lunch.

​You will need to purchase your own evening meals, which are usually eaten communally although of course you are free to opt out if you wish.

We will carry emergency energy gels and bars in the support van but you are advised to bring along your own preferred sports nutrition to fuel your ride. There will be water refills, fruits bars etc provided to keep you hydrated.

In the Tour Plan, (B, L, D) refers to meals included in the trip cost i.e. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Bike Transfers

We will happily transport your bike to Penzance and back from Inverness at no extra charge. If you drop your bike off at our Sheffield office up to two days before departure we will carefully pack it in the support van, drive it to the start and then return it to Sheffield ready for you to collect.

If that isn’t convenient then depending where you live we may be able to collect your bike on our journey from Sheffield to Penzance. Please get in touch with us to discuss arrangements, any other arrangements will be for an agreed fee.

While we will take all reasonable care while handling your bikes, using padded covers and making sure they are securely stored, we are not liable for any loss or damage during transportation and storage. We recommend you have appropriate insurance.

The Lands End to John O’Groats tour route is flexible and should be seen as a guide only. Local conditions, weather or fitness could lead to changes in our daily plans. All times and distances are approximate.

• Destination UK
• Depart from Penzance, Cornwall
• Return from Inverness, Scotland
• Road surfaces Lots of hills. Tarmac (conditions can vary).
• Bike Type Road / Hybrid / Touring Bike
• Included Land’s End to John O’Groats Accommodation Lunch Cycling guide GPX files Vehicle support Baggage transfer
• Not Included Domestic flights Evening meals (unless specified) Bike hire Travel to start & from finish International flights Airport transfers Travel insurance Cookie Policy (US) Cookie Policy (US) Visas

FROM OUR GALLERY

Lands End to John O'Groats | Gallery

Arrival Day - Meet in Penzance

Cycle from land's end to st. austell, 60 miles (97km), cycle from st. austell to exeter, 77 miles (124km), cycle from exeter to wells, 64 miles (103km), cycle from wells to hereford, 73 miles (117km), cycle from hereford to shrewsbury, 66 miles (106km), cycle from shrewsbury to leigh, 65 miles (105km), cycle from leigh to kendal, 80 miles (129km), cycle from kendal to gretna, 70 miles (113km), cycle from gretna to hamilton, 78 miles (126km), cycle from hamilton to crianlarich, 69 miles (110km), cycle from crianlarich to fort augustus, 83 miles (134km), cycle from fort augustus to bonar bridge, 87 miles (138km), cycle from bonar bridge to bettyhill, 56 miles (89km), cycle from bettyhill to john o'groats, 50 miles (80km), departure day.

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK

John Holmes

Pedal Nation did an excellent job. I also had chance to compare it with another tour company doing LeJog at the same time!

I enjoyed the excursion into Wales with it’s beautiful, traffic-free roads. Well done Pedal Nation.

I enjoyed how well organised everything was so we could just enjoy the cycling.

I would recommend Pedal Nation to others for their organisation, small group sizes, approach and environment created throughout the trip.

Thank you, I had the best time both on and off the bike!

I’m glad I did this challenge in a group, as the group got on well and made it easier to keep cycling when the going got tough.

Before going on this tour, practice going up long steep hills (10%+).

I had trained hard for this challenge and it paid off. Not everyone makes it and some take a lift in the van when it gets too tough. I pedalled over a 1000miles with the best group of like minded people from all walks of life and ages and bicycle experience.. We had 3 female leaders over the course of the tour which was excellent inspiration for me. The tour size (max 12) was just right so that we didn’t clog the roads up and could get to know everyone.

Accommodation was overall good and the price fair especially with the bike pick up and drop off facility, I also enjoyed the benefit of a lift to Lands end from Penzance by taxi and from JoG to Inverness. Made life very easy for onward travel at the end.

I put a great deal of effort into the training but I was still surprised by the gradients that we faced. Perhaps each participant could get a recommended training plan?

The whole experience was a good one. We were kept informed before the trip. Each day we had a pre ride briefing. The leaders were excellent. We were supported in riding at our own pace. I spoke to riders that were with other tour companies and their experience didn’t sound as good. In my opinion the key selling point of Pedal Nation are your staff. They are amazing and work really hard to make peoples experience a good one.

Debbie Brook

Staff on the trip were superb and worked incredibly hard to ensure that everything ran smoothly and without their input it would have been a very different experience. A great experience all round – thank you.

Howard Rowe

The “invisible” work done to help us e.g. taking our bags to our rooms must be a pain for the guides but is really valued by those who have been on out trips where this hasn’t happened.

Very impressed with both Ken and Graeme, they managed the logistics very calmly and effectively. I felt this enacted the inclusive philosophy on partaking in two wheeled activities that clearly underpins both Pedal Nation and is clearly shared personally by both.

Overall – really enjoyed the trip and would recommend to others. I was impressed by how accessible it was made by Ken and Graeme, when I was looking at other options for a similar trip this was something I didn’t notice in other companies.

Graeme did a great job as catering/organisation leader. Communal lunch stops in nice places were a pleasure. Ken was a superb bike leader, knowledgeable, always helpful, entirely unflappable. Big thanks.

A fantastic experience. Something every cyclist should aim to do. The support and advice from Nick Mitchell and Ken Woodhouse from Pedal Nation could not be better. They were very professional but also great fun. Perfect.

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BOOK A PLACE ON THE LAND'S END TO JOHN O'GROATS CYCLE TOUR

Fully Supported & Guided Cycling Tours

We take care of everything, you just pedal britain.

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France End to End

Bill's LEJOG VLOG

The pedal britain difference.

"Whether it's for a personal challenge or pure escapism, the purpose of Pedal Britain is to inspire and support cyclists of all abilities in making their cycling dreams reality." Darren Ball, Founder and Director of Pedal Britain

As an independent tour operator our focus is on creating memorable experiences, not just average cycling holidays, nothing enthuses us more than happy customers.

We achieve this by creating hassle free cycling holidays containing the right mix of amazing scenery, perfectly designed routes and great places to stay. But what differentiates us are our staff, who provide a level of personal service seldom found elsewhere, and we promise to make it fun too!!

We Take Care of Everything, You Just Pedal Britain.

Fully Guided & Supported

The Pedal Britain van is never far away to provide any assistance you need.

Easy Bike Transfer

We'll arrange to get your bike to the starting point & back home again. No stress.

Group Sizes

Big enough to be social, but small enough for us to focus attention on you. Groups limited to 18.

Pre-booked Rooms

A great mix of B&B's & Hotels. Where possible we stay together as group. No check-in required.

Daily Baggage Transfer

Waiting for you at the Hotel. A day bag in the van also reduces what you need to carry.

Lunch & Brew Stops

Mix of picnics, pubs and cafes, supplemented by refreshments from the van at strategic points.

Featured tour dates

North Coast 500 - 7 Days

Next Tour Date

Cycling Level

Land's End to John O'Groats

Ireland End to End

Customer testimonals.

A wonderful trip, the route was well planned & avoided busy roads where possible. This was a fairly relaxed ride, the cyclists naturally split into slow, medium & faster groups with regular stops for photos, to refuel and regroup. Darren & Paul looked after everyone and every detail, good food & accommodation etc, which meant all we had to do was pedal! If you want to do LELOG I would recommend Pedal Britain. Pete (2019)

LEJOG with Pedal Britain has been an amazing experience. Both concerned that as relatively new cyclists we may struggle to complete the tour. Darren and Paul put us at ease and supported us all the way. An absolutely brilliant two weeks. I would definitely recommend Pedal Britain to anyone considering this adventure. Dave & Sharon (July 2018)

Great routing throughout, with fantastic team to lead and support every day, including medical and technical difficulties.They provided anything you required/liked for snacks. Best cycling adventure I’ve ever done. Carol (June 2019)

"The route took me to places I'd never been too, taking in the country lanes and using cycle routes to avoid main roads. I thought it was excellent. This tour far exceeded my expectations. The whole group gelled together and the team couldn't have been more supportive and encouraging" Jersey Boys (June 2019)

From the blog

Bike Transfer Service

14th may, 2019.

Training Blog

A Day On Tour

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LEJOG (Land’s End to John O’Groats) – 10 Day Cycle

England, Wales, Scotland

April, May, June, July, Aug, Sept, Oct £1549 pp

Book your adventure

Speak to an expert.

Or call us on

017683 71289

CHOOSE A DATE

Dates may vary in price due to demand throughout the season and are subject to changes from time to time. We recommend booking your trip well in advance to secure the best pricing available for your preferred dates.

If you don't see a date suitable, please call on +44 (0)17683 71289 to organise a custom date.

HOW MANY PEOPLE There are no more spaces available for this date

No. of People: 1

• Pay £ 399.00 Deposit
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TOTAL £ 999

Quick Links

Quick facts, about & details, about this adventure.

Cycle the length of the UK from the far southwest of Land’s End to the remote northeast of John O’Groats. The route was first ridden by Alfred Nixon in 1882, and since then has become an iconic long-distance cycling challenge that is on every cyclist’s bucket list!

Other versions available

• LEJoG 14 Days
• LEJoG Cycle Week 1
• LEJoG Cycle Week 2
• LEJoG Cycle Week 3
• 10 days of self-guided cycling
• 10 nights’ accommodation
• 930 mile (1496km) trip with 45,350ft of climbing (13,822m)
• Average daily distance 93 miles (150km)
• Admire the changing landscapes and many Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty along your way
• Enjoy some of the best roads in the UK
• Ride through England, Wales and Scotland
• 24hr telephone support during your cycle ride
• GPX files and route guidance provided

Cycling from Lands’ End to John O’Groats is the classic British cycling challenge and many cyclists aspire to complete the ‘End-to-End’ trip at least once in their lifetime. There is no official route to follow, so we have created an ‘optimal’ route sticking to quieter roads and taking in some fantastic scenery. Cycle the rolling hills of Cornwall all the way up to the remote Highlands of Scotland. We take all the hassle out of route planning and booking accommodation, you just turn up at Land’s End and ride! The 10-day self-guided itinerary takes a direct route up the country featuring many days over 90 miles and 4000 feet of climbing. This is a very demanding ride and is recommended for experienced cyclists who want a challenge.

We can also run this as a fully supported event with a van for luggage transfers, mechanical assistance, and navigational support. Ride without carrying any luggage and have your bags waiting for you at your accommodation each day. The van will also carry plenty of snacks and drinks to keep you going throughout your cycle challenge. Get in touch with our team if you would like to plan a supported event.

• 10 nights’ accommodation in B&Bs or hotels with ensuite or private bathroom and breakfast
• Route guidance and daily distances
• Preparation advice on fitness/gear before your ride
• Expert local knowledge and 24 hour emergency assistance during your trip
• Lunches and evening meals
• Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects)
• Bike and bike equipment. Please contact us for bike hire details
• Accommodation after you finish your ride
• Transport to and from Land’s End / John O’Groats

Optional Extras

• Single Room Supplement £90 per person per night (subject to availability)
• Extra night in Land’s End prior to start (twin room, needs 2 people) £95 per person
• Extra night in Land’s End prior to start (single room) £180 per person
• Extra night in John O’Groats at end of event (twin room, needs 2 people) £95 per person
• Extra night in John O’Groats at end of event (single room) £180 per person

Please select from Optional Extras at checkout.

Supported trip

If you would like to organise a group event with van support please contact our team for availability.

Included in a supported trip:

• Daily luggage transfers
• Mechanical assistance
• Navigation support
• Snacks and drinks provided
• Group first aid kit

Need a guide?

If you would like a guide to lead the way, then we are happy to help and can provide a qualified cycle leader, also trained in first aid.  Having a guide with you will not only take the stress out of navigation, but can also be a great asset in providing an insight into all things cycling.

If you would like a rest day (or more!) included in your itinerary please get in touch with our team.

We run the Land’s End to John O’Groats 10 Day Cycle as a self-guided or fully supported trip.

To book as a self-guided trip simply select the date in the calendar and follow the booking procedure.  You will then receive an automated confirmation and full details will follow from our office in due course.

If you would like to book as a fully supported trip and/or a cycle leader please contact our team.

Day 1 - Land's End

Arrival at your accommodation and relax for the evening.

Day 2 - Land's End to Launceston

Your cycling trip begins by following the North Cornwall coast through the picturesque towns of Portreath and Perranporth before turning inland passing Bodmin and finishing in the market town of Launceston.

8 9 miles (143km)

Day 3 - Launceston to Glastonbury

Leaving Launceston you will cycle through Devon passing the towns of Okehampton, Tiverton and Taunton. After a very hilly day, finish in the much flatter Somerset town of Glastonbury steeped in history, myth and legend.

92.5 miles (149km)

Day 4 - Glastonbury to Hereford

Starting with a steep climb over the Mendip hills, skirting around the cities of Bristol and Bath before crossing the River Severn into Wales. Following the Wye Valley, head back into England, ending the day in the city of Hereford and enjoy a well-deserved glass of cider.

90 miles (145km)

Day 5 - Hereford to Nantwich

Continuing north, cycle over the outstanding Shropshire hills. Ride around Shrewsbury and into the market town of Nantwich in Cheshire.

Day 6 - Nantwich to Kendal

This is the longest day of trip. Cycle around the cities of Manchester, Liverpool and Preston, and eventually arriving in the Cumbrian town of Kendal on the edge of the Lake District.

104 miles (167km)

Day 7 - Kendal to Moffat

The day starts with the notorious climb over Shap Fell before crossing the border into Scotland. Continuing on through the Scottish borders to the town of Moffat.

87 miles (140km)

Day 8 - Moffat to Perth

Cycling along the stunning roads of the Scottish borders, navigating remote valleys, forests, and lochs before reaching Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh. Carrying on cycling around the city, crossing the Firth of Forth, and finishing the day in Perth.

95 miles (153km)

Day 9 - Perth to Grantown-on-Spey

A tough day which features over 6000ft of climbing!  Following the scenic route through Cairngorms National Park, cycle up to the Spittal of Glenshee via the Cairnwell Pass. Ride down to the pretty village of Braemar and enjoy the views before continuing up on The Lecht Pass and finishing your day descending to the picturesque town of Grantown-on-Spey for a well-deserved whisky.

Day 10 - Grantown-on-Spey to Lairg

Leaving the Cairngorms behind, continue north into the Highlands of Scotland. Bypassing Inverness and following the remote, scenic roads to the village of Lairg on the edge of Loch Shin.

92 miles (148km)

Day 11 - Lairg to John O'Groats

The final day of your epic trip. From Lairg, cycle through remote forests and valleys to the village of Tongue situated on the northern coastline of Scotland. Turning east, enjoy this stunning road before reaching your final destination, John O’Groats.

95miles (153km)

This is a typical itinerary and a guide only. It can be subject to change dependent upon viability, course members’ fitness, and weather conditions or for any other reason. Mileages and timings are approximate.

Find some of the reviews our wonderful customers have left for us below, or read them all here!

Maximum Adventure exceeded expectations, planning a trip for me last minute and off season through the glorious Lake District. The hotels were top rate, as was the food and my daily gluten free sandwich. Nathalie got the route guide sent to me in a couple of days and the baggage service was impeccable. It was the only tour guide company that responded immediately to my last minute request. Looking forward to more adventures with your company!!!

David and I walked the Speyside Way in September 2023 and very much enjoyed the adventure. Maximum Adventure Ltd organised our nightly accommodation and uplifting of our luggage in a seamless manner, which made the whole trip so easy with no stress. This is the second time that I have personally used Maximum Adventures Ltd and I would recommend them to others as they offer a friendly and efficient service.

We realy appreciated the tour we did on Hadrians Wall path in May.Beautiful scenery, decent weather, god arrangements including lodging, transport, bagagehandling etc. We came well prepared . In this preparation Maximum adventures gave us great support, as we are coming from abroad with no knowledge of conditions on the path. We had great BnBs and could concentrate on de daily walks that gave us great pleasure.Thank you England and Hadrians Wall path for your friendly reception and well mantained walking path.Thank you Maximum Adventures for your good service.We would love to come back in the future.

Maximum Adventure did a great job for us. With less than a month's notice, it set up an itinerary, lodging and luggage porterage for a walk from Carlisle to Newcastle, England along Hadrian's Wall. The lodging was fantastic, as was the itinerary and support during the walk. We'd definitely use Maximum Adventure again and would recommend them without reservation!

I was part of a climb on 23/09, didn't think I would make ut, but I did. The descent was a different story.. I got jelly legs and lost my confidence. If it wasn't for James, my Sherpa would never have made it. Can't thank him enough, Will, met you briefly.Both of them were very knowledgeable, we had the most amazing views at the summit...the pain is still worth it and

I walked the West Highland Way with my dad and brother. The organisation was excellent by Samantha. Itinerary and instructions were clear and all the bookings and luggage transfers went smoothly. As a result we were able to ensure the fantastic walk and not worry about anything. I would happily recommend Maximum Adventure to others.

Absolutely brilliant guide - knowledgeable, interesting and humorous in addition to looking after our safety so well - making sure we ate and suggesting when to layer up! Would highly recommend!

We just got home from our 8-days Hadrian's Wall hike and we just loved it!Everything was perfectly organized!We had great B&Bs and hotels with very friendly, welcoming and helpful staff. Our favorite was the Dacre House with Clare. But then again, all were great!The luggage was always at the day's destination, no matter how early we got to the accommodation.The description of how to get to the accommodations were clear and precise.The road map and the guide book were waiting for us as we got to the first B&B and were very helpful and interestingThanks, Maximum Adventure!

Praise for the West Highland Hike and the Maximum Adventure planners, esp. our planner Samantha. Great experience in every regard.

Booked for the 3 UK Peaks adventure, it was organised perfectly and everything when to plan. Accommodation was good, transport excellent, our guide (Patrick) brilliant, so cannot fault the trip and adventure. I personally expected too much from myself and was unable to fully summit as this adventure is not for beginners, I climbed Kilimanjaro in 2003 when I was 42 and twenty years later, although relatively fit, my endurance didn't last. So I did a half summit for Ben Nevis & Scafell, thanks to Patrick for letting go back down on my own, it was brilliant. With Snowdon, a half summit is tricky as you can't descend the way you go up, so I decided to do some hiking in the area while the rest of the group did the climb. I took a chance and went to the ticket office and managed to get a single return ticket up to the summit of Snowdon at 9am which returned down by 11.30am. I was hoping to see my group on top and spring a surprise but the weather was terrible. I highly recommend the trip but make sure you are fit enough otherwise as there is an emphasis on time, so a slow walk up is going to slow everyone down and really delay the trip. Have Fun, Simon Bradish

Charity Information

How to take part for charity.

To do this challenge for a charity there is a non-refundable registration fee, payable to Maximum Adventure at the time of booking. You can then choose between the two different options below.

Self-Funding

Pay a registration fee at the time of booking then the balance due 10-weeks before departure. With the self-funding option, you personally cover the full cost of the challenge. This option means that there is no minimum sponsorship target due, but we encourage you to raise as much money as you can for the charity.

Minimum Sponsorship Pledge

Pay a registration fee at the time of booking and confirm with your charity their minimum fundraising requirements for the balance. This will typically be double the cost of the adventure, less the registration fee. With the minimum sponsorship pledge option, you must submit 80% of your fundraising target to the charity 10 weeks before the departure date.

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LEJOG (Land’s End to John O’Groats) – 14 Day Cycle

LEJOG (Land’s End to John O’Groats) – Cycle Week 1

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LEJOG 2023: Barrett Cirerone book review and lessons learned

• Thread starter mouwser58
• Start date 25 Oct 2023
• 25 Oct 2023
• Very well organized, with lots of tables, appendixes, and maps, as well as detailed descriptions of the route and points of interest. Loved the sprinkling of history throughout.
• Small enough to fit in a handlebar bag.
• Several days (“stages”) offered multiple route options, which was much appreciated.
• Came with gpx files included in the $16 price of purchase. I was able to download them all to my Wahoo computer using Ride With GPS prior to departure, which made navigation pretty seamless.
• His recommendation to “keep your bike as light as possible” should be taken seriously! Although a 7 kg max for a trip lasting 2 weeks seems a bit unrealistic, my initial load of 14 kg was far too much. I was fortunate to be able to offload about 4 kg of that gear with a friend who met us at the halfway point in Moffat—much reducing my suffering on climbs.
• His advice to be careful about your choice of group size and travel companion(s) was excellent. We chose to keep it at two people, and economized by sharing a room. It couldn’t have worked out better.
• Gearing ratio: p. 26 has a couple paragraphs about what type of rig to ride, including the following about gearing: “Fit a cassette with a 30, 32, or 34-tooth sprocket to make climbing easier”. Notably absent was any mention of chain ring size, which is obviously necessary to determine what your lowest gear ratio is (that being the ratio of crank revs/ wheel revs; lower ratio = lower gear). One need only take a brief glance at the cover photo of Mr. Barrett to determine why this might have been omitted. He’s triathlete-level thin! My bike initially had a 1X gravel setup with a 40/42 low gear (ratio .95). Which would have been ok if I was riding gentle rollers without a load. But he ommitted any discussion/ warning about how steep the climbs in Cornwall and Somerset are-each day had multiple climbs > 15% gradient, and some were 20%. So I ended up pushing up many of those. After the first week, I found a bike shop that had a 34-tooth chain ring (34/42=.81), and I never had to push again. (Shout out to Anthony English of Ghyllside Cycles in Ambleside!) HUGE difference.
• Unrealistic Riding Time estimates (p. 6-7): Mr. Barrett’s superior conditioning and asthenic build may have allowed him to average 12 mph, but for less elite athletes like me, it went slower. We averaged about 10 mph on the hilly days in Cornwall and Somerset. The climbs there were steep, and because the lanes were narrow, full of potholes, and had blind curves, you couldn’t make up much of the time you lost grinding (or pushing) uphill on the descents. For example (p.7), the first five days were given estimates of 8-9 hours—it took us 10-11, including stops for photos, lunch, etc. So in order to arrive at our lodging at a reasonable time, (usually between 6 and 7 pm) we were unable to stop at many points of interest. Unfortunately, most of the lodgings we used didn’t serve breakfast until 0800, so we couldn’t get on the road until 0900. So unless you’re an elite athlete under 40, and don’t care whether you have time to stop, I’d recommend taking three weeks instead of two, or using an ebike.
• Route Fail: Day 6, Nantwich-Garstang was pretty awful. Although I understand the challenge of finding a low-traffic route that threads the needle between Manchester and Liverpool, I can’t believe this is the best option. Canal towpaths sounds like a romantic notion, but the reality is quite different. Many of these were unimproved narrow footpaths, with surfaces that would be best done on a MTB with front suspension. Even worse were the numerous towpath gates--we counted 18 on this day, with 5 of them in the last 5 miles (that last 5 miles took us an hour). And that was only half of the route, as we abandoned it out of frustration when we reached Adlington. Getting a loaded bike through them often required two people—not sure how one traveling alone could even do it. The closest I came to being injured was when a man fishing the canal nearly clocked me with the butt of his 15-foot long pole…turns out he was deaf so couldn’t hear my shouts of warning.
• Day 7: we decided to take on some climbing, and diverged from the route, riding through the Lake District and overnight in Ambleside. This added a day to the trip, and some tough climbing, but it was worth it. The next day we did 25 miles into Penrith—but be advised this route had 1500 ft of vertical in the first five miles over Kirkstone Pass, so not for the faint of heart. But it also offered the best views of the entire trip. For my money, the Lake District was the prettiest part of the ride!
• Although it meant more climbing, we opted for Stages 9A and 10A. It was lovely, so I highly recommend that option.
• P. 153 Queen Elizabeth Forest Park (Stage 10A): We ignored Mr. Barrett’s reassurance that the signage warning off road cyclists could be ignored. Instead we opted for the alternative route 10A at Mile 28 (p. 156), and really enjoyed that segment. We could see the gravel option terrain across the loch, and were glad we avoided it. We overnighted in Killin at mile 55 rather than pressing on to Pitlochry, choosing to ride the missed miles the next day instead. Leaving Killin, we diverged from the route to the north side of Loch Tay based on local advice, and that stretch of road was one of the prettiest I’ve ever ridden.
• Ignore his advice not to take any rest days. It’s not boot camp. We took two rest days in Penrith, and rented a car to tour the Lakes District and Yorkshire Dales. Our legs were grateful for the break.
• GEARING: can’t stress enough the importance of getting this right. Aim for a lowest gear ratio of .85 or less. You might lose at the top end (I spun out at about 27 mph), but won’t miss it. It’s a tour! You can coast!
• KIT: won’t go into too much detail here. Less is more. Shoot for <10 kg. We had the good fortune of two weeks of brilliant sunshine, so we didn’t have to break out the waterproofs until the last day at JOG. And we never had a mechanical. But you might have a different experience. It rains in Britain! I should have taken two kits instead of three, and should have left out the bikepacking sleeping bag and bivvy sack (brought in case of emergency). I’d encourage you to bring lightweight items for mechanicals (extra spokes, duct tape, spare tire/ tubes, patch kit, etc)
• ENJOY THE RIDE: this means not being over-ambitious about daily mileage, so you can make stops for coffee and points of interest. If I was going to do this again, I’d take three weeks instead of two. If limited to 14 days, I’d use an ebike.

Still rolling along

Jameshow said: Did you not mean Cornwall and Devon? Somerset is refreshing flat! Click to expand...

All uphill said: Some of Somerset is flat. Some is not! Click to expand...

Legendary Member

• 26 Oct 2023

iandg said: I can pass the comments on to him if you like - you'll see my name in the acknowledgements at the start of the book Click to expand...

Jameshow said: But the lejog route in Somerset is fairly flat? Click to expand...

mouwser58 said: LEJOG 2023: BARRETT CICERONE BOOK REVIEW AND LESSONS LEARNED I used this book, in its third/ 2021 edition, for a self-guided LEJOG tour with one mate in May 2023. I found it to be quite good, and an excellent value, with a few notable exceptions. I chose this guide for its use of “quiet roads and traffic free paths”, and because the author had previously ridden the route twice and made multiple route revisions to arrive at this route. We chose the 14-day option, using hotels, no camping. We added 2 days for rest and sightseeing, so our total was 16 days. ABOUT ME: I’m 65, have ridden in excess of 150,000 miles in 45 years of serious cycling, and have done at least 20 different extended tours during that time. Although certainly not an elite athlete, I’m 6’1” /185 lbs and pretty fit. KIT: I rode a Ritchey Breakaway Cross with 32mm Panaracer Pasela Protite tires, and started the trip with a 1X, 40/42 drivetrain. My bags were Topeak handlebar bag and Topeak MTX trunk bag with retractable panniers. PROS Very well organized, with lots of tables, appendixes, and maps, as well as detailed descriptions of the route and points of interest. Loved the sprinkling of history throughout. Small enough to fit in a handlebar bag. Several days (“stages”) offered multiple route options, which was much appreciated. Came with gpx files included in the $16 price of purchase. I was able to download them all to my Wahoo computer using Ride With GPS prior to departure, which made navigation pretty seamless. His recommendation to “keep your bike as light as possible” should be taken seriously! Although a 7 kg max for a trip lasting 2 weeks seems a bit unrealistic, my initial load of 14 kg was far too much. I was fortunate to be able to offload about 4 kg of that gear with a friend who met us at the halfway point in Moffat—much reducing my suffering on climbs. His advice to be careful about your choice of group size and travel companion(s) was excellent. We chose to keep it at two people, and economized by sharing a room. It couldn’t have worked out better. CONS Gearing ratio: p. 26 has a couple paragraphs about what type of rig to ride, including the following about gearing: “Fit a cassette with a 30, 32, or 34-tooth sprocket to make climbing easier”. Notably absent was any mention of chain ring size, which is obviously necessary to determine what your lowest gear ratio is (that being the ratio of crank revs/ wheel revs; lower ratio = lower gear). One need only take a brief glance at the cover photo of Mr. Barrett to determine why this might have been omitted. He’s triathlete-level thin! My bike initially had a 1X gravel setup with a 40/42 low gear (ratio .95). Which would have been ok if I was riding gentle rollers without a load. But he ommitted any discussion/ warning about how steep the climbs in Cornwall and Somerset are-each day had multiple climbs > 15% gradient, and some were 20%. So I ended up pushing up many of those. After the first week, I found a bike shop that had a 34-tooth chain ring (34/42=.81), and I never had to push again. (Shout out to Anthony English of Ghyllside Cycles in Ambleside!) HUGE difference. Unrealistic Riding Time estimates (p. 6-7): Mr. Barrett’s superior conditioning and asthenic build may have allowed him to average 12 mph, but for less elite athletes like me, it went slower. We averaged about 10 mph on the hilly days in Cornwall and Somerset. The climbs there were steep, and because the lanes were narrow, full of potholes, and had blind curves, you couldn’t make up much of the time you lost grinding (or pushing) uphill on the descents. For example (p.7), the first five days were given estimates of 8-9 hours—it took us 10-11, including stops for photos, lunch, etc. So in order to arrive at our lodging at a reasonable time, (usually between 6 and 7 pm) we were unable to stop at many points of interest. Unfortunately, most of the lodgings we used didn’t serve breakfast until 0800, so we couldn’t get on the road until 0900. So unless you’re an elite athlete under 40, and don’t care whether you have time to stop, I’d recommend taking three weeks instead of two, or using an ebike. Route Fail: Day 6, Nantwich-Garstang was pretty awful. Although I understand the challenge of finding a low-traffic route that threads the needle between Manchester and Liverpool, I can’t believe this is the best option. Canal towpaths sounds like a romantic notion, but the reality is quite different. Many of these were unimproved narrow footpaths, with surfaces that would be best done on a MTB with front suspension. Even worse were the numerous towpath gates--we counted 18 on this day, with 5 of them in the last 5 miles (that last 5 miles took us an hour). And that was only half of the route, as we abandoned it out of frustration when we reached Adlington. Getting a loaded bike through them often required two people—not sure how one traveling alone could even do it. The closest I came to being injured was when a man fishing the canal nearly clocked me with the butt of his 15-foot long pole…turns out he was deaf so couldn’t hear my shouts of warning. Day 7: we decided to take on some climbing, and diverged from the route, riding through the Lake District and overnight in Ambleside. This added a day to the trip, and some tough climbing, but it was worth it. The next day we did 25 miles into Penrith—but be advised this route had 1500 ft of vertical in the first five miles over Kirkstone Pass, so not for the faint of heart. But it also offered the best views of the entire trip. For my money, the Lake District was the prettiest part of the ride! Although it meant more climbing, we opted for Stages 9A and 10A. It was lovely, so I highly recommend that option. P. 153 Queen Elizabeth Forest Park (Stage 10A): We ignored Mr. Barrett’s reassurance that the signage warning off road cyclists could be ignored. Instead we opted for the alternative route 10A at Mile 28 (p. 156), and really enjoyed that segment. We could see the gravel option terrain across the loch, and were glad we avoided it. We overnighted in Killin at mile 55 rather than pressing on to Pitlochry, choosing to ride the missed miles the next day instead. Leaving Killin, we diverged from the route to the north side of Loch Tay based on local advice, and that stretch of road was one of the prettiest I’ve ever ridden. Ignore his advice not to take any rest days. It’s not boot camp. We took two rest days in Penrith, and rented a car to tour the Lakes District and Yorkshire Dales. Our legs were grateful for the break. LESSONS LEARNED GEARING: can’t stress enough the importance of getting this right. Aim for a lowest gear ratio of .85 or less. You might lose at the top end (I spun out at about 27 mph), but won’t miss it. It’s a tour! You can coast! KIT: won’t go into too much detail here. Less is more. Shoot for <10 kg. We had the good fortune of two weeks of brilliant sunshine, so we didn’t have to break out the waterproofs until the last day at JOG. And we never had a mechanical. But you might have a different experience. It rains in Britain! I should have taken two kits instead of three, and should have left out the bikepacking sleeping bag and bivvy sack (brought in case of emergency). I’d encourage you to bring lightweight items for mechanicals (extra spokes, duct tape, spare tire/ tubes, patch kit, etc) ENJOY THE RIDE: this means not being over-ambitious about daily mileage, so you can make stops for coffee and points of interest. If I was going to do this again, I’d take three weeks instead of two. If limited to 14 days, I’d use an ebike. Click to expand...

• 27 Oct 2023

mouwser58 said: One thing I failed to mention in PROS re traffic counts: the auto traffic outside cities was very light, which was a more than fair exchange for some of the poor surfaces and single lane roads boxed in by hedgerows. For an American, the hedgerows were part of the charm, especially regarding the sheer numbers of birds. The volume of birdsong was deafening compared to what I'm used to in Texas. Click to expand...

Did you book accommodation in advance or during the ride, or a combination of both?  

GuyBoden said: Did you book accommodation in advance or during the ride, or a combination of both? Click to expand...

iandg said: To be fair, poor surfaces are par for course on British Roads, it's a big complaint of drivers around here. Single lanes boxed in by hedgerows are a feature of many parts of the British countryside and part of British cycling culture too (I think it's the Romans and Saxons we can thank for that). About 80% of my cycling is done on poorly surfaced, hedge lined single lane roads now that I live in Dumfries. When I lived in Stornoway most of my cycling was on poorly surfaced roads crossing open moorland and bog. Click to expand...

From my perspective of riding both UK and US roads is that Cornwall/Devon mirror pretty well the American north east in terms of steep climbs whereas the UK eastern side not so. Texas has mostly lazy climbs and empty squiggly roads but for some reason Texas pick-up trucks very often have a trailer attached which the driver seems to forget all about. One thing I will say about Texas drivers out in the country is that they are invariably very polite and considerate to me as a cyclist. Not so in the cities though of course - just like everywhere else.  

mouwser58 said: I actually meant that as a compliment to his choice of roads, as I'm used to dodging potholes in Texas. Low traffic is more important to me than road surface, and his route definitely delivered in that regard. We'd sometimes ride an hour without seeing another vehicle, and when we did, the drivers were very patient and safe. The only aggressively fast drivers were the enormous tractors, apparently in a rush to get their work done lol. I didn't realize they made tractors that can travel that fast. Click to expand...

bobzmyunkle

Senior member.

• 28 Oct 2023

iandg said: tractor drivers are aggressive. Click to expand...

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During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

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Chiricahua National Monument celebrates 100 years with free tours, guided hikes

Chiricahua National Monument was established on April 18, 1924, by President Calvin Coolidge to protect the “Wonderland of Rocks” in southeastern Arizona that includes an 8-mile scenic drive and 17 miles of hiking trails.

Spanning over 12,025 acres in the Chiricahua Mountains southeast of Willcox, Chiricahua National Monument is celebrating its centennial with a slate of events Thursday through Saturday, April 18-20.

On Thursday there will be a commemoration ceremony; on Friday, a living history experience at Faraway Ranch; and on Saturday there will be a guided bird walk and a “Story Behind the Scenery: Geology Chiricahua Style” program.

Here’s what to know about Chiricahua National Monument's centennial celebration and how you can take part.

Arizona's 'Wonderland of Rocks': Chiricahua National Monument celebrates 100 years

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Chiricahua National Monument centennial tours, hike

Thursday, April 18: The commemoration ceremony is at 2 p.m. at Faraway Ranch, the former homestead in the monument. Local and national dignitaries will be in attendance. Music starts at 1:30 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. Faraway Ranch House and Stafford Cabin will be open for self-guided tours from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Friday, April 19: The living history event is 1-4 p.m. at Faraway Ranch. Staff in 1920s and '30s clothing will share what life was like in Bonita Canyon 100 years ago. Faraway Ranch House and Stafford Cabin will be open for self-guided tours from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 20: A guided bird walk is from 9-11 a.m. in the Bonita Creek Picnic Area. Visitors can observe birds, identifying them by sight, sound and habitat. Bring water, sun protection and binoculars. The 30-minute “Story Behind the Scenery: Geology Chiricahua Style” program will be presented on the hour from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Massai Point.

Chiricahua National Monument centennial shuttle and parking info

The visitor center will be open 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. during the centennial celebration. There will be no hiker shuttle service April 18 and 19.

On April 18 and 19, Massai Point, Echo Canyon and Sugarloaf parking lots will be open. Faraway Ranch parking lot will be closed with an exception for vehicles with a disability plate or placard.

Centennial event parking will be available just outside the park entrance. Free shuttles will stop at Faraway Ranch and the visitor center.

On April 20, all parking lots will be open. A hiker shuttle will be provided from Faraway Ranch to Echo Canyon parking lot on the hour from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and from Echo Canyon parking lot to Faraway Ranch on the half hour from 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

On all three days, vehicles over 24 feet, trailers and horses are prohibited except for vehicles and trailers with a campground reservation.

Do you have to pay to get into Chiricahua National Monument?

No. Chiricahua National Monument is free to enter. There's a fee for camping in Bonito Canyon Campground.

What is the closest city to Chiricahua National Monument?

Chiricahua National Monument is 36 miles southeast of Willcox, Arizona. It has lodging, restaurants, wine tasting rooms, grocery shopping and other services.

Details: www.nps.gov/chir/centennial.htm .

A 4th Arizona national park? State officials want national park status for Chiricahua

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Holmes Chapel, English village of Harry Styles' youth, needs fans to be tour guides

Many tourists visit sites such as a bakery where Styles once worked and a Chinese restaurant where he once dined with Taylor Swift. Tourism has been great for local businesses.

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Holmes Chapel, the English village of Harry Styles' youth, is looking for superfans to work as tour guides. The village gets a lot of tourists, Harries visiting sites like a bakery where Styles once worked and a Chinese restaurant where he once dined with Taylor Swift. The not-for-profit calling for tour guides says tourism has been great for local business, and now it wants to elevate its offerings.

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