LAND’S END TO JOHN O’GROATS (13 DAYS)

Distance: 972 miles (approximately)

GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26575224

Route Description

This epic 972 mile bike ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats sweeps through some of the UK's most beautiful scenery. Covering the length of the British Isles from the leafy lanes of Cornwall, through the dramatic scenery of Dartmoor, the Cotswolds, Lake District and ends in the wilds of Scotland, it really is a ride of contrasts. This is a challenge of a lifetime and it is split into four action-packed stages. Saddle up for an unforgettable adventure and a huge personal achievement.

 
STAGE ONE (3 DAYS) - LAND'S END TO GLOUCESTER

Distance: 250 miles (approximately)

GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26575227?privacy_code=slZhsdoqOBO1XQxE

Day 1: Tuesday 11 June

Land’s End to Launceston: approx. 89 miles

Day 2: Wednesday 12 June

Launceston to Taunton: approx. 70 miles

Day 3: Thursday 13 June

Taunton to Gloucester: approx. 90 miles

Route Description

Stage One is possibly the most challenging section of the ride, as we tackle lots of short, steep climbs on minor roads so here your training will truly pay off!  It starts at the famous Land’s End sign which marks the beginning of our mammoth challenge. After a group photo, we work our way through amazing coast lines and dramatic sea views.  We pass through Dartmoor National Park, the largest and wildest area of open country in southern England and then it’s a hilly stretch to Tiverton in mid-Devon. It was recently used as a film location for the Spielberg blockbuster, Warhorse, due to its stunning light and landscape. We ride inland through the eastern slopes of the magnificent Mendip Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty. We reach the sweeping bay of Weston-Super-Mare, which is a fantastic backdrop as we ride north through the coastal village. We cross the River Avon in Bristol on the spectacular Clifton Suspension Bridge and end this section of the ride in the vibrant city of Gloucester, to mark the end of this magnificent stage.

STAGE TWO (3 DAYS) - GLOUCESTER TO LANCASTER

Distance: 237 miles (approximately)

GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26575221?privacy_code=ULZXL5OK3jL31VD9

Day 4: Friday 14 June

Gloucester to Nottingham: approx. 107 miles

Day 5: Saturday 15 June

Nottingham to Halifax: approx. 81 miles

Day 6: Sunday 16 June

Halifax to Lancaster: approx. 49 miles

Route Description

We start this stage of the ride through beautiful Cotswold countryside and head north through Stratford-Upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, which is steeped in culture and history. The route takes us along winding rural Warwickshire countryside roads, near the River Avon.  We continue cycling through the heart of the country and pass through? the Peak District known for its steep limestone valleys, dramatic gritstone ridges and stark moorland plateaus like Kinder Scout.  Our route then heads into Lancashire, taking in quaint hamlets and villages en-route.  Lancashire has a rich cultural heritage – J.R.R Tolkien, the Brontë Sisters and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle all penned their novels here.  We follow the Lancaster Canal to the county town of Lancaster, which boasts an important maritime history as one of the major ports in England. When we stop here we have completed half of our challenge!

STAGE THREE (3 DAYS) - LANCASTER TO INVERARAY

Distance: 233 miles (approximately)

GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26575229?privacy_code=CASwD3NryjooTBpx

Day 7: Monday 17 June

Lancaster to Gretna: approx. 88 miles

Day 8: Tuesday 18 June

Gretna to Hamilton: approx. 75 miles

Day 9: Wednesday 19 June

Hamilton to Inveraray: approx. 70 miles

 Route Description

The hills of the spectacular Lake District become visible as we approach Kendal, southern gateway to the Lake District National Park and home to the famous Kendal Mint Cake. It is a challenging ride ahead as we journey through the Eden Valley and the busy market town of Penrith. We then head onto Carlisle, which due to its location has hosted various historic figures through the ages, including Emperor Hadrian, William Wallace, Rob Roy, and Bonnie Prince Charlie. We then cross the Scottish border and head to Gretna Green for our overnight stay, which is famous for its ‘runaway weddings’. We cycle through the picturesque market town of Dumfries, near the mouth of the River Nith and through Lockerbie. We continue through the lovely town of Moffat nestled in between the Lowther Hills and Eskdalemuir Forest. We continue through the Southern Uplands with its rolling green hills, dense forests and open moorland.  We then head towards Hamilton for our overnight stay, where we enjoy views across Strathclyde Loch. The next day we set off through Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland, which hosted the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The first few miles of cycling are through the Greater Glasgow urban area but before long we are back on to quieter roads and making our way through beautiful Scottish countryside to Inveraray.

STAGE FOUR (3 DAYS) - INVERARAY to JOHN O' GROATS

Distance: 253 miles (approximately)

GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26575240?privacy_code=q1jJOoWPS2WjzJUN

Day 10: Thursday 20 June

Inveraray to Fort William: approx. 72 miles

Day 11: Friday 21 June

Fort William to Tain: approx. 96 miles

Day 12: Saturday 22 June

Tain to John o’Groats: approx. 85 miles

Day 13: Sunday 23 June

Breakfast and depart for home

Route Description

A momentous stage as we set off to reach the end of our epic journey!  En-route we continue to tackle some of the hills and glens for which the Highlands are famous. We cycle through Glencoe, Scotland's most well-known and atmospheric glen and head towards our overnight stay in Fort William, which lies on the shores of Loch Linnhe with fantastic views of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain. We enter dramatic West Highland scenery riding alongside glistening Loch Lochy, whose steep, forested hillsides give a fjord-like feel to the landscape. Loch Lochy forms part of the Caledonian Canal, which is Britain's longest inland waterway with a series of man-made canals and lock systems. 

One of the many highlights of this stage is the world-renowned Loch Ness – we will cycle along 22.5 miles of its rugged shores, with plenty of opportunities to look out for the mythical Loch Ness Monster! We ride past Urquhart Castle which remains an impressive stronghold despite its ruinous state. We head deeper into the Highlands for another memorable cycling day, riding past Dingwall, close to the dramatic waters of Cromarty Firth. We head for the port town of Invergordon, surrounded by mountains and gentle rolling farmland. We then cycle towards our final goal of the John O’Groats sign, which marks the end of our mammoth challenge!