|

Cycle Lands End to John O'Groats

Cycle Lands End to John of Groats - main
Dates: 28 Sep - 10 Oct 2010
Min sponsorship: £2850
Registration fee: £249
Contact: ndcschallenges@ndcs.org.uk
Register for this event|

Itinerary

Cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats, the furthest possible distance in the British Isles, is a classic challenge that many dream of.  Starting at Land’s End on the southwesterly tip of England, we pedal our way through Cornwall, over Dartmoor and north along the Welsh border, skirting the Lake District into Scotland, via lochs and the highlands to the North Coast and John O’Groats.

In all we will cover almost 1000 miles in 12 days, passing through some of the most stunning and remote countryside in the British Isles.

This is a tough challenge but a fabulous way to see the country and one of the most rewarding things you will ever do!

Day 1

Lands End – Liskeard

83 miles approximately

Your journey starts from the southwestern-most tip of England, Lands End.  Cycling along winding Cornish roads, you head towards Penzance along the sea and pass by  the famous monument of St Michael’s Mount.  Overall todays ride is undulating with a few climbs.

Day 2

Liskeard – Sampford Peverell

84 miles approximately

Today you will cross Dartmoor which is probably the most challenging section of the whole ride.  As you cycle into Devon there is a steep climb onto Dartmoor itself, but if a clear day the views will be fabulous.  As you leave Dartmoor, it’s downhill all the way to Exeter which you’ll pass through before finishing for the day a few miles north of the city in Sampford Peverell.

Day 3

Sampford Peverell - Tintern

98 miles approximately

Continuing the journey north, you cycle towards Cheddar through beautiful English countryside. As you approach the outskirts of Bristol you’ll head for the Severn Bridge and cross over the Estuary into Wales.  You’ll end the day by cycling through the scenic Wye Valley to Tintern to stay overnight in the pretty riverside village famous for its Abbey.

Day 4

Tintern - Shrewsbury

90 miles approximately

You carry on your journey along the Wye River to Herefordshire leaving Wales behind.  The route takes you through the city of Hereford with its striking cathedral and red sandstone buildings.  Crossing into Shropshire you follow undulating country lanes through the stunning Hope Valley to Shrewsbury to stay the night.

Day 5

Shrewsbury – Preston

86 miles approximately

You warm up with a gentle cycle through Shrewsbury admiring the black and white timbered buildings.  After crossing the River Severn once again you carry on north on a mainly flat route across Cheshire. You’ll by-pass Warrington to complete the last stretch of our day into Lancashire to our hotel, just outside Preston. 

Day 6

Preston - Longtown

109 miles approximately

Today is a long day, but the last leg on English soil!  Leaving early, you will head north on primarily flat roads.  The route takes you through the medieval town of Lancaster into Cumbria.  The hills of the Lake District rise to your left as you carry on to Shap Fell, the most notable climb since Dartmoor of over 1000ft, but the gradient is gradual. A long twisting descent takes you through Carlisle and to our stop overnight on the Scottish border to overnight.

Day 7

Longtown – Kilmarnock

95 miles approximately

Making the crossing into Scotland you pass through Gretna Green, elopement capital of the world!  You continue heading north east via a picturesque route with lush rolling hills to either side.  There are long but fairly gentle climbs and descents.  You will pass through Sanquar, home to Britains oldest post-office and a great old Tollbooth.  You stay overnight just outside of Kilmarnock.

Day 8

Kilmarnock - Inverary

90 miles approximately

You head east towards the Firth of Clyde via the pretty coastal town of Largs with fabulous views across to the Isles of Arran and Bute.  At Gourock take the ferry across the short strait to Dunoon. From here you’ll cycle north over mainly flat terrain to the shores of Loch Fyne, where you face a stiff climb to the top of the Loch.  You’ll approach Inverary on flatter roads, passing the fairy tale towers of the castle just before the town.

Day 9

Inverary – Loch Lochy

97 miles approximately

Starting the day with a long but gentle climb out of Inverary into the Highlands, you’ll circumnavigate Loch Awe.  After heading east to the coast again you’ll cross the iron bridge at Connell with amazing views of the Isle of Mull.  Following a beautiful coastal road you’ll see stunning beaches and peninsulas.   We pass two more beautiful Loch’s and reach Fort William on a much deserved flat run. Then an undulating route takes you to your hostel at the end of Loch Lochy.

Day 10

Loch Lochy – Bonar Bridge

83 miles approximately

Another day of breathtaking scenery awaits as we head further north and nearer our destination.  We follow the Caledonian Canal to Loch Ness passing the stunning Urqhart Castle.  Heading north again at the end of the Loch you will pass by Cromarty Firth where you can see seals basking.  Finally you’ll cross the moorlands to Dornoch Firth where from this great viewpoint you’ll have a fantastic descent to Bonar Bridge to your hotel.

Day 11

Bonar Bridge – Bettyhill

63 miles approximately

The terrain isn’t easy today!  Passing through Lairg at the foot of Loch Shin you will encounter the first long climb of the day. Following this will be a single road, with few vehicles but wonderful wildlife such as red deer, osprey and even the elusive golden eagle!  The undulating road is followed by a couple of climbs to the North Coast with views of beautiful golden beaches.  The last section to Bettyhill is quite tough, but rewarded with stunning views.

Day 12

Bettyhill – John O’Groats

62 miles approximately

Leaving Bettyhill our road heads west and runs parallel with the North Coast.  After the long climb out of this village the roads eventually become flatter.  Your route passes through the sand dunes of Dunnet Bay with it’s white sand beach before the remaining miles along a mainly flat road to John O’Groats and our finish line!  After celebrating and signing the End to End book you can say goodbye to you bike and transfer back to Inverness to celebrate in style!


 Back to main page

Register now

For more information: