Lands End to John O’Groats Cycle in 14 Days

Our Star Ratings

Here is an explanation of our cycling trip grades. Please bear in mind that total ascent, wind and  general riding conditions can play as important factors as the daily distances involved. Whilst we  have stated some example distances, the overall difficulty assigned to each trip will encompass a  range of these factors. If you are at all unsure of whether you think the trip is suitable, please contact us.

 

Easy:  Suitable for those new to cycling seeking an introductory and very relaxed yet active  experience on two wheels. Easy riding on short, flat and/or gently undulating routes.  Approx 20 – ­40  miles a day

 

 

 

Relaxed:  Undulating terrain with occasional minor undulations for semi­-regular novices who wish  to develop fitness and ability. May include a few short steep climbs.  Approx 40 – ­50 miles a day

 

 

 

Moderate: Designed for cyclists with a good level of riding experience and fitness, and are  comfortable riding for full days in the saddle. Routes will include some steep and/or sustained  climbs. Not for those new to cycling.  Approx 50 – 80 miles a day

 

 

Challenging: Routes with multiple steep and sustained climbs and technical descents and/or long  distances. Riders need to be have a high level of fitness and stamina in addition to experience in  riding over extended distances and/or tackling long ascents and descents.  Approx 70 – ­110 miles a  day

 

 

Advanced: Designed for experienced cyclists with an excellent level of fitness and stamina. Routes  are consistently long with multiple serious and steep ascents and descents throughout. High  altitude ascents may be undertaken followed by technically demanding descents.  Approx 80 – 120  miles a day

Itinerary

Day 1: Lands End to Launceston (91 miles)

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

 

Day 2: Launceston to Wells (105 miles)

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

 

Day 3: Wells to Ludlow (110 miles)

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

 

Day 4: Ludlow to Wigan (102 miles)

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

 

Day 5: Wigan to Penrith (100 miles)

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

 

Day 6: Penrith to Lanark (101 miles)

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

 

Day 7: Lanark to Crianlarich (90 miles)

We’ll be skirting around the southern edge of Glasgow this morning before tackling some of the hills of one of Scotland’s most famous National Park, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.

 

Day 8: Crianlarich to Fort Augustus (96 miles)

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

 

Day 9: Fort Augustus to Lairg (85 miles)

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

 

Day 10: Lairg to John O’Groats (96 miles)

The final day has arrived! By now your legs will be used to the demands of full-days cycling, so today should be a breeze! The first part of our route today is an absolute delight, along mostly quiet, highland roads, before we hit the north coast of the UK. Once here, we head due east to the holy grail of the journey – John O’Groats!

Congratulations! You made it! It’s time for a few photos (to prove you made it!), a hot shower and a celebratory meal.

 

Day 11: John O’Groats to Inverness (0 miles!)

Today you will be transferred with your bikes and luggage to Inverness train station where the trip ends! Congratulations!

Map

Includes

• Cycle Leader/s and support driver
• Basic bicycle maintenance
• 10 x nights hotel/B&B’s
• 10 x breakfasts
• 10 x buffet-style lunches
• All luggage transported during your trip
• Transfer (including bicycle and main luggage) from Penzance to Lands End
• Transfer (including bicycle and main luggage) from John O’Groats to Inverness train station

Not Included

• Bike & helmet
• Evening meals, drinks and snacks
• Insurance

FAQs

Do you provide accommodation on the night before the trip begins?

No. There are plenty of accommodation options however in Penzance. On the first day of the trip, we will provide transfers from your accommodation in Penzance to the Lands End sign to begin the ride.

Do you have a list of the accommodation for each night?

We can provide this yes. Please email us if you require this.

What time do we generally leave each morning?

We were hoping early? We tend to begin riding by 08:00 at the latest.

How many feed stops per day?

Yes, we generally split the day into four lots of 20-25 miles with a break in the morning, then lunch and then a break in the afternoon.

Do we need to have a GPS system on our bike?

You don't need a GPS on your bike as the trip is fully guided by a cycle leader at all times.

Can we store a bike box in the support vehicle for the duration of the trip?

Yes, no problem.

What time will be back at Inverness on the final day?

We aim to arrive into Inverness at around midday.

Can you provide a transfer of bikes and luggage to Inverness airport?

Yes this may be possible, please get in touch for further information.

How much is the deposit?

The deposit is 40% of the total trip cost. The balance is then due no later than 5 weeks before the trip begins. Staged payments can also be made through our website to avoid having to pay the balance as a lump sum.

Can you help with transporting bikes to the start point in Penzance?

Depending on where you'll be travelling from, we could also assist with getting your bicycle and luggage down to the start of the trip.