The Lands End to John O’Groats Cycle Challenge!

The Lands End to John O’Groats cycle challenge should be attempted at least once by every avid cyclist. This 1000 mile journey takes 12 days to complete, making it a rather tough challenge! Some days of the journey you’ll be cycling an average of around 100 miles, so it’s best to intensely prepare yourself beforehand for this one.

Along the way you’ll be rewarded with fantastic countryside scenery along the British Isles, including spectacular views in the Highlands and the Lake District. Cycling from one end of the UK to the other definitely earns you bragging rights – it’s no mean feat.

At the start of the journey, you’ll be right in the heart of Cornwall. That means one very tasty (and essential) thing – pasties. Stock up on traditional and authentic Cornish pasties for the first part of your journey. Those pasties are certain to give you enough energy to reach the next county. That is if you’ve not over-indulged on them!

Pasties aside, the Cornish hills will have your legs working their very hardest. You might have even forgotten what flat land looks like as you near the end of those hills!

It’s essential you pack some waterproofs, since we are talking about British weather. The sun might be gloriously shining at 10am, only to be hidden by thick rain clouds by 12pm. It’s great to be optimistic, but even better to be prepared for our incredibly temperamental weather. Despite this warning, it’s probably best to pack some sunscreen with you, as cycling all day in the sun is a sure-fire way to get some very itchy sunburn.

Punctures are almost inevitable during a 1000 mile journey. Make sure you’re fully prepared with the right equipment should you feel a dreaded puncture beginning to deflate your tire! Doing the challenge with Adventurous Ewe means you’ll be accompanied by a bike mechanic the whole way through.

Crossing the Severn Bridge can be slightly vertigo-inducing for many. This 1,600 meter bridge will take you from England into Wales. You won’t have much time to look around Wales – you’ll be into Shrewsbury by the next afternoon.

From Shrewsbury, you’ll travel to past the hills of the Lake District and Shap Fell. This 100 ft climb sounds quite intimidating, but the overall gradient is rather gradual. After this, you’ll have a fantastic descent to Penrith. Before this day is over, you’ll eventually reach Carlisle.

After Carlisle, you’ll have a 101 mile journey into Kilmarnock, Scotland. This ride is a fairly pleasant one, as you will be surrounded by lush green hills and countryside throughout the duration of the journey.

Travelling from Kilmarnock to the Scottish Highlands will present you with fantastic coastal views of the Firth of Clyde and the Isles of Arran and Bute.

The Highlands, with their rocky spires and rugged mountains are really something to be seen, and so are Scottish breakfasts. If you love a good hearty fry up – you won’t be left disappointed.

Once you’ve conquered this incredible challenge, the best way to travel back to where you started from is via train. If you plan and book in advance, you may be able to bag yourself a very cheap fare (which you’ll likely spend the entirety sleeping on!).