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Cycling Land's End to John o' Groats

LEJOG end-to-end on quiet roads and traffic-free paths

ISBN

9781786310255

Availability

Published

13 May 2021

Reprinted

14 Aug 2023

Edition

Third

Pages

232

Size

17.20 x 11.60 x 1.35cm

Weight

270g

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More information...

A concise guide to cycling the length of Britain, from Land's End to John o' Groats (or vice versa). As well as describing an optimal safer route of around 1000 miles, there is helpful advice on how to get to and from the start and finish, accommodation options and facilities, plus tips on how to prepare for the challenge.

Seasons

Best ridden between March and October when the weather is better and the days are longer with late summer being preferred for those needing time to build their fitness.

Centres

Land's End, Penzance, Fowey, Crediton, Clevedon, Worcester, Nantwich, Garstang, Penrith, Moffat, South Queensferry, Pitlochry, Aviemore, Inverness, Lairg, Tongue, John o' Groats

Difficulty

Riding an average of 70 miles per day over 14 consecutive days clearly requires a reasonable level of fitness but it is well within the grasp of anyone of any age who is well-prepared. Alternative schedules are included for those wanting to ride faster - or slower.

Must See

The 'optimal' route for this classic ride, following quieter roads and traffic-free paths without much meandering. The route covers 1000 miles and can comfortably be completed in a fortnight. Passes through Dartmoor, the Somerset Levels, the Severn Valley, the Lake District, the Cairngorms and the remote Flow Country.

ISBN

9781786310255

Availability

Published

13 May 2021

Reprinted

14 Aug 2023

Edition

Third

Pages

232

Size

17.20 x 11.60 x 1.35cm

Weight

270g

Overview

A guidebook to cycling LEJOG – Land’s End to John o’ Groats. Covering 1600km (1000 miles), this route along the length of Britain takes 2 weeks to complete and is suitable for cyclists with a reasonable level of fitness.

The route is described from south to north in 14 stages, each between 96 and 147km (60–92 miles) in length. An abbreviated route description is given for those cycling the route north to south (JOGLE). An alternative route through Central Scotland is also described.

1:200,000 maps and profiles included for each stage
GPX files for both LEJOG and JOGLE routes available for download
Alternative route schedules between 10 and 18 days are provided
Refreshment and accommodation information given for each stage
Advice on planning and preparation

Table of Contents

CONTENTS

Map key

Route summary table

Overview map

Suggested schedules

Introduction

Why the End-to-End route?

Tailoring this route to your needs

Which direction to ride?

Selecting a schedule

When to ride

Riding alone or as part of a group?

Getting there

Getting back

How much to budget

First and last nights

Accommodation

Baggage transfer

What to take

Preparing yourself

Preparing your bike

Eating

Phones and Wi-Fi

Waymarking

Maps

Practical tips

Using this guide

GPX tracks

Land’s End to John o’ Groats

Stage 1 Land’s End to Fowey

Stage 2 Fowey to Crediton

Stage 3 Crediton to Clevedon

Stage 4 Clevedon to Worcester

Stage 5 Worcester to Nantwich

Stage 6 Nantwich to Garstang

Stage 7 Garstang to Penrith

Stage 8 Penrith to Moffat

Stage 9 Moffat to South Queensferry

Stage 10 South Queensferry to Pitlochry

Stage 9a Moffat to Balloch

Stage 10a Balloch to Pitlochry

Stage 11 Pitlochry to Aviemore

Stage 12 Aviemore to Alness

Stage 13 Alness to Tongue

Stage 14 Tongue to John o’ Groats

Appendix A Accommodation

Appendix B Cycle shops

Appendix C Facilities summary

Appendix D Useful resources and contacts

Appendix E Official tourist information contacts

Appendix F Additional contacts for rail travel

Appendix G What to take

Appendix H Further reading

Updates

September 2024

Accommodation update

The following B&Bs are closed - Ravenous Beastie and The Queens B&B (both in South Queensferry)

Reviews

This guide is well written and thought out

We followed this route on our June 2022 LEJOG and found it to be excellent. It was a nice mix of quiet roads and canal/tow paths while still being a fairly direct route. Though we passed through many small towns and villages, the larger urban areas were mostly avoided. We relied heavily on the GPX files to navigate and they were also excellent. (note: LEJOG stage 9alt to Balloch is reversed). The written description for each stage was very helpful as a reminder of what to expect each day. The only section we had reservations about was short (~10km) near Wigan (stage 6) where there were numerous 'kissing gates' which were very difficult to maneuver with a loaded large frame touring bike. Overall, this guide is well written and thought out and we would happily ride the same route should we do it again.

Mary G, by email

Downloads

Cycling Land's End to John o' Groats - GPX File

By Richard Barrett

Richard Barrett spent his working life as a professional marketer, but still found time for climbing, winter mountaineering and sea kayaking. He first visited the Harris hills as a teenager and became a regular visitor. He lived in North Harris for a number of years, where he and his wife ran a guest house and, although now a city-dweller, he still makes frequent forays to the Hebrides, reconnecting with the wilderness and catching up with old friends.

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