Overview
The route begins at the most westerly mainland point of the UK, Lands End. The first few days are pretty tough with plenty of big hills, but we assure you, Cornwall and Devon has enough scenery to make up for it! From the southwest, our route heads north into Shropshire and Cheshire before entering the north of England and into the wilds of Scotland. Our cycling ends at John O’Groats, the furthest point from your start point on the UK mainland.
Highlights
- The rolling hills and quaint country lanes of Cornwall, Devon and Somerset
- Fabulous cycling country through the Shropshire & Cheshire plains
- Skirting the edge of the Lake District and the Pennines
- Cycling through glens of the Scottish Highlands alongside breathtaking lochs
- Secluded beaches and the rugged seascape of the north coast of Scotland
- Completing the iconic Lands End to John O’Groats cycle!
Please scroll to the bottom of this page to view our open trips, or alternatively get in touch if you have a small group of people who may be interested.
Days too long? If you’re looking for a longer LEJOG with fewer miles each day please get in touch for details of our 14-day itinerary.
Single room option is £525, this must be added upon booking.
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: Meet in Penzance
We’ll meet at our hotel in Penzance for a trip briefing and first evening meal together. If you’re arriving by train we may be able to assist getting your bicycle and luggage from the station to our hotel depending on the time of your arrival.
Day 2: Lands End to Launceston
(138km & 2200m⇧ / 86 miles & 7200 feet⇧)
After breakfast you’ll be transferred with your bicycle to Lands End Visitor Centre where the ride begins. We’ll take some photos at the world-famous Lands End sign, then begin your ride to John O’Groats! From here we head north-east along mainly quiet and picturesque lanes of Cornwall. Be under no illusions, today is a tough ride so please be prepared.
Day 3: Launceston to Wells
(168km & 2000m⇧ / 105 miles & 6500 feet⇧)
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 to spend the night.
Day 4: Wells to Ludlow
(176km & 1700m⇧ / 110 miles & 5500 feet⇧)
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 in a shorter time. Our ride ends in the pretty town of Ludlow.
Day 5: Ludlow to Wigan
(155km & 1200m⇧ / 97 miles & 4000 feet⇧)
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 6: Wigan to Penrith (100 miles)
(140km & 1300m⇧ / 87 miles & 4300 feet⇧)
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. There are some dramatic views to the west of the Lake District and to the east of the Pennines.
Day 7: Penrith to Lanark (101 miles)
(160km & 1100m⇧ / 100 miles & 3600 feet⇧)
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 the border 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 8: Lanark to Crianlarich (90 miles)
(140km & 1300m⇧ / 87 miles & 4300 feet⇧)
Our route continues northwest, firstly around the southern edge of Glasgow then cross over the river Clyde and leave the more built-up cityscape behind. With the suburb of Alexandria behind us, we’ll ride alongside one of the most famous and picturesque lochs in Scotland, Loch Lomond. Situated in the stunning Trossachs National Park, this world-famous loch attracts tourists from all over the world and it’s easy to see why. Our overnight stop is the tiny village of Crianlarich which is situated past the northern tip of Loch Lomond.
Day 9: Crianlarich to Fort Augustus
(137km & 1300m⇧ / 86 miles & 4300 feet⇧)
Now we’re in the real Highlands and 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. We’ll climb up onto the wilds of Rannoch Moor then descend the jaw-dropping roads of Glencoe, arguably two of the best stretches of tarmac in the UK. It’s not uncommon to spot the antlers of a red stag here, so keep your eyes peeled! We descend to the mouth of Loch Leven then around the shoreline to the adventure capital of the UK, Fort William. Passing the foot of Ben Nevis, our route then continues northeast past Invergarry Castle to Fort Augustus, positioned on the south-western end of the infamous Loch Ness.
Day 10: Fort Augustus to Lairg
(130km & 1500m⇧ / 84 miles & 5000 feet⇧)
If you thought the previous two days of cycling in Scotland were wild, then the final two days will be a real treat! We leave pretty Fort Augustus behind and cycle northeast along the banks of Loch Ness (keep your eyes on the road please!) before a challenging climb at Drumnadrochit rises up from the water. We’re rewarded with an exhilarating descent to Beauly, across the Cromarty Firth then tackle our second climb just northeast of Dingwall through the pine forests to open farmland on top. We’re rewarded with a dazzling descent back down to sea level at Bonar Bridge from which there’s a smaller climb then relatively flat section to our overnight stop at Lairg.
Day 11: Lairg to John O’Groats
(155km & 1300m⇧ / 96 miles & 4500 feet⇧)
The final day has arrived, be prepared for some of the most memorable roads in the UK! We leave Lairg to the north with a climb to Crask. After a breather we’ll descend and stop for coffee at the iconic Altnaharra Hotel, an ancient hunting lodge with an amusing visitors book. The roads here are an absolute delight as we continue to descend northeast along the banks of Loch Naver, before hitting the north coast of the UK. Once here, we head due east, passing breathtaking white sandy beaches and epic coastal views to the holy grail of the journey – John O’Groats! Congratulations – you made it! It’s time for a few photos, a hot shower and a celebratory meal!
Day 12: John O’Groats to Inverness
Today you will be transferred with your bikes and luggage to Inverness train station where the trip ends.
This trip will run on a minimum number of 10 persons. Please do not book any transport to/from the trip until it has been confirmed by email that it will run.
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.
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