You will be cycling for around 7-10 hours each day but this is not a race! This is a group trip and we like to cycle as such. You will be cycling through rolling countryside which can be hilly, and the pace will be determined by your Cycle Leader. If you are unable to keep to this moderate pace, you will be asked to travel in the support vehicle.
You must prepare before coming on the trip, anything cardiovascular will help as will of course cycling. Importantly you need to do some 6+ hour cycles so you will know what is required. You will need to get some hill practice in!
We can provide you with a training plan but you will need to be comfortable cycling for several hours at a time through hilly terrain. If you are unsure or require our training plan, please contact us on info@moreadventure.co.uk.
A link to our trip grades that explains in depth our star rating is here: www.moreadventure.co.uk/cycling-grades
Most important of all is a positive attitude!
Itinerary
Day 1: Join tour in Penzance
We meet in the afternoon in Penzance. Here you will be met by your Tour Leader, given a full kit check and briefing before going out for our first group meal together.
Day 2: Lands End to Bodmin (60 miles)
After breakfast and making packed lunches, we will be transferred to Lands End for our first group photo at the world-famous landmark sign. From here we head north-east and begin our journey through this quiet, picturesque area of the UK.
Day 3: Bodmin to Tiverton (70 miles)
From Bodmin we cycle through beautiful countryside, skirting around Dartmoor National Park. It is a challenging day today with many hills to overcome but the views make up for it!
Day 4: Tiverton to Bath (75 miles)
We continue our journey northwards past Taunton and on to the historic city of Bath…which as those familiar with the area will testify, is surrounded by some very demanding hills!
Day 5: Bath to Leominster (70 miles)
Leaving Bath we push up over the hills that surround the city and head up towards Gloucester, from here we head slightly eastwards towards the picturesque town of Ross-on-Wye. A short cycle northwards and we hit our destination for the night on the outskirts of Leominster.
Day 6: Leominster to Winsford (80 miles)
A long but very scenic day today as we head directly north up past Shrewsbury and Telford and on to our stopover at Winsford.
Day 7: WInsford to Lancaster (85 miles)
Another long day as we make our around the big cities of the North West, nipping between Liverpool and Manchester keeping on as quiet roads as possible. Once through the built up areas, it is plain sailing up towards the Lake District.
Day 8: Lancaster to Carlisle (80 miles)
A stunning day today as we skirt the beautiful Lake District and head through Kendal and Penrith. The climb to Shap is a challenge, but by this time you should breeze up it! After some fantastic downhill sections we head to Carlisle for our stopover.
Day 9: Carlisle to Edinburgh (65 miles)
Today we cycle across the border into Scotland and straight into fantastic scenery and stunning roads. A shorter day today, we head to the outskirts of Edinburgh for our stopover.
Day 10: Edinburgh to Blairgowrie (75 miles)
A treat today as we head into the stunning city of Edinburgh and across the Forth road bridge with great views across the city and onto the Forth rail bridge. Once across we head directly north to Blairgowrie.
Day 11: Blairgowrie to Ballater (66 miles)
This is the first of two days that most people find the most challenging of the trip. However, they are also some of the most stunning. We head into the famous Cairngorms National Park and onto the big climb of the day, the Spittal of Glenshee. Luckily, once over this beast, it is more or less downhill into Ballater.
Day 12: Ballater to Inverness (71 miles)
This is our second big day in the Cairngorms, it picks up where we left off yesterday and we are straight into the climbs, some are long and gradual, and others short and steep! Again we forgive the terrain due to the stunning scenery. Today we have to overcome “the Lecht”, which many find the hardest climb of the whole trip, long and winding with sections of 20%. Make no mistake, this will test the fittest of riders! Once over the summit though we have lots of downhill to rest our aching legs!
Day 13: Inverness to Lairg (50 miles)
A much shorter day today enables our legs to have a nice rest after the Cairngorms. A straightforward cycle into the small town of Lairg in the heart of the Scottish Highlands completes the day.
Day 14: Lairg to Melvich (60 miles)
Again a fairly short day with a few hills near the end to get the blood pumping again! Most people really enjoy this day as it has a fantastic feeling of complete isolation and, if the weather is kind, is picture-postcard stunning.
Day 15: Melvich to John O’Groats (40 miles)
The final day! A nice easy day today, we head through the main town from this area, Thurso, and then along the final 20 miles towards the holy grail of cycling…..John O’Groats!
Congratulations! You made it!
We should be in camp reasonably early which will enable you time to explore and take plenty of photos. We then use a local pub for a well-earned drink and celebratory meal.
Day 16: John O’Groats to Inverness
Today you and your bike will be transferred to Inverness where we hope to arrive by around 1pm for your travels home. From here we say our goodbyes and the trip ends.
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