To Do
- XC race
- Build some wheels
- Munda Biddi Trail Section 2a
- Ride and paddle Avon Valley
- Learn to Swim
- Offroad metric century
- All Perth Hills & John Forrest singletrack on same day
- Ride all night
- Freo-Scarborough (16km) less than 20mins
Land's End to John O'Groats - Route
The route that I took followed roughly the CTC advised Youth Hostel route. The main deviation from this route was in the midlands where I have travelled a little further west to stay a night with my dad in Kinnersley, South Worcestershire and to be able to cycle through the county that I grew up in. I also missed Chester and stayed with a friend in Glossop. North of Manchester I rejoined the CTC route.
This route used minor and B roads where ever possible and avoids the large cities. I soon found that whilst country lanes are the most enjoyable to cycle along; they are also the most indirect, hilly and worst sign posted. By mid afternoon each day I was looking for convenient B roads which were relatively quiet but more direct.
Whilst I could have cycled further each day this was also meant to be an enjoyable holiday. Once the hills of Cornwall were beaten the weather became my greatest foe - in particular cold head winds of which there were too many.
I booked all my accommodation ahead. It would have nice to have had more flexibility, especially bearing the weather in mind. However the thought of searching for somewhere to stay late in the day was not appealing and would've probably been more expensive.
The table below details the approximate route taken (I got lost a few times). Click on the map and profile symbols to view a day's riding in greater detail.
| Date | Destination | Distance (miles) | Map | Profile |
|---|
The graph below shows the daily distances and metres in height of climbing. As far as possible I tried to even out the daily mileages. The main constraint was the availability of cheap accommodation. I am aware that the first few days through Cornwall and Devon are very hilly. I also tried not to have two 'big' days in a row. I was reasonably pleased with my schedule within these constraints.
