Expedition: Bike Across Britain: Land’s End to John O’Groats
Length
23 days
From
USD$10795
Style/Level
Expedition 4.0
Countries
United Kingdom
Begin/End
Penzance/Inverness
Overview
An epic ride across the UK–ride through three countries from toe to tip (south to north) on this Expedition from Land’s End to John O’ Groat, arguably one of the most enticing cross country routes in the world! Start on the Cornish coast and pedal through the Dartmoor Wilds, then cross the Severn River and enter Wales. Skim the Yorkshire Dales to enter dramatic Scotland, pedaling through Edinburgh and Inverness to reach John O’Groats. 19 days of riding, 2 rest days and loads of fun throughout it all!
Highlights
Cycle all of the UK from bottom to top!, Spectacular scenery like Cheddar Gorge and Cairngorms, ride through 3 countries in 19 days of riding!
Includes
22 hotel nights, meals as noted on itinerary, tour leaders
We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.
This ride has been designed to go the direction of the prevailing winds, we may have some cross or headwinds. Weather is unpredictable and cool in the UK so we recommend bringing layers.
Be aware that the UK has left-handed traffic. Besides riding on the left, this also means that bikes will have “switched” brake levers. We recommend you practice braking with a 50/50 percent approach in a safe environment at home to get used to it. We will remind you in the briefings.
There is limited air conditioning in hotels as it is usually not needed.
This is an Expedition level tour so van support can be limited during the day.
Welcome to Cornwall, the most southwestern county in England and the starting point for our epic ride to John O’Groats. Cornwall has one of the most intensive prehistoric landscapes in Britain. Arrive today in Penzance, where we’ll meet for a transfer to the coastal town of Land’s End situated on the edge of the Penwith Peninsula. In the 17th and 18th centuries, smugglers used the rugged headland’s hidden coves to evade customs officials, but there’s no escaping our bike fitting before dinner together tonight.
Highlights: Cornwall cycling; Cornish country lanes
Our first full day of riding follows the southern edge of the peninsula towards Penzance before heading north east through Cornish country lanes to Truro, the largest city in Cornwall. Ancient sites in the area, such as the Merry Maidens Stone Circle, date as far back as 3,500 BC. Today, Cornwall has a distinct culture and identity, with its own language, traditions, and cuisine.
Today we pedal an incredibly beautiful stretch of southwest England’s countryside as we ride toward Wadebridge, located on the River Camel which quickly joins the nearby Atlantic Ocean. From here we ride inland, skirting the Bodmin Moor, a wild and rugged landscape of heath, bare rock, peat bogs and mires, before arriving in the small town of Launceston where we spend the evening.
Highlights: Ride through one of England’s designated protected areas.
We enter county Devon this morning on our ride northeast through farmland and winding roads to the market town of Tiverton, wonderfully positioned on the River Exe. The nearby Blackdown Hills Area of Natural Beauty is just one of England’s 46 designated protected areas that are recognized for their scenic value, unique biodiversity, geological features, and cultural heritage.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Lodging : Tiverton Hotel
Highlights: Diverse landscapes and small towns
This is our last day of traversing cross country before heading north. You’ll pedal through the vale of Taunton and Deane and pass over the flat lands, from where you can spot imposing and infamous Glastonbury Tor in the distance. From here it’s on to the large village of Cheddar (yes, the namesake of one of England’s most well-known cheeses) on the edge of the Somerset Levels, an inland expanse of wetlands and plains.
Highlights: Cheddar Gorge, Bristol and Tintern Abbey
Nature abounds on today’s ride from Cheddar to Tintern. Enjoy your ride through the Cheddar Gorge, which features towering cliffs, deep caverns and underground rivers en route to Bristol where we cross the River Severn and pedal up the Wye Valley to the wonderful Tintern Abbey. The ruins of this 12th-century Cisterian monestary was a reflection point for William Wordworth’s famous poem of the same name. We stay near the Abbey tonight on the Welsh border.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Lodging : The Wyndham
Highlights: Ancient woodlands and royal hunting grounds.
From Tintern Abbey we pass through the picturesque Forest of Dean, an ancient woodlands that was used exclusively as a royal hunting grounds for the Tudors. After a few stiff climbs we skirt the River Severn, then travel east of the Malvern Hills and on to Worcester, home of Lea & Perrin’s world-famous Worcestershire Sauce.
Highlights: Enjoy exploring Worcester on this rest day.
Worcester has a long and fascinating history that starts with its establishment by the Romans in 47 AD as an important military and trading center. In the Middle Ages, Worcester grew into a prosperous city with a thriving wool trade and likewise became an important religious center. Visit its impressive cathedral, praise the town’s Royal Worcester porcelain, or take a short optional ride through the outskirts of town.
Highlights: Quiet roads and small towns dot our ride today.
Today is a relatively short ride following the River Severn north and passing through the old towns of Bewedly (stopping for a rest and a coffee down by the river) and Bridgenorth – time for further sustenance! We pass through the small town of Much Wenlock, the place famous for the origins of the modern Olympic Games (the London 2012 Olympic mascot was called Wenlock!) Our destination for the day is the ‘birthplace of the industrial revolution’ – Ironbridge.
Highlights: Nantwich, England’s largest salt producer.
We start by climbing out of Ironbridge, passing the Wrekin and along the line of the Shropshire Union canal. We pass through Nantwich, one of England’s biggest salt producers in the 19th century. The Saxon word for an industrial settlement, often based on the availability of salt, was ‘Wich’. We overnight in Hartford.
Highlights: Ride from the countryside into the industrial regions of England.
Today is a dramatic change in scenery as we pass through some of the more urban and industrial areas of England. This is in great contrast to what lies before us on this epic cycle ride.
We break free of the urban areas and head for the stunning open moorland and fells of the Trough of Bowland around Slaidburn and Ingleton (we are approximately halfway through the entire trip now!). We then descend to the beautiful town of Kirkby Lonsdale for a relaxing afternoon stop before passing over ‘Devil’s Bridge’ to get to our accommodation.
Highlights: Roll through the fells, hills and rivers.
A stunning ride through unspoiled towns and villages of the fells. Alongside rushing rivers and rolling hills we head for Talkin, near Brampton, and our quiet overnight stay.
Highlights: Enter Scotland, gorgeous scenery, Peebles
One of the most rewarding day’s cycling of the trip, over hills, through valleys and forests giving stunning ascents and the bliss of some awesome downhills, before we arrive at our resting place in Peebles for the night and the following day.
Highlights: Enjoy a rest day off your bike and explore town.
Spend the day relaxing and taking in the views or perhaps wander around Peebles and its surrounding countryside. The more adventurous may want to visit either the Innerleithen or Glentress mountain bike centres, or maybe you just fancy a walk alongside the River Tweed. Peebles is a bustling border town with good shopping opportunities for souvenirs.
Highlights: Coffee in Edinburgh, Forth Bridge, Kinross
Today we travel onwards, through the country borders and onwards to Edinburgh. We cycle through the city, stopping for coffee on the way before meeting up with the support vehicle at Queensferry, with spectacular views of the Forth road and rail bridges. Refreshed we head off on a challenging little jaunt to Kinross.
Travelling through rolling countryside we cycle through Perth passing the historic Scone Palace and on to Blairgowrie. We are now in strawberry country – though not a traffic jam in sight! Climbing out of Blairgowrie we head for the Bridge Of Cally, where you will be staying this evening.
A memorable ride that you will be proud to have accomplished. With time to stop in Braemar and catch glimpses of Balmoral Castle, today you will have ticked all the boxes. This is a day of classic Highland scenery, and the miles to Tomintoul will fly by with the epic views!
We are now in whisky country, crossing Spey Bridge into Grantown-on-Spey. Next we stop at a beautiful little picnic spot at Dulcie Bridge and onto Inverness. Time allowing you may wish to visit Cawdor Castle (Macbeth) and the battle fields at Culloden. Tonight you are free to look round Inverness and take in the sights and flavours.
Today we take in some spectacular scenery that will bring all your senses to life! With stunning views over the Cromarty Firth we’ll then cycle along the banks of the Durnoch Firth to Bonar Bridge and the Kyle of Sutherland. From here we pass the leaping salmon at Shin Falls, riding through forest to our destination, Lairg.
Highlights: Salmon and trout river chasing and bird watching!
Yet more fantastic mountain scenery, open moorlands and awesome views as we head towards the north coast. This afternoon’s ride follows a wonderful salmon and trout fishing river so keep an eye out for ospreys! Finishing the day’s relatively short ride into Bettyhill gives us an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come and rest ahead of tomorrow’s ride.
The final push along the ancient barren coastline passing through Thurso and then John O’Groats. For those with time, a trip to Dunnet Head will gain more brownie points. At John O’Groats we stop for a picture and celebrations, before heading to our accommodation and getting bikes ready for the next day’s transfer. Then into the restaurant for a well deserved meal and several pats on the back. Congratulations on a trip well done from Land’s End to John O’Groats!
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlights: Bon Voyage!
We depart by shuttle to Inverness together. Enjoy your further travels home or onward!
Meals : Breakfast
Visit our Tour Level page to learn more about terrain levels and how we determine day and tour levels.
Frame : Advanced-Grade Composite
Type : Road Mens (UK)
Arrival & departure
Your tour starts with a shuttle pick-up on Day 1 (your spot is already reserved on this shuttle). If you can’t make the shuttle, you will be responsible for your own transportation.
Note: As you are planning, remember that the hotels listed in our itineraries are our primary hotels and are – in rare cases – subject to change. Before you make arrangements, check with us if your tour departure is guaranteed. If your tour departure is out further than 6 months, please also check with us as there might be slight changes to the itinerary.
The below information will help you plan your arrival. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio. The fare and timing information listed below is approximate.
The airport with likely the most international connections close to the tour start is Exeter (EXT)
Bus No. 4/4A from “Exeter Airport, Devon” to “Exeter St David’s” train station. Check schedules and frequency at Stagecoachbus.com. (25 min/GPB 2) or Taxi by Appletaxis Exeter (pre-book online or at the desk upon arrival) (13 min/ GBP 35-50).
Train from “Exeter St David’s” to “Penzance”. Direct trains are available. (3-3.5 hours/fares vary)
Look up UK train schedules at National Rail UK or Trainline.com. Schedules and fares are usually published 6-12 weeks out. Questions? See our information on taking trains in Europe here or ask us.
You can also fly into Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY) and arrive via a bus and train connection to the meeting point.
The tour ends on the final day with an ExperiencePlus! shuttle drop-off. Your space on the shuttle is already saved for you. If you can’t make the shuttle, you will be responsible for your own transportation.
Drop-off time: 11 a.m. (3 hour transfer)
Drop-off location: Inverness train station
Schedule your train departure at 1:30 p.m. or later, and your flight departure at 3 p.m. or later.
We recommend flying out of the Inverness Airport (INV).
