Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Day 1 - Lands End to Bodmin (56 miles)
Great trip to Cornwall although seeing all these hills we are beginning to think where are the support vehicles!! Had photos taken at Lands End and we are now on our way, just 850 miles to go. Geraint has now left us, our comfort blanket has gone, it is just us and our bikes! The trip to Bodmin was quite comfortable, just like a day out cycling. We planned the ride around the A30 in order to get the most direct route out of Cornwall. The initial 20 miles was not too bad, however the humdrum of the constant traffic played with our minds. It was great to see the turn off for Bodmin, getting there around 2.30 pm, in time for an afternoon beer!.
Today felt like a normal bike ride so we were relaxed, optimistic, and should I say looking forward to the 86 miles tomorrow......................
Day 2 - Bodmin to Wellington (86 miles)
Leaving a lovely B&B at 8.30 we set off for our first 80 mile day. Initially our trip took us back onto the A30, this began to get tiresome, and then Richard got his first puncture to liven things up a bit!! This is where the puncture competition began! Once getting off the A30 the ride was more enjoyable going through lanes and being able to chat to each other. However the day went on and on and we realised that 80 miles was too much. As we got into Crediton we called at 'The Bike Shed' for minor adjustments. We were chatting to the guy about what we were doing, and he very kindly told us about 'Cadbury Hill' just up the road .....apparently this is a tough 2 mile climb!! He gave us a diversion route to avoid the hill which was great, although there were a couple of small climbs that way but it was all character building!! We hit a low point on a dual carriageway in the rain, not knowing if we were going the right way. Eventually staggered into Wellington about 7.15 in the rain. Time for a quick shower, a bite to eat and then a very early night!
After our previous day feeling just like a bike ride, the reality hit today and we realised just how hard its going to be at times. However, we made it!
Day 3 - Wellington to Monmouth (81 miles)
Starting early we had another 80 mile day a head. We felt quite positive after a good nights sleep and waking to a beautiful sunny day. Russell from Wishes 4 Kids phoned us as we were leaving to wish us all the best. This was a real boost to the start of our day. Lovely ride through Somerset with amazing views along the way. When at Bristol we headed towards the Severn Bridge. This seemed to take a lifetime to reach as we cycled for ages and it just wasn't getting any closer! This was quite a tough time mentally as it was near the end of a long day, and we were eager to cross over into Wales to help boost us on. Once over the bridge we crossed into Wales at 5pm, we felt great! Only 16miles to go. The ride from Chepstow climbed a little as we went past the racecourse, but then it dropped down the Wye valley, down, and down ....and down all the way to Monmouth!! It was easy to start to be fearful of downhills as there had to be an almighty climb up somewhere to match this one.........but there wasn't, so thanks to whoever was watching over us that day!! This is a beautiful stretch with amazing views, we would recommend this area to anyone.
Rich was suffering with his right knee once we got into Chepstow, and was seriously doubting if he could carry on...... not only to Monmouth but at all! Luckily the road was on his side, and we got into Monmouth just before 7pm.
Day 4 - Monmouth to Shrewsbury (67 miles)
Another glorious morning and a great breakfast! It was a long, slow stretch to Hereford, but we had a fantastic 10 percent decent which was brilliant! Beautiful scenery all the way. The A49 was quite uneventful, except for for biggest hill ever about 5 miles before Leominister! It was just over a mile long and wound its way up so you could never see around the next bend, not knowing if that was it or if there was more.............and there was always lots more! Reached the top and there was a Visitor Centre at the top where we had a quick break.......well deserved we felt. Then followed a downhill of what we had just climbed..........Yea hey!! Got to Shrewsbury about 6pm for a well earned couple of pints, and another early night. About 290 miles gone in 4 days, cant believe it.
This Lands End 2 John 'O' Groats lark is great for a good nights sleep!
Day 5 - Shrewsbury to Haydock (61 miles)
A good start to the day and we took a diversion to Whitchurch through Web which was a lovely ride. Then heading towards Warrington along the A49 it wasn't as bad as we were led to believe, quite pleasant. The roads were very kind to the legs, and we stopped for lunch near Weaverham. Making good time today we arrived in Haydock about 4.30pm. However 1 mile before we got to the Travelodge Ange got a puncture ....... making it 1 each! Walked the final mile, and were really pleased when we saw a Brewers Fayre Pub opposite the Travelodge so it saved us looking around for somewhere to eat. Had a great meal and a relaxing night in.
We are now sponsored by 'Neurofen', popping them frequently throughout the days to keep ours knees in motion!!
Day 6 - Haydock to Kendal (64 miles)
Set of a 6.45 through Wigan and up towards Preston. After cycling for 4hrs we were desperate to come across somewhere to have a bite to eat and a cuppa.........well this just didn't happen. When we did find places they weren't even open! Eventually went past this hotel where we had a pot of tea, and it was the best ever!! Carried on the A6 which was very pleasant from Preston onwards, lovely scenery and a kind road. Had lunch in Lancaster and arrived in Kendal about 4.15pm. This is about half way now.......we feel great and glad we have a day off tomorrow!
Cant believe this time last week we were getting ready to head down to Cornwall.......
Day 7 - Kendal to Langholme (65 miles)
Set off about 8am after having the best porridge ever at Lyndhurst B&B in Kendal. Headed up towards Shap Pass which we were warned this would be one of the worst hills on the whole trip!! Half way up Ange got another puncture ........making it 2 - 1 to Ange! Nice views though! This set us back as it took ages to fix. Continued up Shap, and although it went on for a long time it was not the worst hill we encountered, and the scenery was breath taking at the top. The ride from here to Penrith was great, we had lunch there and then headed on to Carlisle. Finally crossed the border into Scotland about 4.30 pm, we were delighted! Such a huge achievement for us, mentally and physically.....in 7 days as well! Headed towards Langholme where had a lovely meal at The Crown Hotel, and then cycled for a further 3 miles up the road to a lovely farmhouse B&B, with stunning views of the Scottish hills.
Quite surreal to think we are in Scotland...........hasnt really sunk in yet that we biked it here
(Fi, if you fancy a bike ride anytime just give us a shout!!)
Day 8 - Langholme to Edinburgh (70 miles)
Cycling along the A6 was lovely all the way to Hawick, stunning scenery of the hills in Dumfries and Galloway. Once at Hawick though it was a long slog up hill, against the wind for about 18 miles until we reached Galashiels. The downhills that we did have, we had to push our way down as the wind was so strong! We both hit mental brick walls that day as it was very hard. I guess what comes with beautiful Scotland is the unpredictable weather! After lunch the road got better although you could see the clouds quickly coming in so we were expecting rain at some point. We eventually arrived in Edinburgh about 4.30pm. Looking forward to a short day tomorrow.
PS - Approaching Edinburgh Ange broke the 30 mile speed limit whilst freewheelin and she set the sensor off on the warning sign! Result!!
Day 9 - Edinburgh to Sterling (38 miles)
A shorter day today which we were looking forward to..........but it was still hard. It was as though your mind said, oh you haven't got much to do today so you don't need me, and then your body says the same! It was harder to motivate ourselves for 38 miles than it was 60 - 80!! Anyway, we cycled through Edinburgh and headed towards Queensferry. We asked a local cyclist the best route as we were not sure, and pointed us to an amazing cycle route through the Dalmeny Estate (a bit like Calke Park for those who know it). It was great, traffic free and gently sloped all the way to the coastline where the Forth bridge is. At one point 3 deer ran across the path in front of us......Ange slammed her brakes on to try to get to the camera quickly not realising how close Rich was behind.......oops, oh well no damage (no photo of the deer either due to the noise we were making!!). We rode through Queensferry which is lovely, with brilliant views of he Forth bridge. We strolled on with the motivation that we have a day off tomorrow, and got into Stirling about 3pm.
The Tourist Information in Stirling were exceptionally helpful in finding us great accommodation only a 10 minute walk from the centre.
Day 10 - Stirling to Crainlarich (46 miles)
Headed off into beautiful countryside, around small Lochs surrounded by mountains and trees........perfect! Ange's eager eye in the hedgerows paid off when she saw a huge plum tree overhanging a wall, she quickly stopped, grabbed a handful and then pedaled on.....they were delicious! We had a lovely picnic overlooking the valley we had just climbed, and then carried on towards Crianlarich. The weather changes so quickly in Scotland, and we watched as the blue sky faded, and the mist lowered itself over the mountains like a blanket, and then came the rain. So on went our covers and waterproofs and we made it into Crianlarich about 4pm. Lovely village, and we had a couple of well deserved pints at the 'Rod & Reel' (local pub) and then cycled 3 miles on to our B&B where we had a great dinner and a very relaxing night.
Today really felt like we were on holiday........good feeling!
Day 11 - Crainlarich to Fort William (52 miles)
One of the best days yet! We were told that once we start climbing to go through Rannock Moor and the Glen Coe range, there is NOWHERE to stop for anything for about 30miles (and 20 of those you are climbing)!! So 3 miles from the B&B at a place called Tyndrum is the last stop for provisions. The Green Welly Stop caters for everything you might need. We stocked up on water and food, and headed on our way into the Highlands.........it felt like a real expedition!! As we climbed the first stretch the views were amazing, I don't think words or pictures could explain or show the magic of where we cycled this day. It was so vast and wild, and it made you feel very vulnerable. The sky was changing every few minutes and the wind was very strong which very much suited the area we were going through, but made it very tough for cycling. We were aware of the changing weather and were very keen to not only enjoy the ride, but to get through this area with good pace as the light was fading due to the weather. We met a couple of other End to Enders going the other way, they were on their 4th day heading for Lands End. It was a great feeling that we only had 4 days left and were not just starting. As we went through the Glen Coe range we saw many people walking the West Highland Way as the path runs alongside the road we were on. The road finally started to drop down which was great, however as always with the wind coming towards us we were pedaling like mad to even get anywhere!! We stopped at a beautiful waterfall for a picnic, and then carried on downhill, pedaling all the way to Glen Coe village where we had a cup of tea. Not far now to Fort William, but the weather was closing in on us fast. We had quite a pace going on and arrived in Fort William at 2.30pm. Just missed the weather but about an hour later it started and was set in for the night. We were just hoping it wouldn't be so bad tomorrow.
One of the best days yet, for many reasons that I don't think we could ever explain in words..... Its days like this that you forget all the aches and pains, and feel very lucky for getting this far. If we had to crawl to J'o'G now we would!
Day 12 - Fort William to Inverness (67 miles)
Bit of a late start today, not setting off till about 9am. It was still raining, though not as heavy as yesterday. The road was great out of Fort William with stunning views of Ben Nevis. We checked our watch to see if there was time for a quick hike up before we left, but alas, no time...........maybe next time though!! About 10 miles into the day the rain was still persisting, and we had a police escort for about an hour, stopping traffic, letting us through so on and so on........fantastic! On further investigation we found out that there was a wide load about 4 miles behind us and they were clearing the route for it, oh well we enjoyed it while it lasted! Its amazing the things that keep you amused after cycling hundreds of miles!! The rain still carried on as we cycled around a lovely Loch. Rich asked if there was a 'Wet Weather Alternative'...........erm....NO!! Stopped at Fort Augustus for lunch alongside the locks for the Caledonian canal, the rain stopped and the sun came out........wonderfull, warmed us up nicely. Carried on then as we went alongside Loch Ness for 22 miles. Very scenic but after a few miles quite uneventful with long drags of up and down, just seemed to go on forever feeling you are not getting anywhere. This is where Julian came into our heads with his spinning routine, up hill, down hill, up hill, down hill.....followed by a nuerofen and some pain relief gel!!
Eventually reached Inverness about 6pm, it took us ages to find our B&B but worth it as it was lovely. 2 DAYS TO GO!!
Day 13 - Inverness to Golspie (50 miles)
Leaving Inverness we headed to the A9 where we crossed the Moray Forth bridge and then saw the first sign for J'o'G, what a feeling. It was a real landmark with 'only' 120 miles to go, it made you feel it was just around the corner. We were on a dual carriage way for about 5 miles which reminded us of the A30 in Cornwall. Eventually leaving this, the rain started and the wind was really cold. This was a very hard time mentally to keep going. It became unbearable and we turned off into a little cafe in Alness, only 20 miles from Inverness. We both knew in our minds that if the weather continued then it could easily threaten our chances of completing on Sunday as we would have to shorten the day (at least we had days spare after Sunday if we had to use them). After a hot cup of tea and a toasted sandwich, we collected our thoughts and and agreed to shorten the day and head 10 miles up the road to Tain and find somewhere to stay there. Although feeling a little defeated we had to be realistic as the weather was terrible! It just goes to show, that there may only be 2 days to go but anything could happen. Off we went, still raining and cold, but our spirits were lifted a little. Reached Tain and decided to go on another 10miles to Durnoch. Got there, had a hot lunch and decided to carry on another 10 miles to Golspie. Its amazing how you can dig into your reserves and pick yourself back up. We eventually reached Golspie about 4pm and found a B&B. We have only added 10 miles to tomorrow so we are really pleased. Sunday as the target for finishing is back on!! Just keeping our fingers crossed the weather will ease off. Had a meal and a pint, and a local lad in the bar chatted to us briefly about what we are doing and then gave us £10 for the charity..............that caring human nature does still exist out there!!
Spent the evening drying all our stuff with hairdryers, and they say romance is dead eh!!
Day 14 - Helmsdale to John O Groats (70 miles)
Setting off at 7.30am with fire in our feet today. We have a target to reach and are determined to reach it! 70 miles to do and so far the weather is looking okay! Good roads which gave us a good pace to get some miles behind us. When reaching Helmsdale there was a big climb out, little did we know worse was to come. We reached a descent of 13%, going down with our brakes on, followed by the 13% ascent which hit us the other side, with a graveyard at the top, possibly for failed end to enders.......that's not for us so we pedal on!! For about another 10 miles we had another good run and came across a cafe in the middle of nowhere, about 3 miles before Latheron, next to the Laidhay Croft Museum. It was run by two old dears and the food was excellent, all home made, highly recommended. We then ploughed on through Wick with about 17 miles left to JOG. We finally reached our destination at 3pm on Sunday 16th September. Elated!!!