Cycling Holiday from Land's End to John O'Groats

From the very toe to the very tip! The entire length of mainland Britain. The ultimate Great British cycling challenge – that really is the only way to describe our Land’s End to John O’Groats epic ride. Just about every cyclist should make this journey at least once in their lifetime.

Starting in Land’s End, to take advantage of the prevailing wind, we set off on a 1,000 mile plus adventure, through 3 countries in just 21 days. We commence our journey by travelling along the north Cornish coast, passing the wilds of Dartmoor, crossing the River Severn into Hereford.

As we progress further north we pass through the Yorkshire Dales, over the border into the dramatic scenery of Scotland, along the shore of the Moray Firth, past Inverness to arrive at John O’Groats. Our carefully chosen route avoids heavy traffic and busy towns as much as possible and takes us well off the beaten track.

Sure enough, our "flagship" British tour is something of a challenge, but for many that's what it's all about and what wonderful rewards you’ll get along the way. There is simply no better way to experience our "green and pleasant land".

This fully supported and guided tour allows you to soak up some of the best countryside that the British Isles have to offer. One guide will accompany the riders whilst the other will drive the support vehicle. What's more, we'll carry your bags and feed you along the way, luxury!

Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1 - Arrive in Penzance
You will be met on arrival at Newquay Airport or Penzance train station and transferred to the picture postcard seaside resort of St-Just-in-Penwith where we will spend our first evening. For anyone wishing to arrive by road, accommodation details will be provided well in advance of the departure date (please note that we will not be transferring anyone back to St Just at the end of the tour). A midday/early afternoon arrival in Newquay will be necessary in order allow enough time for the transfer to St-Just-in-Penwith and for those bringing their own bikes to set them up ready to ride after transporting them. We will also use this time to make sure that anyone hiring a Skedaddle bike is fitted to one of appropriate size, and the bike is set up correctly for them. The rest of the day is then yours to relax or enjoy seeing some of the town's many attractions. In the evening we will eat out as a group in a local restaurant, an opportunity to get to know the rest of th e party and to discuss the programme with your Skedaddle guides.

Day 2 - Land’s End to Truro - 51 miles
An early start this morning to allow enough time for us to load the bikes onto the vehicle and transfer to Lands End where our epic adventure begins. This is a short but challenging ride, initially along the coast from Land’s End to Penzance, before heading inland to test your navigational skills through the Cornish country lanes. We finish in the smallest city in England, Truro, where we will be staying tonight.

Day 3 - Truro to Launceston - 63 miles
Make sure that you have a hearty breakfast today – the route is longer than yesterday’s and it’s a hilly one! A few miles into our third day sees us riding along an incredibly beautiful stretch of South West England’s countryside. Onwards and upwards (and of course occasionally downwards!) through Wadebridge we will clock our first hundred miles around the picturesque town of Camelford. Shortly afterwards we ride inland a little, towards the small town of Launceston where we spend the evening.

Day 4 - Launceston to Tiverton - 52 miles
Today is spent cycling through lovely countryside and small villages. On the way we’ll have the obligatory stop at Okehampton for tea or coffee, before heading off into the rolling countryside and our destination for the evening, the town of Tiverton, wonderfully positioned on the River Exe.

Day 5 - Tiverton to Glastonbury - 53 miles
Our last day of traversing cross country before we start chomping our way north. Travelling through the vale of Taunton and Deane we pass over the flat lands to the mythical and historical town of Glastonbury.  From Glastonbury it's on to the small cathedral city of Wells, on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills. Here you will have the night to yourselves to eat and explore this wonderful town.

Day 6 - Glastonbury to Tintern Abbey - 58 miles
Today we head north via the outstanding Cheddar Gorge to the city of Bristol. Here we can take a number of routes through or round Bristol and across the River Severn, and up the Wye Valley to the wonderful Tintern Abbey, where you will stay for the evening.

Day 7 - Tintern Abbey to Fernhill Heath - 65 miles
From Tintern Abbey we pass through the picturesque and unspoilt Forest of Dean. After a few stiff climbs we skirt the River Severn, then travel east of the Malvern Hills and via Worcester to our nights stop in Fernhill Heath.

Day 8 - Fernhill Heath to Ironbridge - 40 miles
Today is a relatively short ride following the River Severn north passing through the old towns of Bewedly (stop for a rest and a coffee down by the river) and Bridgenorth - time for further sustenance. We finally finish the day at the small town of Much Wenlock, the place famous for the origins of the modern Olympic Games (the London 2012 Olympic mascot is called "Wenlock"!) Time to rest and enjoy!

Day 9 - Ironbridge to Northwich - 60 miles
We start by riding out of Much Wenlock, and heading to Ironbridge. Then we climb out of Ironbridge, passing the Wrekin and along the line of the Shropshire Union canal.  We pass through to Nantwich and Winsford to our overnight in Northwich.

Day 10 - Northwich to Garstang - 64 miles
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. Tonight’s accommodation is in the UK’s first Fair Trade town – Garstang. A place also famous for producing the world’s biggest Lancashire Hotpot in 2007!

Day 11 - Garstang to Sedbergh - 43 miles
We break free of the urban areas and head for the stunning open moorland and fells around Slaidburn and Ingleton (we are approximately halfway through the entire trip now!). Eventually we climb out of Deepdale and ride into Dentdale, and the only village in the dale, Dent. With its cobbled streets, this is our warm home for the night.

Day 12 - Sedbergh to Longtown - 63 miles
A stunning ride through unspoilt towns and villages of the fells. Alongside rushing rivers and rolling hills we head for Talkin, near Brampton, and our quiet overnight stay.

Day 13 - Longtown to Glentress - 62 miles
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 Innerleithen for the night and the following day.

Day 14 - Glentress (Peebles)
A time to relax and take in the views or perhaps wander around Innerleithen or the surrounding countryside. The more adventurous may want to visit either the Innerleithen or Glentress Mountain Bike Centres or just go for a walk alongside the River Tweed. Innerleithen is a pleasant little town with a few shops, cafes and pubs in which to while away the time - or it's only a short distance along the valley to the larger town of Peebles. Staying 2 nights here presents a great opportunity for catching up on laundry and also allows us to spend a little time caring for bikes and, if necessary, pay a visit to one of the well-equipped local bike shops. We'll regroup for our evening meal and discuss tomorrow's events - Edinburgh awaits!

Day 15 - Glentress to Kinross - 56 miles
Today we travel through the borders passing the Roslin Church (of DaVinci Code fame) and on into Edinburgh. Cycling through the city stopping for coffee 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.

Day 16 - Kinross to Spittal of Glenshee - 53 miles
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.

Day 17 - Spittal of Glenshee to Tomintoul - 47 miles
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!

Day 18 - Tomintoul to Inverness - 49 miles
We are now in whisky country, crossing Spey Bridge into Granton 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.

Day 19 - Inverness to Crask - 80 miles
Today we take in some spectacular scenery, that will bring all your senses to life! With stunning views over the Cromarty Firth we head for Tain and the home of The Glenmorangie. We’ll then cycle along the banks of the Durnoch Firth to Bonar Bridge and the Kyle of Sutherland. From here we pass the Salmon leap at Shin Falls riding through forest to our final destination of Lairg.

Day 20 - Crask to Bettyhill - 33 miles
Yet more fantastic mountain scenery, open moorlands and awesome views as we head towards the North Coast.  Turning east when reaching the coast at Tongue, the feeling of an incredible achievement starts to grow!  Finishing the day in Melvich, tomorrow's relatively short ride will give plenty of time for reflection.

Day 21 - Bettyhill to John O’Groats - 50 miles
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….you’ve Skedaddled from Land’s End to John O’Groats!

Day 22 - Transfer to Inverness
We depart at 9am for the 3 hour transfer to Inverness, traffic permitting. If travelling by train, please do not arrange your train home any earlier than 1.30pm.

Equipment
We provide everything except a bike (unless you've opted to hire one), personal equipment and clothing. If you are taking your own bike it should preferably be a road bike or, alternatively, a mountain bike fitted with slick tyres.

It is imperative that your bike is in good mechanical order. If you are not mechanically minded, we advise you to take your bike to a local bicycle dealer for a service. Our guide(s) will of course be taking a full tool kit and a selection of spares, which we will provide should the need arise but please be sure to carry your own basic tool kit, pump, spare tube, and any specific spare parts you may require for your bike - especially unusual spokes.

What the price doesn't include
(A)    Bike and helmet hire (if required, £200).
(B)    Personal clothing and equipment.
(C)    Insurance (if required, £26).
(D)    Evening meals.
(E)    50% of the lunches.
(F)    Single room option (if required, £630) - Due to the remote locations involved, there may be some nights were
        sharing a twin room may be required.