Land's End to John O'Groats - UK cycling Tour -22 days
E-Bike hire - from £600
Road/gravel bike hire - from £500
Single room surcharge - from £1395
19 April and 21 June are E-Bike only tours
Overview
Welcome to an ultimate cycling holiday in the UK. Starting in Land’s End and making the most of the prevailing wind, we leave the Cornish coast, passing through the wilds of Dartmoor, before crossing the River Severn and into Wales. Riding further north we skim the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, over the border into the dramatic scenery of Scotland, through Edinburgh and then up past Inverness to finally arrive at John O’Groats.
During this fully guided and supported tour, we’ll ride approx. 1,650 km over 19 cycling days with daily distances ranging from 63km to 124km.
The journey will showcase the very best of Britain, from the great roads to the most remote landscapes. Highlights will include spectacular scenery plus the regional changes in tradition, culture and accents as you progress through each county. Mingle with the locals in historic pubs and don’t forget to try Cornish pasties, haggis and everything in between.
Both road cyclists & E-Bikers are welcome. There are some tours which are exclusively for E-Bikes -please enquire.
The accommodation on the tour consists of well-appointed B&Bs, inns and family-run guest houses that are cycle friendly, with towels and linen provided.
Highlights Include:
Culture: Experience the regional changes in tradition, culture and accents as you progress from county to county
Nature: Enjoy spectacular scenery from Cheddar Gorge to the Cairngorms
Activity: Three countries in 19 days of riding, Ironbridge, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution
Culinary: From Cornish pasties to haggis and everything in between
Souvenir: From Tartan, highland cow gifts to a Land's End To John O'Groats tee
Terms and conditions for this tour vary from our standard terms and conditions due to the uniqueness of this trip. Please ensure you understand the cancellation policy and have purchased comprehensive Travel Insurance.
Tour Gallery
Full Itinerary
Arrival In Penzance (Transfer to Land's End)
Please arrive in Penzance by early afternoon to allow enough time for the group transfer to Land’s End and for those bringing their own bikes to rebuild them. This afternoon we will also do a bike fitting for those who are hiring. The rest of the day is yours to relax until the evening when we will eat out as a group in the hotel restaurant, an opportunity to get to know each other and to discuss the programme with your guides.
Cycling Distance: 0km
Climbing: 0m
Meals: No Meals
Accommodation: Land's End
Land's End to Truro
We’ll start our journey heading along the coast from Land’s End to Penzance, before heading inland to test our navigational skills through the Cornish country lanes. We finish in Truro, one of the smallest cities in England, where we will be staying tonight.
Cycling Distance: 65km
Climbing: 865m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Truro
Truro to Launceston
Make sure you have a hearty breakfast today – the route is longer than yesterday’s and it’s a hilly one! A few miles into our second day in the saddle sees us riding through an incredibly beautiful stretch of south west England’s countryside. Onwards and upwards (and of course occasionally downwards!) through Wadebridge we’ll tick off our first hundred miles! From here we ride inland, towards the small town of Launceston where we spend the evening.
Cycling Distance: 88km
Climbing: 1290m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Launceston
Launceston to Tiverton
Today is spent cycling through lovely countryside and small villages as we wind our way to our destination for the evening, the town of Tiverton, wonderfully positioned on the River Exe.
Cycling Distance: 87km
Climbing: 1180m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Tiverton
Tiverton to Cheddar
Our last day traversing cross country before we start chomping our way north. Travelling through the vale of Taunton and Deane we pass over the flat lands, from where we can spot in the distance the imposing and infamous Glastonbury Tor. From here it’s on to the large village of Cheddar on the edge of the Somerset Levels.
Cycling Distance: 98km
Climbing: 765m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Cheddar
Cheddar to Tintern (or Clearwell)
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 passing the wonderful Tintern Abbey on the Welsh border enroute to Tintern (or Clearwell), where you will stay for the evening.
Cycling Distance: 76km
Climbing: 940m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Tintern (or Clearwel)
Tintern (or Clearwell) to Worcester
From Tintern (or Clearwell) 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 on to Worcester, with its iconic cathedral.
Cycling Distance: 93km
Climbing: 975m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Worcester
Worcester to Ironbridge
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, 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.
Cycling Distance: 74km
Climbing: 985m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Ironbridge
Ironbridge to Hartford
We start by climbing out of Ironbridge, passing the Wrekin and along the line of the Shropshire Union canal. We pass through Nantwich and Winsford to our overnight accommodation in Hartford.
Cycling Distance: 87km
Climbing: 710m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hartford
Hartford to Mellor
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.
Cycling Distance: 81km
Climbing: 725m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Mellor
Mellor to Casterton
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
Cycling Distance: 72km
Climbing: 1120m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Casterton
Casterton to Talkin or Hallbankgate
A stunning ride through unspoiled towns and villages of the fells. Alongside rushing rivers and rolling hills we head for Talkin or Hallbankgate, near Brampton, and our quiet overnight stay.
Cycling Distance: 96km
Climbing: 1360m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accomodation: Talking or Hallbankgate
Talking or Hallbankgate to Cardrona
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 Cardrona (near Peebles) for the night and the following day.
Cycling Distance: 123km
Climbing: 1540m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Cardrona
Cardrona (rest day)
Some time to relax and take in the views or perhaps wander around Cardrona 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. Staying 2 nights here presents a great opportunity for catching up on laundry and also allows us to spend a little time caring for our bikes and, if necessary, pay a visit to one of the well-equipped local bike shops.
Cycling Distance: 0km
Climbing: 0m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Cardrona
Cardrona to Kinross
Today we travel onwards, through the country borders and on 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.
Cycling Distance: 92km
Climbing: 960m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Kinross
Kinross to Bridge of Cally
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.
Cycling Distance: 63km
Climbing: 690m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Bridge of Cally
Bridge of Cally to Tomintoul
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!
Cycling Distance: 96km
Climbing: 1550m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Tomintoul
Tomintoul to Inverness
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.
Cycling Distance: 84km
Climbing: 735m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Inverness
Inverness to Lairg
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.
Cycling Distance: 90km
Climbing: 775m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Lairg
Lairg to Bettyhill
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.
Cycling Distance: 72km
Climbing: 520m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Bettyhill
Bettyhill to John O'Groats
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 accomplished the ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats!
Cycling Distance: 81km
Climbing: 830m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: John O' Groats
Transfer from John O' Groats to Inverness - Departure
We depart at approx 9am for the 3 hour transfer to Inverness. If travelling by train, please do not arrange your departure time any earlier than 1.30pm. If travelling by plane your flight should not depart before 3pm. We bid you farewell and hope you return home with fantastic memories.
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Cycling Distance: 0km
Climbing: 0m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Download the Itinerary PDF here
All distances are approximate. Our tours often go off the beaten track and follow routes that are not always predictable. We cannot always guarantee the weather. For these reasons we may occasionally have to update our itineraries. We will only do this to improve your experience or for safety reasons. Our listed accommodation is always accurate at the time of writing but should we need to change you can rest assured that it will be for similar or better. Display price may differ to what is quoted as this tour is invoiced in the currency stated, and can be dynamic with daily exchange rates.
The Details
- 21 nights accommodation (Hotels, Inns, Guesthouses)
- Meals: all breakfasts, 11 lunches
- Support vehicle and driver
- Cycling guide(s) according to group size
- Group transfer: Penzance train station to Land’s End (day 1)
- Group transfer: John O’Groats to Inverness airport or train station (day 22)
- GPS routes provided
- Luggage transfers
- Snacks during bike rides
- Flights, airport taxes, passport & visa expenses
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Bike hire (available at extra cost)
- Single room surcharge
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Optional trips, sightseeing tours & entrance fees
- Pre and post tour nights
- Personal expenses & drinks
- Tips for guide(s) and driver
This tour includes some big distances. Riders need cycling experience but not technical expertise as most road conditions are tarmac. Riders should be comfortable being in the saddle for longer, consecutive cycling days and for tackling one or two especially difficult riding days.
A good level of fitness is required, exercising three-four times a week prior to the tour.
If you're unsure about anything, please see our FAQs page for extra information.
FAQsBooking information
Participants will be asked to complete a booking form after confirmation of their booking.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
To ensure the trip's viability with our suppliers, a minimum of typically 8 participants is usually required. Upon submitting your booking request, we will provide specifics regarding minimum numbers. Following trip confirmation, you may proceed with flight bookings and other travel arrangements. A ‘Limited’ trip status signifies limited spaces available. For trip status inquiries, kindly email or call our office.
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS
A deposit is required to secure your place on your selected tour departure. On receipt of your deposit, Global Cycling Adventures will email you a confirmation to verify your travel arrangements and advise final payment details. The final payment is normally required 60 days before departure date unless otherwise specified.
CANCELLATIONS & AMENDMENTS
All tour cancellations will require notification in writing to Global Cycling Adventures by the person participating on the tour. Please be advised that booking cancellations or amendments will incur relevant fees. Cancellation charges are tour-specific and timing-dependent. For a comprehensive outline of our terms and conditions, including the cancellation policy, please refer to the travel proposal provided by our team.
We recommend that you purchase cancellation insurance on payment of your tour deposit in case unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel your tour.
OVERSEAS JURISDICTION AND TERMS
For all overseas tours, the terms and conditions, laws, and jurisdiction of the destination country will apply. By booking a tour with us, you acknowledge and agree that local regulations, industry practices, and terms specific to the destination country may supersede or modify our standard terms. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with all applicable local laws and regulations while participating in the tour.
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