Lands end to John O'Groats

Land's End, United Kingdom @ Land's End, United Kingdom

2006-04-03T12:15:43.000Z

Land's End, United Kingdom @ Land's End, United Kingdom

2009-04-16T13:13:46.000Z

Land's End, United Kingdom @ Land's End, United Kingdom

2009-04-24T10:00:25.000Z

The Journey Begins @ Land's End, United Kingdom

2009-04-24T13:13:46.000Z

Today I have set off down to lands end. James picked me up about 9.30 am. We then loaded up the van with all the things I will need for my trip and left home about 10am. Below are some pictures of me before I left home early this morning to drive down to lands end. These show the purple TShirts that I will be wearing throughout my Journey, so if any of you see me you should be able to spot me!
The Market Drayton Advertiser have also featured an article on me today, on page 2 that you can see below. I would like to thank them for supporting me on my journey.

After a smooth journey down to lands end, we arrived about 3.30pm. I then set about booking in, collecting my passport that I will have to get signed throughout my journey to ensure I can collect my certificate at John O’Groats . We then set about finding the Youth Hostel which was a couple of miles away from Lands end in St Just.

Once settling into the Youth Hostel, we went for a meal in a pub in St Just. We then returned to the hostel and had a chat with other residents before going to bed.
At 11.30pm the fire alarm went off! We got up to see what had caused it, but thankfully it was a false alarm. After returning to bed I spotted rain dripping through the emergency lights – did not look good. After finally drifting back to sleep we were woken again by the fire alarm, but this time at 3am! This time James got up to see what it was. As you can imagine he was not happy. I got up to make sure he didn’t smash it off the all! Again this was a false alarm but this did cause the emergency light to stay on. The rain continued to get worse, so bad that we had to move to another room to try and get some sleep! Not a great start!!

Taunton, United Kingdom @ Taunton, United Kingdom

2009-04-24T17:37:15.000Z

Day Two - Rain Rain Go Away @ Redruth, United Kingdom

2009-04-25T21:21:55.000Z

What a start to my journey....woke up to pouring rain. Decided it was best to wait around at the hostel to see if it got a bit lighter, as it was very heavy. James ventured out in the rain to get us some food for lunch. After having lunch and realising the rain was not going to get any better, so decided to brave it! We set off down to lands end ready for me to start.
Finally set off at 3.30pm, and headed for Redruth . Got absolutely soaked through. Once I arrived at Redruth I waited for James to pick me up, sheltering under a tree freezing cold and soaking wet, not how I imagined my trip going!
Went to a Tesco we came across and got changed into some dry clothes in the toilet. We then set about looking for a B&B. Could only find very expensive ones, so I suggested a youth hostel in perenporth which we managed to get into.

It was still raining! Not stopped all day.....Fingers crossed the weather picks up!

Day Three - The worst weather so far! @ Cheddar, United Kingdom

2009-04-26T22:05:18.000Z

What unbelievable weather! Due to the vast amount of rain we have experienced the wiper on James’ van appears to have been damaged, so he got up early and mended it.
We left Perenporth about 10.30 am. Unfortunately the weather was that bad, not only rain but also cold and windy, so bad that I had to take breaks from the cycle of seek shelter in James' van.

Later in the day I said my goodbyes to James – it seems very strange to think from now on there will be no one else to meet me at the end of the day, still onwards and upwards.
I arrived in Chedder, but the hostel was not open, so I went to have a look around Chedder Gauge. I managed to get about half and hour down the road and the rain came back, so I spotted a smoking shelter and rode for cover.
After sitting for about 5 minutes in the shelter a women came out of the building to see if I would like a cup of tea. When I asked what the building was, she replied it was a home for the elderly. So I said I need not go any further!
After the rain had stopped I made my way back to the hostel. Which turned out to be very nice. I decided to have dinner here.

Day Four - More Rain @ Bristol, United Kingdom

2009-04-27T22:23:21.000Z

This morning woke up to pouring rain again! Decided to have breakfast at the hostel which was Muesli and toast, washed down with a cup of tea. I didn’t fancy getting soaked again, so decided to wait for the rain to ease off before setting off. It finally broke at 10am, so off I went.
I Decided to go up through cheddar gauge. It was so steep i had to get off the bike and walk. When I got to the top, I was greeted with rain again! Very very heavy rain, so much so that I was concentrating on trying not to get wet and ended up missing my turn for Bristol.
I stopped on a pub car park to ask for directions. There were two elderly ladies which I got talking to them. I explained to them that I was riding to raise money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer, and Janet the lady who was doing the talking went back to her car and produced a £5 note for the charity.
I rode on to Bristol over the Dundry hill, which again I had to get off and walk because it was so steep. I soon found Gary and Vicky’s house, where I was staying for the night and was made very welcome. Vicky asked me if I would like a shower so I guessed I whiffed a bit. After a shower had a cup of tea and Gary took me to see the SS Great Britain which is fantastic. Then we went on to see the Clifton Suspension Bridge, had a couple of pints of Guinness then back for Dinner cooked by Gary. Looked at the maps for the next day then off to bed.

Day Five - Relaxed after a good nights stay with Gary and Vicky @ Monmouth, United Kingdom

2009-04-28T23:03:33.000Z

After a good night’s sleep, had breakfast at Gary and Vicky’s then set off for Monmouth. I made my way through Bristol and had my photo taken with the Clifton suspension bridge behind me. Then rode on to the server bridge which I could see in the distance but it seemed to take forever to get there. Stopped to take a photo of the bike on the bridge, could not believe how much it vibrated when I stopped.
After crossing the bridge, it seemed very strange; as shortly after reaching the other side I spoke to a police man who had a strong welsh accent , this was somewhat surreal after the west country drawl of Bristol.
I made my way up to Monmouth through wooded valleys, these were full of bluebells and wild garlic, the scent was amazing, it was really a beautiful site.
Arrived in Monmouth about 12.30. I stopped for lunch in Nigel’s cafe and was made very welcome. I then went to the Tourist information office to see if I could book at B&B a bit further on but nothing was available. So I booked in at the river side hotel. Which offered a YHA discount. When I explained what I was riding for, the manageress said breakfast is on me! After unpacking, I had a long soak in the bath then had a walk up into the town decided to have a pint of Guinness.
Had calls from both Mike and Pete and Eric which was nice to here from everybody.

Day Six @ Leominster, United Kingdom

2009-04-29T18:48:57.000Z

I woke up, had a shower and then went down for breakfast, was offered a full English but decided to decline due to the ride ahead but they packed me up with a bacon sandwich for later instead which was lovely. I must say if anyone is ever looking for somewhere to stay in Monmouth, I would fully recommend the Riverside Hotel, the service was impeccable , so many thanks to them all.
I set off at 8.45am for Leominster. On my journey I passed through Hereford, where I decided to take a break and have a look around the town centre, which I must say was lovely – definitely a town more for the ladies though, so men approach with caution else it might cost you alot of money!
Then I continued on, venturing up Dinmoor Hill which was so steep I had to walk. At the summit there was a picnic area, which was very busy. I stopped for an ice cream and started chatting to a few people. Two elderly people I spoke to donated £2 each, so thank you very much to them, it’s very touching having people who I have never met before appreciate what I am doing and donate to the cause.
I arrived at Leominster at about 1.30pm , I found the hostel with ease but unfortunalty it did not open unitl 5pm, so I was left with 3 ½ hours to kill. I had a walk around the town centre then sat outside a cafe and had a pot of tea. Then I walked back to the hostel where the church was striking 5pm , after the chimes had marked the time the bells played a tune which was very nice but I didn’t recognise it.
After settling in, I went out to look for somewhere for dinner. I met a police man who introduced himself as mike and recommended the Black Horse and said to mention his name, I had lasagne and chips which was nice.
Then I returned to the hostel, where a man I met in Lands End walked in, he was amazed to see me sitting there. I also met two young lads, Matt and Yaniv who had rode down from Preston, they were riding from Edinburgh to Portsmouth then onto London raising money for a charity in south America, which was working with people who lived in an area which had been hit by earthquakes.

Day 7 - Made it Home.....but had to battle through the rain! @ Market Drayton, United Kingdom

2009-04-30T21:18:30.000Z

Was woken early by Matt and Yaniv getting ready to for their next long day. Hope their legs hold up as they were pretty shot at last night!
Loaded up the bike ready to leave, then had a cup of tea before setting off.
Surprise Surprise as soon as i had set off it started to rain! I’m sure its following me! I rode up to Ludlow where I stopped for breakfast and had beans on toast. Next I went to Church Stretton and stopped for a banana and a drink of ribena
My next stop was Shrewsbury, throughout the day I had been having quiet a lot of trouble with my gears so called in at Jones Bike Shop for a Pitt Stop. They soon sorted it all out and wished me well as I continued my journey. I then rode on to Shawbury to see Gary and his merry men at SMC, my first sponsors. They rustled me up a very welcomed cup of tea, and after a short break I was off on my way again.
I arrived home at 3.30pm, was glad to reach my destination after being out in the rain all day. I phoned Anne to let her know I had made it, and she was on her way home. She arrived home over an hour later, it was nice to see nothing changes, good job I love her!
Had a nice long soak in the bath. Then Tammy, Jacob and Lilly came to see me, was lovely to see them all. I haven’t been gone long but I’m sure Lilly has already grown in the short space of time I have been gone. James then joined us and we all had a Chinese together. Been very nice to see everyone.

Day 8 - Wet Warrington @ Warrington, United Kingdom

2009-05-01T18:23:45.000Z

Having spent a night at home, George and Josie came to see me off. As I set off the weather was lovely, with the sun even making an appearance, so much so that I even got down to my shorts. This was short lived though and the rain soon set in again. I stopped to put on my waterproofs only to find that I had left them at home! So I took shelter in an old bus shelter, I felt very much like a vagrant. After ¾ hour the rain eased, so I made my way onto Warrington. Then not long after setting off the rain got heavier again, So I sheltered at a Morrison’s store where I got talking to a nice old lady , who informed me that there was a B& B just up the road, Having battled with the rain all day and judging by the sky I decided that this was the best idea.
After checking in and a change of clothes I went down to get some dinner a bit early but didn’t really have anything else to do! I had dinner at a pub called the water side which was similar to a weatherspoons. I opted for a dish off the golden years menu for the over 60s - just another perk to go with my bus pass. Hoping for a better day tomorrow so I can get some miles in. From looking at the map it all looks pretty built up so that means lots of traffic still we shall see.

morecambe @ Morecambe, United Kingdom

2009-05-02T20:45:49.000Z

Left Warrington at 9am,was a bit worried about the traffic but no need to have been. There were good roads all day. I walked through the centre of Wigan, which had a nice shopping centre. I then stopped at a place called Banber bridge, where I stopped for beans on toast at the Bag Inn sandwich bar. The seating area had been closed but I must have looked as if I needed a sit down, as a lovely lady called Janine opened the area up for me, then proceeded to give me lunch and £10 for the charity. Then on towards Preston . I decided to go through the centre and onto the A6. Whilst riding along a fellow cyclist came alongside me and we had a bit of a chat then on he went. About a mile up the road he was waiting for me with £5 for the charity his name is Tony Edwards, so thanks Tony. Then off I went towards Lancaster. Just before Lancaster I stopped off at the Pine Wood coffee shop where the staff donated £5. I then got chatting to a couple of customers, who made some more donations. Barbra Whitehead £5 and Brian Roberts £1. Then we all had our photos taken which will be on the blog shortly. I then left on my way to Lancaster, in the search for a B&B but had no joy. Debated camping but Pete phoned and informed me of the weather forecast for the next day. It was forecast heavy rain throughout the night, so I decided to ride up to Morecambe, where I soon found a B&B which looked very nice.

3rd May - Kendal @ Kendal, United Kingdom

2009-05-03T20:41:51.000Z

Left Morecombe at 8.45am. I left on the coast road heading for the A6. I was only five miles into the ride and it started to rain, so took shelter in yet another bus shelter. After about 15 minutes it eased off. So set off to Kendal, where I was meeting Anne, Margret and Steve,. We all arrived at the same time, so there was no waiting about for each other. I went and booked in at the YHA and locked up the bike.
Margret & Steve had made a lovely picnic, which we had down by the river in Kendal. Then we all set off to see the Lake District, Windermere and Graftmere. After having lunch in Windermere we went back to the hostel to swap over my clothing. Then we said our goodbyes and they set off for home. That’s it I’m on my own again.
I just got the weather forecast for tomorrow and it’s heavy rain again. Looking at the map, it looks pretty bleak open ground so thinking of stopping another day in Kendal. Eric has just phoned so that has cheered me up.

Carlise @ Carlisle, United Kingdom

2009-05-04T18:37:43.000Z

Made it despite the very very windy conditions.....more to come later

Made it over the Border! - Mike came to Visit @ Dumfries, United Kingdom

2009-05-05T10:50:14.000Z

Left Carlisle 9.15 after wheetabix and toast. Kate the landlady made me a pack up lunch for the day then I had a call off Mike to say he was on his way to meet me and spend a couple of nights with me great news. After leaving Carlisle, turned left for Anon straight into head wind, and surprise surprise its raining again. Had a photo taken by the welcome to Scotland sign. Then onto Dumfries where I met mike waiting for me, in a lay-by with a hot cup of tea. Then he set off to set up camp, and I followed him on the bike. Went to Dumfries for dinner whilst having dinner June and Eric phoned, nice to hear from them. Back to the caravan, coffee biscuits then bed.

Cold and Windy in Arran - with no where really to go! @ Isle of Arran, United Kingdom

2009-05-07T19:40:11.000Z

Have made it accross to Arran today. Very cold and windy but no rain at the moment. Just looking for somewhere to stay, will update when have found somewhere

I survived the Storm....off to Lochgilphead @ Lochgilphead, United Kingdom

2009-05-08T17:34:39.000Z

Slept pretty well considering the storm, which was blowing outside, when I went to the showers there were two chaps from the next tent they had been in there since 3am! They were saying they were from Belgium and have been coming to Scotland for 6 years and never had weather so bad as this. Had breakfast on site, at the stags head pavilion restaurant. The food and welcome in the world. Definitely recommend the haggis! Raced up the road, to catch the ferry as i could see it hasn’t gone, but i might as well of taken my time, because all ferry’s had been cancel because of the strong winds. While waiting at the ferry terminal, met up with a cycling group from chesterfield, and two of the ladies said they would like to sponsor me, then who should turn up but the three chaps i met on the ferry yesterday they took the website address as well and said they would put a photo on. Landed in Clanaonaig then up the hill that went on forever, met up with the there musketeers at the top. Had a rest and a chat then said our goodbyes, as they were going onto Isla. Rode onto lochgilphead found a b& b for the night had a long hot shower then off for dinner, had dinner in the pub then back to the b& b for 8.15 straight to bed.

Still Riding in the Rain! - Made it to Oban @ Oban, United Kingdom

2009-05-09T21:09:00.000Z

Up for breakfast of wheetabix and toast , loaded the bike ad sat to let the rain go off. It did! Waited till 11 still raining so made the decision to go in the rain. Because it didn’t look as though it was going to stop so on my way to Oban only 40 miles so i thought not too bad of a day, how wrong can one be! 40 miles up hill, in the rain and the wind. I must have walked 10 of the 40 miles got to oban 3.30, found the hostel lovely spot overlooking the bay had dinner in Oban. I met up with a couple of chaps who are staying the hostel Paul and roger, who are walking coast to coast. Roger was saying that he had walked John O’Groats to Lands End two years ago and wore out 3 pairs of shoes! They both donated £5 – So Thank you!
Just finished the meal and Mr Wright phoned, it’s nice to have friends isn’t it! Back to the hostel now have a dink then off to bed. Ready for the ride to fort William tomorrow. Oh by the way if Paul is reading this, we had a high of 4 Celsius today how jealous is he!

Fort William, United Kingdom @ Fort William, United Kingdom

2009-05-10T18:58:57.000Z

Staying at the Glen Nevis Youth Hostel this evening.
Going to check out the waterfalls in the area tommorrow and make my way up to Loch Ness

Loch Ness, United Kingdom @ Loch Ness, United Kingdom

2009-05-11T12:13:08.000Z

Staying at the Youth Hostel in Loch Ness..

Made it to Dingwall @ Dingwall, United Kingdom

2009-05-12T09:53:48.000Z

Lairg, United Kingdom @ Lairg, United Kingdom

2009-05-13T09:54:46.000Z

Tonge @ Tongue, United Kingdom

2009-05-14T09:57:04.000Z

Made it to Thurso only one more day left! @ Thurso, United Kingdom

2009-05-15T09:00:50.000Z

John O'Groats!! - I have made it!! @ John O'Groats House, United Kingdom

2009-05-16T14:10:26.000Z