The End to End Route

There are a number of routes to choose from for the End to End cycle ride. We have changed our minds a few times after various pieces of advice, but we have now come up with the following, taking in the scenery and trying to avoid as many of the major roads as possible. Below is an outline of the journey for each day with a view of the map. Click on the image to be taken to the interactive map where you can zoom in to see exactly where we're travelling through - maybe we're passing nearby and you could pop out to cheer us on!!

If you want to track how we're doing then you can follow this link to the blog that we will be updating as we go http://crosweller-lejog.blogspot.com/

Route Outline / Highlights

Maps

Day 1: 10th August -- 78.3 miles

So this is where it all begins... Starting at Lands End, and after much deliberation over the route, our first stretch sees us taking the much less scenic, and inevitably much busier route, up the middle of Cornwall along the A30. We've opted for this option instead of our original scenic route along the coast, as the terrain will be a lot more gradual - don't want to use up all of our energy right at the start!

 Day 2: 11th August -- 78.5 miles

Today will undboutedly be tough to get back on our bikes with aching limbs, probably rather saddle sore, and the sight of yet more hills ahead of us. From just outside Launceston we head north-east towards Okehampton, and then up towards Taunton, stopping just short.

Day 3: 12th August -- 84.5 miles

Day 3 sees us enter Wales! After admiring the view of Cheddar Gorge and skirting the edge of Bristol we pedal across the (original) Severn Bridge... Hope we don't have to pay the toll(!), & finishing up just north of Chepstow in St Briavels.

 Day 4: 13th August -- 89.6 miles

Onwards and upwards, we are border hopping between Wales and England on what should be some quiet, picturesque roads until we reach Bridges (I wonder how many bridges it actually has, if any!?), short of Shrewsbury.

 Day 5: 14th August -- 85.6 miles

The journey carries on towards a rather busy section, avoiding Chester but going right through Runcorn, Widnes and St Helens, where we rest our weary heads for the night knowing that tomorrow is still only halfway!

 Day 6: 15th August -- 87.8 miles

Continuing with the "city" theme, our route next heads through Preston and Lancaster, but eventually reaching the wonderful surroundings of the Lake District. We end the day with a nice ride along the shores of Windermere, stopping for the night at Ambleside on the northern shores of the lake.

 Day 7: 16th August -- 82.5 miles

The halfway point as far as the number of days is concerned sees us make the transition into Scotland, but not before some more peaceful scenery in the Lakes. Here's hoping we don't get delayed in Gretna by being accosted to be witnesses to marriage for eloping lovers! Our first night in Scotland seeing us stop at Lochmaben, just east of Dumfries.

 Day 8: 17th August -- 113.5 miles

Don't worry, we haven't suddenly developed super-human pedalling powers! The mileage above also includes 13 miles on a ferry, which will be a much deserved rest for our legs. Although this may seem an illogical route choice, when you view it as a whole, it's not so crazy to go via the Isle of Arran, trust me!!

 Day 9: 18th August -- 100.8 miles

The first part of this section is a short (4 mile) ferry trip back across to the Scottish mainland, but the rest is all up to us. Going past numerous lochs, we finally get to rest our legs (& heads) for the night at Glencoe on the shores of Loch Linnhe.

 Day 10: 19th August -- 87 miles

As the end feels like it may be drawing close, there is still a lot of work to be done. If only the straight line on the map was also flat in reality. Alas, there is a particularly vicious hill to be climbed in the middle of this day. But we can keep ourselves entertained by playing I Spy... "I spy with my little eye, something beginning with.... N" -- "Nessie!!!!"

 Day 11: 20th August -- 73.8 miles

Continuing on from Inverness we attempt to avoid the traffic of the A9 as long as possible, before joining on to the main (& only) road heading our way. No doubt by this point we will be seeing many other people attempting the same feat as us, and I'm sure many travelling in the opposite direction having only recently started their journey - poor things! For us the end is in sight, but not before our last pit-stop at Helmsdale.

 Day 12: 21st August -- 74.4 miles

The last day finally arrives... How will our legs feel? Like jelly, I'm sure! But the incentive to get to the end should keep us going. Rather than continuing on the south-eastern coast, we head north from Helmsdale to the northern coast and head in to John O'Groats from the West. This is longer, but more scenic and a little less hilly, following the National Cycle Network route.

So finally, after just over 1000 miles, our sights will be fimly set on that sign post at the end of the ride... !! After all that, I think we deserve an ice cream, don't you!?