Wow, what a journey. Land’s End to John O’Groats – LEJOG. 1085 miles in 14 days of unsupported cycle touring and an unimaginable amount of food. You won’t believe how much food we consumed, and two days after completing LEJOG 2013 we’re still ravenous and eating about eight meals a day!
It was amazing to see the length and breadth of the country in such a short space of time and to make the journey on our faithful old bikes. We now know the difference between the Quantocks and Mendips, and have an intimate knowledge of some of Britain’s quietest and most scenic C roads.
A common question that people are asking us is “What was the best bit?” Our response is that it’s hard to pick one best bit, so here are six highlights in chronological order.
1. Exmoor – Simonsbath to Exford.
2. The Bath Two Tunnels Greenway.
3. Around the western edge of the North York Moors – Flaxton to Swainby.
4. Northumberland – Amble to Seahouses.
5. The Black Isle – Tore to Culbokie.
6. Strathnaver – Altnaharra to Bettyhill.
Heading towards the White Horse of Kilburn in North Yorkshire
If those were the highlights, then the prize for lowlight of the trip went to battling a fierce headwind through Lincolnshire on day 6 (Friday May 24th). This should have been a fast, flat and enjoyable day, but turned into an inch-by-inch crawl that seemed to take forever. We had earmarked this as a relatively restful day, but it turned out to be the most tiring day of the entire fortnight. At least we reached our intended destination that evening and recovered to enjoy what was probably the best day of the entire trip the very next day.
At some point in the future I plan to write a proper article about the trip, because there are so many stories to tell and points to make. For the time being I would just like to use this blog to let people know we successfully completed the trip and thank those who helped us in all sorts of ways. To those who provided a bed for the night and food to keep us going we would like to say a really big thank you.
In my previous blog article I explained that we were going to be raising funds for the British Heart Foundation. We would like to thank all those who have already donated and would be grateful for any further donations, however small, that people would like to make. Our Just Giving page can be found here.
- Crossing the Forth Road Bridge
At the end of this fantastic journey we can now call ourselves “End to Enders”. It’s a nice feeling and just starting to sink in.
Click here to see our route with distances.
CONGRATULATIONS, I’m just staggered at your joint achievement. To think that little boy I knew all those years ago turned out to do this !!
I look forward to the extended blog. And I’ll enjoy finding your ‘highlight’ roads on the map.
Enjoy the rest of the summer. Put your feet up for 5 mins. We’re just about to set off to the Hebrides with a friend , not quite as far as you, and in the car, nevertheless quite an adventure.
Love to you both & Ken, he must be very proud of you.
Christine & Joe
Thank you. Have a great trip to the Hebrides. You’re welcome to call in if you’re passing Perth. Also, Fiona’s brother & wife have a self catering bothy 30 minutes south of Oban if you’re in that area & needing somewhere.