Land's End to John O'Groats - UK cycling Tour -22 days
E-Bike hire - £600
Road/gravel bike hire - £500
Single room surcharge - £1500
18 April, 20 June and 1 August are E-Bike only tours
Overview
Welcome to the ultimate cycling holiday in the UK - biking the length of Britain from toe to tip in 22 days.
This fully supported road cycling holiday takes you from the southernmost tip of England to the far north of Scotland over 19 days of riding, covering more than 1650 km (1,000 miles) through England, Wales, and Scotland. From Cornwall’s rugged coastlines and the dramatic hills of Dartmoor, to the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, Edinburgh’s historic streets, and the wild Highland landscapes beyond Inverness - this is a cycling experience that showcases the very best of Britain.
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.
The carefully refined route ensures we follow the best roads and visit the most interesting places on our tour. This isn’t just a ride—it’s an unforgettable journey through Britain’s most iconic cycling 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 see below. Please note that while your e-bike may take the sting out of the numerous climbs, the tour is not designed for beginners. Daily distances range from 63km to 124km providing a consistent challenge without the pressure of maintaining a fast pace.
Each day, your luggage is transported for you,. GPS navigation units are provided with easy to follow route navigation, plus a knowledgeable guide to keep you on track and help you discover the best places along the way. There will be regular meet-ups and support while giving you the flexibility to ride at your own pace.
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: Tartan and an 'End to Ender' T-shirt
E- bike only tours - 18 April, 20 June and 1 August
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)
You will be met on arrival and transferred to the coastal town of Land’s End where we will spend our first evening. For anyone wishing to arrive by car, accommodation details will be provided in advance of the departure date (please note that we will not be transferring back to Land’s End at the end of the tour).
A midday/early afternoon arrival will be necessary in order to allow enough time for the group transfer to Land’s End and for those bringing their own bikes to rebuild them. We will also use this time to make sure that anyone renting a Skedaddle bike is fitted to one of appropriate size with any necessary adjustments made.
The rest of the day is yours to relax before the evening when we will eat out as a group in the hotel restaurant, an opportunity to get to know the rest of the party and to discuss the programme with your guides.
Cycling Distance: 0km
Climbing: 0 m
Meals: Dinner
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: 64km
Climbing: 830m
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: 88 km
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: 87 km
Climbing: 1125m
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: 98 km
Climbing: 865m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Cheddar
Cheddar to Chepstow
Leaving Cheddar this morning we head north and into the famous Cheddar Gorge, the largest and most impressive gorge in the United Kingdom. From here we ride over the impressive Clifton Suspension Bridge and into the bustling city of Bristol. We then wind our way northwards into southern Wales, crossing the River Severn via the cycleway on the famous Severn Bridge, and into our accommodation in Chepstow.
Cycling Distance: 71 km
Climbing: 850m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Chepstow
Chepstow to Hereford
It’s a shorter but very scenic day today as we leave Chepstow rejoining country lanes and minor roads, passing the wonderful Tintern Abbey, and continue our journey through the delightful countryside of the Wye Valley to Monmouth. Pedalling further north, we cross back over into England and make our way to Hereford.
Cycling Distance: 61 km
Climbing: 750m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hereford
Hereford to Ironbridge
Back in the saddle once more we continue through the small villages of Herefordshire and into Worcestershire. We head on up through the market town of Leominster, and on to our lunch stop in Shropshire’s historic town of Ludlow with its wonderful black and white timbered buildings and ancient ruined castle. We need to keep the old legs spinning a little more as we head through more picturesque towns and villages such as Much Wenlock and its sister Little Wenlock as we head for our finish in Ironbridge on the outskirts of Telford.
Cycling Distance: 86 km
Climbing: 830m
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: 102 km
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: 81 km
Climbing: 745m
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: 71 km
Climbing: 1055m
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: 99 km
Climbing: 1295m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accomodation: Talking or Hallbankgate
Talking or Hallbankgate to Cardrona or Peebles
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 or Peebles for the night and the following day.
Cycling Distance: 123 to 129 km
Climbing: 1650 to 1720m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Cardrona or Peebles
Cardrona (rest day)
Some time to relax and take in the views or perhaps wander around Cardrona and Peebles and the 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 or Peebles 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: 87 to 93 km
Climbing: 890 to 930m
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: 650m
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: 1560m
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 battlefields at Culloden. Tonight you are free to look round Inverness and take in the sights and flavours.
Cycling Distance: 84km
Climbing: 775m
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: 820m
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: 585m
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 cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats!
Cycling Distance: 81km
Climbing: 805m
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
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
- Accommodation (shared twin/double)
- Meals as listed in itinerary
- Support vehicle and driver
- Cycling guide(s) according to group size
- Qualified first aider
- Group transfer: Penzance train station to Land’s End (day 1)
- Group transfer: John O’Groats to Inverness airport or train station (day 22)
- GPX files provided (GPS units available on request)
- Access to phone app for holiday information
- Luggage transfers
- 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
- Entrance fees to museums and attractions en-route
- Tips for guide(s) and driver
This tour is graded active as the itinerary includes some big distances and climbs. Daily biking distances range between 63 and 124 km. Riders need cycling experience but not technical expertise.
We have picked quiet country roads wherever possible. The whole route is on good tarmac, and suited to lightweight road bikes. There are of course lots of climbs, and descents, with some sections through urban areas, but the majority of the route takes us through open countryside.
Some of this will be lowland, agricultural areas, and some will be over high and exposed hill country – especially in the North of England and Scotland.
It is possible to use an E-Bike on this holiday, which would be particularly beneficial to those wanting an extra boost to get up some of the tougher climbs. Please note, e-bikes are generally heavier than standard bikes, so it is worth considering when handling the bike.
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.
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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