United Kingdom

Land's End to John O'Groats Explorer

Guided Road Bike Tour

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

22 days

Prices from

$6,575 P.P.

E-BIKE HIRE AVAILABLE

This tour is well-suited to both normal bikes and pedal assist e-bikes and you can choose to hire either when you book your tour with us. Confident cyclists will enjoy the boost from a battery for those cheeky climbs, and with less effort required on the bike, you’ll have more energy at the end of the day for off-the-bike activities. You may choose to hire an e-bike on a group or supported tour but bear in mind that the pace will be set to riders without an e-bike.

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The ultimate cycling holiday in the UK - that really is the only way to describe our epic Land’s End to John O’Groats ride. We believe just about every cyclist should make this journey at least once in their lifetime and our 22-day version is perfect for enthusiastic, regular cyclists looking to be inspired by this iconic end to end journey.
  
Starting in Land’s End and making the most of the prevailing wind, we skedaddle off on a 1,000 mile plus adventure through 3 countries in just 19 days of riding. Leaving the Cornish coast we pass 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. 
 
This is a fully guided and supported cycling tour, with GPX files provided (GPS units available on request). We carry your bags and feed you along the way too, so all you have to do is focus on conquering the miles each day. Due to the longer distances involved each day on these tours, the group can sometimes find itself spreading out and riding at different speeds throughout the day. Although managed by the riding guide to ensure regular meet ups, giving you the GPX files to navigate the routes yourself gives a little bit more flexibility to ride at your own pace.
 
We’ve been leading Land's End to John O'Groats tours since 2006. Our experts have carefully crafted the route based on years of experience. We provide a journey that showcases the very best of Britain, from the best roads, to the most remote landscapes. Learn more about what makes our route so special in our dedicated 'story behind' blog, including insights from legendary guide Peter Eagan who has led over 20 LEJOG tours for us.
 
Are you looking for a more challenging ride with longer daily distances? Check out our 2 week version of the tour which typically attracts a faster-paced road rider.  
 
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Highlights

  • Ride the length of Britain from toe to tip and declare yourself an ‘End to Ender’
  • Experience the regional changes in tradition, culture and accents as you progress from county to county
  • Enjoy spectacular scenery from Cheddar Gorge to the Cairngorms
  • 3 countries in 19 days of riding
  • 1,000 miles of Britain at its best
  • Cornish pasties to haggis and everything in between

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This trip delivered on everything I expected! Riding through different parts of Britain, staying in different places and eating great food in great company made for a wonderful holiday.

Sharon, Canada

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival: Penzance / Land's End
Non Riding Day

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 Skedaddle guides.

Day 2
Land’s End to Truro
40 Miles / 65 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 865 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 865 Metres Approx.

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.

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Day 3
Truro to Launceston
55 Miles / 88 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 1,290 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 1,290 Metres Approx.

Make sure that 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 along an incredibly beautiful stretch of south west England’s countryside. Onwards and upwards (and of course occasionally downwards!) through Wadebridge we will tick off our first hundred miles! From here we ride inland, towards the small town of Launceston where we spend the evening.

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Day 4
Launceston to Tiverton
54 Miles / 87 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 1,180 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 1,180 Metres Approx.

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.

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Day 5
Tiverton to Cheddar
61 Miles / 98 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 860 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 860 Metres Approx.

Our last day of 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.

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Day 6
Cheddar to Tintern
47 Miles / 76 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 940 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 940 Metres Approx.

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, where we’ll stay for the evening.

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Day 7
Tintern to Worcester
58 Miles / 93 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 975 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 975 Metres Approx.

From Tintern 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.

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Day 8
Worcester to Ironbridge
46 Miles / 74 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 985 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 985 Metres Approx.

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, the place 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.

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Day 9
Ironbridge to Hartford
54 Miles / 87 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 710 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 710 Metres Approx.

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.

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Day 10
Hartford to Mellor
50 Miles / 81 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 725 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 725 Metres Approx.

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.

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Day 11
Mellor to Casterton
45 Miles / 72 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 1,120 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 1,120 Metres Approx.

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.

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Day 12
Casterton to Talkin / Hallbankgate
60 Miles / 96 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 1,360 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 1,360 Metres Approx.

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.

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Day 13
Talkin / Hallbankgate to Cardrona
76 Miles / 123 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 1,540 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 1,540 Metres Approx.

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 for the night and the following day.

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Day 14
Rest Day: Cardrona
Non Riding Day
  • Meals: Breakfast

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.

Day 15
Cardrona to Kinross
57 Miles / 92 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 960 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 960 Metres Approx.

Today we travel onwards, through the country borders and onwards 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.

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Day 16
Kinross to Bridge of Cally
39 Miles / 63 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 690 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 690 Metres Approx.

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.

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Day 17
Bridge of Cally to Tomintoul
60 Miles / 96 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 1,550 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 1,550 Metres Approx.

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!

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Day 18
Tomintoul to Inverness
52 Miles / 84 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 735 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 735 Metres Approx.

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.

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Day 19
Inverness to Lairg
56 Miles / 90 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 775 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 775 Metres Approx.

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.

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Day 20
Lairg to Bettyhill
45 Miles / 72 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 520 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 520 Metres Approx.

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.

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Day 21
Bettyhill to John O’Groats
50 Miles / 81 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 830 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 830 Metres Approx.

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 Skedaddled from Land’s End to John O’Groats!

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Day 22
Departure: Inverness
Non Riding Day
  • Meals: Breakfast

We depart at approx 09:00 for the 3 hour transfer to Inverness. If travelling by train, please do not arrange your train home any earlier than 13:30. If travelling by plane your flight should not depart before 15:00.

Understanding Profiles

Use these profiles to see:

  • Distance in Km (horizontal axis)
  • Ascent / Descent in metres (vertical axis)

Click 'see gradient' to see:

  • Distance in Km (horizontal axis)
  • % Gradient (vertical axis)

Please check the scales on both graphs, and both axes as they both may differ from day to day.

White vertical lines indicate unpaved sections or slightly rougher terrain. Using both graphs, alongside the grading and terrain information provided, will give you a full picture of how flat, bumpy or steep the climbing on your particular tour is going to be. Please keep in mind this is an indicative guide and GPS units and software produce different statistical information.

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The Cycling

Terrain

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. For more information about riding an electric bike on our holidays please click here

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Road Cycling Grade

1
2
3
4
5
Grade 3 - 4: Moderate/ Challenging

Distances between 50-75 miles / 80-120km per day

For more regular riders who like to push themselves a little from time to time

Not extreme but certainly challenging on occasions with some good climbing opportunities

Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!

For more information about our grading system click here.

Is this suitable for you?

You’re an enthusiast. Road cycling is probably your main hobby and you ride regularly at weekends, staying on the bike for much of the day. You’re in pretty good shape, and you might also participate in cylo-sportive events. You also love a challenge and are looking for a tour with some good climbing, preferably with an opportunity to tick off some famous Tour de France cols, or the like. You’re a competent descender, and you’re not afraid of speed, but you ride safely and within your limits at all times. You understand road etiquette and you’re comfortable riding in a bunch. You might even take a stint at the front of the pack if the need arises.

For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.

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The route was amazing, the picnics fantastic and the accommodation first class. The people were great and the guides were outstanding!

Giselle, UK

Dates & Prices

Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit

Book now with a $650 deposit and nothing more to pay until 60 days before departure. Choose a date to start your booking and see all prices, including bike hire and single room supplements.

Select a date to view prices and book
Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
10/05/2025 Fully Booked
Return Date
31/05/2025
Duration
22 days
Price
$6,575.00
Start Date
07/06/2025 Guaranteed
Return Date
28/06/2025
Duration
22 days
Price
$6,575.00
Start Date
12/07/2025 Fully Booked
Return Date
02/08/2025
Duration
22 days
Price
$6,575.00
Start Date
26/07/2025
Return Date
16/08/2025
Duration
22 days
Price
$6,575.00
Start Date
06/09/2025 Guaranteed
Return Date
27/09/2025
Duration
22 days
Price
$6,575.00
Start Date
09/05/2026
Return Date
30/05/2026
Duration
22 days
Price
$6,915.00
Start Date
11/07/2026
Return Date
01/08/2026
Duration
22 days
Price
$6,915.00
Start Date
05/09/2026
Return Date
26/09/2026
Duration
22 days
Price
$6,915.00

Whats Included Tick

A) Accommodation (shared twin / double rooms)

B) Meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

C) Full support service including a Skedaddle support driver and Skedaddle riding guide

D) Unless stated, at least one leader qualified in First Aid

E) Support vehicle and luggage transfers

F) GPX files provided (GPS units available on request)

G) Access to phone app for holiday information

H) Train station transfer on scheduled arrival day from Penzance train station

I) Airport/train station transfer on scheduled departure day to Inverness airport (INV) or Inverness train station

J) Financial Protection through ABTOT

What's not Included Cross

A) Bike hire (available if required)

B) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)

C) Meals not stated in the itinerary

D) Single room (available if required)

E) Travel insurance

F) Personal clothing and equipment

G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)

H) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en route

I) Airport/train station transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival / departure days

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Private Departures

Private Departures

Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.

The Essentials

Travel Options

Group train station transfers from Penzance to the first hotel are included in the holiday cost. If travelling by train we ask that you arrive into Penzance train station by 16:15 in time for the group transfer departing at 16:30. London is the closest international travel hub and is around 6 hours by train from Penzance.

At the end of the trip we will depart John O‘Groats at 09:00 so will not arrive into Inverness before 13:00. We suggest trains from 14:00 and flights from 15:00. Please bear this in mind when booking train/flight tickets home. Inverness has limited international flight options but is connected to larger airports by flight or train.

Please check with us before making any travel arrangements to make sure we have reached the minimum number required to guarantee your holiday and to ensure your arrangements fit with our scheduled transfers and logistics.

Please note If you make alternative travel arrangements, which fall outside of the planned train station transfers, there may be an additional charge for individual transfers.

Accommodation

The accommodation on the tour consists of well-appointed B&Bs, inns and family-run guesthouses that are cycle friendly, with towels and linen provided.

Where possible we prioritise locally owned businesses and those offering locally sourced food, drink, and speciality products. This all promotes sustainability in-line with our responsible travel policy.

Most provide en-suite facilities, though there may be times when only shared facilities are available. We will inform you when booking if this is not available.

All our UK trips are operated on a double/twin-share basis. Single occupancy rooms can be provided for a supplement and are subject to availability at the time of booking.

Bike Hire

If you don’t own a suitable bike or would prefer to avoid bringing your own we have road bikes and hybrid e-bikes available to rent.

Our road bikes are typically full carbon Giant Revolt / Liv Devote, great bikes with good quality components. Bikes are set up tubeless on 700×28c or 700×32c tyres. They provide a comfortable riding position and wide range of gears, running a 2×11 drivetrain with 32/48 chainrings and 11×34 cassette. They are fitted with hydraulic disc brakes.

The e-bikes are typically Giant Dailytour E+ pedal assist Hybrid bikes with hydraulic disc brakes and batteries suitable for the daily distances on this holiday. E-bikes come with step through frames as standard.

If you do decide to rent and would like us to provide a helmet, please let us know at the time of booking, otherwise you should bring your own helmet with you. Please let us know if you plan on bringing your own saddle and/ or clip-in pedals, (please note – clip-in pedals cannot be used on our electric bikes). Flat pedals are fitted as standard on both bikes

Our bikes are provided with at least one bottle cage, a bike pump, and a seat-post bag containing a multi-tool, a spare inner tube, and a puncture repair kit.

Given the variety of shapes and sizes of on bike luggage and the fact the mechanisms for fitting them varies so much, we aren’t able to safely accommodate customers own frame bags and on bike luggage on our hire bikes. This holiday has vehicle support and the riding group will meet the support vehicle at regular intervals, so you should be able to get away with using jersey pockets to carry any ride essentials.

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