Lands End to John O Groats from Prep to finish

Hi

My name is Tony Lane and I am nearing my 50th birthday and my eldest son (Ben Lane) is nearing his 25th. As I have always kept myself reasonably fit and Ben is seemingly as fit as I was at his age, I had the thought that it would be nice to mark the two birthdays by doing the Lands End to John o Groasts (LEJoG) cycle ride together.
We shall be joined by his university-days-friend and now house-mate, Torben.

We will be lucky enough to be joined on Day 1 by Kath, my 2nd son Dan, Ben's lady Lydia who will share Support Car duties with Torben's lady, Lou.

And here I publicly send to each of the ladies our combined thanks and I readily acknowledge that without their 'permission' to do this trip, it would not be happening. That 'permission' comes in many forms; the 14 days annual holiday used up, the finances put aside to cover the costs of the trip, the willingness to do the car-travelling from home to LE, the Support Car, to JoG and the long long trip back home.
Each of the ladies has given their approval and support, and for that - my huge thanks - because as with most of men's plans, without the support of the lady of the house, it just wouldn't happen.
In the seemingly ever-growing group of supporters I will add my Kath's two lovely girls, Suzie and Sophie, who have been so keen to hear about 'how many miles today' and have uncomplainingly given-up their Mum for a total of 5 days so she may join the rest of us at both the start and the finish.

Kath, Dan and I shall travel from Bournemouth with Ben, Lyd, Torben and Lou travelling from Nottingham on 20th May to meet 10 miles from LE on a camp site near Penzanze. We will leave LE on 21 May (Ben's birthday) and, hopefully, all things being well will arrive on June 2 (My birthday).

The idea of 'doing' the ride has been in my mind for about 15/20 years - since my RAF days - and at last I have my life arranged in such a way that I now have the time to do the necessary preparation work on the bike to (hopefully) succeed.

One of the tools that has made the trip so much easier is Google. The instantaneous access to information provided by other cyclists/crazies who have done LEJoG has given us many do and dont's to remember. And to all contributors, I send my most sincere thanks. If I can find their URLs I shall add them on here to help you visit the blogs/sites that I found most useful.

http://www.pewseys.eclipse.co.uk/ is a good source of information. All I typed into Google was 'Lands End John O Groats cycle ride'.

The most useful tips I have read/picked up along the way are:

1. Be leg prepared - time on the bike is a must! Time on the hills a HUGE help.
2. A bike that has fresh tyres, brakes and chain are as important as putting water back into your body.
3. Decide on your route..... very very early ..... see below!!! - check it !!!
4. How will you and your kit get to Lands End
5. How will you and your kit get back from John O Groats - a train journey from JoG is not easy with a bike!
6. Plan your overnights (camping/B&B) and be ready to feed your body..... alot - probably twice as much food (well, calories) as you normally eat!
7. Stretch ... and keep stretching when ever you get the chance!
8. Drinking lots of fluids (little but often) - I use heavily diluted orange squash with a pinch of salt in a litre of water (the replacement of salt is a MUST) - and to me it is as important as being leg fit.
9. A few plasters - you just never know!
10. Baby oil - to rub on inner thighs/groin and bum if needs be - it's better than Vaseline because it does not block the pores.
11. A face covering for the ride through midge-infested Scotland - together with bite-cream and insect repellant!
12. Get on the hills - the steeper the better. Speed on the flat counts for nothing on the hills and slopes.....you have been warned!

So....with:
Good tyres
Newish chain
New brakes
A puncture repair kit
Two spare inner-tubes
A camera

It's off for another training session.

In September 08 I weighed in at nearly 17 stone, fit to run/jog for 45 mins, play a good game of squash or badminton and swim a mile or so. So, all in all, not too bad for nearly 50.
Today in April 09 I now weigh just under 15 stone, - so if you want to lose weight you have my word that cycling will strip the fat - get out on your bike! Mind you, I can't now run, play squah, badminton....because I have stressed my back doing so much cycling!

I started in September cycling to/from work 'doing' the 11/12 mile ride 3 or 4 times a week. I gradually extended the route adding little detours to make it a 16 mile route.
November and December were chilly but worth the effort and January / February were cold then wet and windy.
The 25 mile weekend visits to my lady (Kathy) were done by bike rather than the car - which saved me a few pennies in fuel and got in a much needed longer ride - but cost me a few pennies in chains, blocks and tyres!
Leaving aside the annoying punctures and the occassional insane driver the most 'interesting' part of the winter cycling efforts was a journey to work in the snow.
I was following a car with my Cat-Eye bike lights lighting up the back of the car. Unfortunately the driver was being very British and driving very slowly because of 2 inches of snow. As i followed him along a downward slope, for no obvious reason, the driver applied the brakes.
I had no choice but to do the same and the bike slowly followed the road-camber and off I fell, sliding down the slope. Needless to say the car-driver didnt stop.
As I lay face down in the snow I checked, as best I could, that nothing was broken and carefully got myself back on the bike to gingerly continue my journey.
To my joy, the car that had left me on the floor was reversing/sliding back towards me because the ice on the slope ahead was preventing any further progress.
With a glare that I hope spoke a thousand words, I passed the ignorant and uncaring driver and continued on my way to work.
You may be pleased (I was) to know that the car was still there at 16.00 as I made my way home, so I had a warm serves-you-right-buddy feeling that there is justice in this world....which is a little unkind of me, but hey...

Come Easter 09, I have taken a week off work; Maunday Thursday was the first day of 11 days off during which I intend to cycle every day...including atleast one 1 in 5 hill every day. Thank goodness for granny gears!!!

Today is Tuesday after Easter Sunday and, so far, I have 'done' mile-wise 30, 50, 40, 50, 50, 25 - averaging 12.5 mph with tomorrow a 75 mile ride in the planning.
The hardest part for me is to get in sufficient good/healthy food to allow my body to continue to acclimatise to the increased efforts. So today I am having a chicken stew - several bowls of - and tomorrow a muesli breakfast then an early lunch of the same with a bowl of rice then back off to the hills.

This week will end with the BHF Dorset 66 mile bike ride on Sunday leaving from Queen Elizabeth School, Wimborne.

http://www.bhf.org.uk/get_involved/take_part_in_our_events/bike_rides.aspx

I have previously done the London-Brighton BHF bike ride which is very well organised and I would recommend that 55 mile ride to anyone - even on your own - the route is generally very easy to cycle (traffic-wise) once you get out of Wallington/Carshalton - where the South Downs = slopes!! begin.
The London/Brighton has a very very cheeky hill to go up right at the end (5 miles from Brighton) known as Ditchling Spire (I think) with amazing views at the top, not to mention the feeling of no little achievement getting to what seems like an endless hill.

I work in West Moors, Bournemouth, which, from my place at Pokesdown is a very flat ride. So, I use an indirect route that is added to each week, adding short climbs where I can. Up Castle Lane, through Bear Cross to Wimborne then on to the slopes of Colehill and a nice gentle slope down to West Moors.
Question - how are the gentle down-hill slopes so much steeper when they have to be cycled up?

After a stretch and a shower I have my breakfast (Tesco Swiss style - good value I say) as I read any overnight emails a cup of black coffee and several gulps of water and a sugar/salt drink and then I am ready to set the world on fire. (I wish!)
As I usually arrive around 7.30 am I tend to have the office to myself so there is no-one to wonder why I am eating and stretching and drinking my way though 30 mins of grunting and heavy breathing.
A couple of litres of tap water over through the morning and joy-of-joys at 9.30 the beloved pasty-van arrives for my daily dose of 'junk food' - 'tis heaven dear reader....a pasty and a cup of coffee!

I have a boss who is interested in keeping fit and he asked me 'do you fancy a bike ride to Wimborne and back at lunch'. Dead right I do! So now and then we go off for another 15 miles on the Colehill slopes usually heading into that seemingly permanent breeze/wind. Once back, another sugar/salt mix, and a glass of water.

Another shower, stretch and then an afternoon of dipping into my 'trough' of rice, leek and sausage (or some other mix) and many sips of tap water.

I have found that as The Day approaches that my work is beginning to interfere with my training and planning - how selfish are our employers, eh!
Today, the boss has suggested that we 'do' a lunch-time cycle ride twice a week which suits me fine. My daily efforts are slowly increasing and I hope/intend to be doing 60 miles most days by May 21. I can already cope (just) with 50 in a day - I just need to add more slopes and hills.

So....time to wrap up for the day and climb aboard the Ridgeback once more and take myself off to Blandford where my good lady Kath and her two lovely daughters await my arrival with lots of laughter and smiles to greet me - with a yummy meal too.
There is often a gusty north/north-west wind in my face as I cycle to Kaths and to deal with the negative mental thoughts that wind gives to cyclists, I have managed to convince myself that the wind is helping my preparation.
I just hope that come May the wind has swung around to be a South/South West wind and will push us along the road at a comfortable speed.....well, I can hope, can't I!

I hate the wind! I would rather cycle up hill all day rather than have to endure the 20 mph gusts head-on that I faced last night - late March! And it is the wind that dictates (for most people) that the LEJoG ride is cycled South to North - bring on the South Westerlies of early summer!

At the moment with nearly 7 weeks to go I have introduced myself to some of the North West Dorset hills....and I don't like them very much. One, (Ibberton), lasts about 1/2 mile, and is advertised as 1 in 5...... I was in 1st gear for that one and blowing like a blowing thing, but I got to the top with a heart rate of 161 so not too bad.
I have found that a good gulp of diluted salt & squash drink every 5 miles keeps me fresh enough after 2 and half hours of worthwhile riding. I am becoming more convinced that my body can do this.
My main concern now is a 5/6 hour bike ride averaging 13 mph is using up 4,500 calories - and obviously those calories need to be replaced and a further 1,000 will be needed to get through the rest of the day. I am not sure that I can eat THAT much food!

I have to change the middle and larger chain rings as they are not suitable for the many hills that we shall encounter in Cornwall and Devon and again in Scotland (Glasgow - Fort William). A big chain ring may be useful for lazy afternoon gentle pedals along the Bournemouth/Poole prom' but would be no use at all for the hills of the UK.

So, back to the bike shop I will go a fortnight before we leave for one last set of 'bits' which should easily see me safely through the miles ahead. Until then I shall have to endure the hassle of only a few gears to use.
I guess it's my fault for not ensuring that during the last service I didn't ensure that the new rings were the same as those that were being taken off. Another lesson to learn - don't trust anyone to carry out requests/instructions....you HAVE to check!

For those of you in a relationship, a warning....don't forget to get your cycle rides in at a time of convenience to the family or person/s in your life. I had my first 'warning' the other day having fell asleep on the living room floor after half a glass of red wine - "I guess that means no nooky tonight then" as I, bleary eyed, stumbled my way up to bed. When I woke feeling heavy legged and with a 'leave-me-alone' attitude there was, how would you put it, a little tension! lol.

For those of you concerned for my relationship, Kathy is a truly fantastic lady, very very understanding and after a second 'warning' I have promised myself to ensure that all is calm and well in the relationship. She, and the girls, are worth the pleasures, lol.

A new day.... having sorted out Kathy's eldest daughters maths homework I climbed aboard the trusted Ridgeback and headed off for home - leaving the 3 to enjoy some 'girly-time' and me to have a very long nights sleep (Kath is working tomorrow and will awake at 6) and I shall kip until 9 I hope.

I have started to make a turn by turn, village by village route 'map' which will hopefully guide us from LE - JoG with ease. I have used Google Map (Terrain-mode) to try to avoid going over any hills which could be easily avoided.

The route is done now, decision is complete - but it is agreed that we have to have flex' in it if someone has a desire to take a divert.
Likewise we have agreed that in the event of all 3 of feeling good and time is on our side we shall keep going to get ahead of the schedule....bring on a good southerly, lol....

I have had a really rubbish week this week. I am not sure that I have eaten well enough yet still did 50 miles most days, but by yesterday evening (Friday) I was completely knackd. With less than 4 weeks to go I have to tell you I found this a little disturbing.
Worse still, I have fallen out with Kath over a comment made by her. Is it 'cos I am tired and therefore hyper-sensitive? Eaten not enough good food? Done too much?

Either way, I spent last evening on my own and all today...and tomorrow I am off to do the Dorset 66 miler organised by the BHF
(http://www.bhf.org.uk/get_involved/take_part_in_our_events/event_finder/view_event.aspx?ps=1000294)

So ... I shall have a glass of wine or two and have an early night. My intention (at the moment) is to cycle the 12 miles to the start, do the 66 then cycle home - so doing a 90 miler - which should be a very good indicator on my overall fitness.
If I am able to do an average of 13 mph I will be v v happy; I have my rice mix done, water bottles filled, spare tube and puncture repair kit ready....bring it on :-)

Whether or not Kath and I are talking tomorrow will be discovered in the morning. The bonus? to arise from my days solitude is the garden is all sorted out, the patio is scrubbed down, the new washing machine is plumbed in and the old one in the car ready for the dump....there is always a positive - if you look hard enough, lol.
Back again - K and I are fine - and the cycling has been pretty good too.

I completed the 90 miles at an average of 13 mph which was my target - so quite pleased with myself and my preparation. Thank you to BHF for such brilliant insight with your organisation of the perfect event and weather at the right time to reinforce my self-belief that I should be able to complete The Ride.

With only 20 days to go - I have hurt my back!!!!

I added some tri-bars and did a 40-miler and now I am sooo sore, ...lesson to us all - if it works, don't fix it....

I have also had to have my new (one month old) wheel rebuilt as the spokes keep undoing "due to the excessive weight on the back wheel" - (I am carrying about an extra 20 pounds in weight). Personally I think the original was weak and I have been stitched up, but once in the hands of those who know - we with the wallet are at the mercy of others!

So, I am off to the garden to relax, enjoy the sun, read a book and chill

Back again....

Not much to tell you all. I have reduced my training to maybe 20 miles a day and no great efforts.
I have the bike back and making last-minute tweaks after having new stem put on, so everything is higher than before. I know that will mean I am more upright but i hope that I shall be able to 'lay' on the 'cow-horns' as a result of the gained height.
With new brake blocks added, both wheels 'tweaked' and running straight, I am beginning to have doubts about my fitness...which a 50 miler would cure....

A few cycle rides out over to Swanage into the Perbeck Hills to Lulworth have cured me of any remaining self-doubts. I now know that I have the legs and mental attitude to do this. 4 weeks to go.

Not much is new and not much has changed. There are only two days to go, having prepped the camping kit, post-ride clothes, camera, flapjack (aka flipflop), pocket money and swapped the tyres to 700x28's vice x35's I am ready.....atleast so I thought

"Let's go through the route v quickly" suggests the ever supportive Kathy. And v v quickly it was obvious that the whole route was messed up - whether or not it was messed up at time of saving, emailing, printing - who knows.
So back on to Google Maps (without that tool - this would have been a guessing game - especially what (hills) to avoid). Five hours later with a reprint done, OS maps chopped down to minimise weight and now the excitement bubbles within me.

As I wake I begin thinking about the ride - with positive anticipation. Once more Kaths words give me extra self-belief "you know that after two days of cycling you feel much stronger" and those words keep popping up in my head during the day. What a lucky guy I am to have found such a kind, giving, positive-thinking and supportive lady.
With small things like watering the house-plants organised, a key is with a neighbour to clear the post now my thoughts turn increasingly to the Sou'Wester that awaits us, hopfully. Is it too much to ask for the SW breeze/wind to continue blowing at 20mph and thereby push us over the many hills of Cornwall and Devon.

I have added the route below - which I hope will be proven to be worthy of the prep' time and effort. For those that wish to use it - feel free and happy cycling. If/where there are errors - my apoligies. I hope to correct any errors as we go along.


I hope to be able to blog to this on a daily basis as we travel....if not, you shall have to be patient to discover the trials and tribulations of the trip once we all return home - to plan the next trip.

19th May - The day before we are to travel to LE. I wake early....tummy is all butterflies with nervous tension and excitement...if you can believe someone of my age being so excited by a bike ride!
I realise that I had not added Torben on the blog - neither had I added Lou and Lyd. So a quick edit done, it's off to work. Being busy with anything is better than sat - waiting.

Tonight I shall go to the Bournemouth Trophy Centre where I hope to be able to collect some engraved glass tankards to commemorate this trip, which hopefully, will be the first of quite a few. - Done! A great - and most helpful - service.

http://www.betconline.co.uk/

And to keep me occupied in the evening I shall be joining Kath and the girls to have a Happy Birthday meal at the Willet Arms, Wimborne to celebrate Sophie's 11th birthday.

The BBC Weather web-site tells me that there is a Westerly wind expected for Day 1 and Day 2 of the bike ride moving around to a SE for Day 3. There must be someone watching over me!


Day 1

Plan for the day is:

Up early, pack the car with clothes, bike, camping kit, squeeze Dan in the back somewhere, Kath in the front with the day's food and drinks, a last minute check that maps, tickets for return journey by plane and train, and then it's a race to Penzanze. (Is it immature to want to arrive before Ben, Lyd and Torben?)

To Treen Farm Campsite, Penzanze.... 10 miles from LE.

http://www.treenfarmcampsite.co.uk/


To Cornwall

Day 2

LE - ?

Day 3

? to Exeter

Day 4

Exeter to Bristol

Day 5

Bristol to Ludlow

Day 6

Ludlow to Chester

Day 7

Chester to ?

Day 8


Day 9


Day 10

Day 11

Day 12

Day 13

Day 14

Lands End to John O Groats cycle ride route
Lands End, A30 past Sennen,
R on to lane past Trevear Fm to St Buryan.
St Buryan
R at church along lane
Pass Tregadgwith to B3315 into Newlyn and Penzance
Penzance follow National Cycle Route (NCR) 3 to Marazion.
Cross A394 at Rbout and follow B3280.
R after 1 mile onto lane past Higher Downs? Millpool,
Godolphin Cross, / Nancegollan, / Porkellis, / Carnkie,
L to Stithians, / Tubbon Hill,
Str8 across A393 to Perranwell Station.
Next right after Perranwell Station
Over busy A39 to Devoran.
Follow lane alongside creek past Point and
Join B3289 past Trellissick Gardens (NT) to King Harry ferry.
Turn L off B3289 along Lane past Philleigh,
Next R to Treworthal along NCR3 and L onto A3078.
Past Ruan High Lanes and
R on lane to Tippetts Shop (NCR3) where
L to Goviley Major.
R at B3287 to A390 where immediate
R on lane to Sticker.
L on B3273 at London Apprentice to St Austell.
Follow A390 around St Austell where
R at roundabout on A3082.
L at PH through Tywardreath across
B3269 to Golant YHA.

End of day 1 only 12 more to go 

Follow B3269 and turn R onto A390.
Follow A390 through Lostwithiel,
West Taphouse Middle Tap house and East Taphouse.
Take next L after East Taphouse onto B3360.
Str8 on at Xroads with A38
at Doublebois onto lane.
Follow lane past Bokenna Cross, / Redgate & / Common Moor to
Minions.
Carry on down hill and cross B3254 at Upton Cross.
Pass Rilla Mill, Halwinnick Butts
R onto B3257 to Bray Shop.
At Bray Shop take L towards Penpill Farm and Stokes Climsland,
Crossing the River Tamar at Horsebridge.
After bridge take L past pub
1st R up hill to Sydenham Damerel.
Go thru village and straight on
over B3362 to Long Cross and Brent Tor - to Lydford.
Thru village and take L on new cycle path that follows old railway line.
Follow signed cycle route to Bridestowe,
R in village crossing the A386 at Lake.
Join NCR27 at Lake and follow all the way to Okehampton Station.
At Okehampton Station proceed downhill to centre of Okehampton
R onto B3260.
At junction with A30 carry on through Sticklepath and Whiddon Down to roundabout with A30.
Str8 over Rbout and along lane that follows the A30.
Take L immediately after bridge over A30 towards Bowden,
L back over A30 bridge
R again to Cheriton Bishop.
Cross A30 at Woodleigh
Follow old A30 road through TedburnSt Mary alongside new A30 to Pocombe Bridge (just outside Exeter on junction with B3212.)
Turn L on Dunsford Rd (B3212) continues in Cowick St
To rail station (on the right)
At T junction go left on A377 and follow right over bridge
Into Frog St on B3212 joins Western Way.
Str8 at Rbout into Magdalen St
Follow L on to Western Way
to Rbout Str8
to Rbout 3rd exit on to Blackboy Rd
Passed Polsloe Rail Stn
Rd leads in to Pinhoe Rd
L on to Venny Bridge
L back on to Pinhoe Rd B3181
Name change to Pinn Hill
heading North towards and under M5
Broadclyst / Budlake / Westcott
Under M5 over river to Cullompton
Rbout R on Exeter Rd Thru town
Five Bridges / Thru Willand
Rbout on exit of town 3rd exit to Uffculme
R to Craddock
Bearing left at Craddock to Culmstock
Str8 over bridge
Left on to Prescott Rd
Right at fork in rd to Nicholashayne
Over M5 to Sampford Moor to x rd - Str8 To
A38 – R then R to Voxmoor
Str8 thru to Ford Street
At Ford St R then R
400 m Left to Blackmoor keeping left
Take next right (1/2 mile) to T – R
Then L to Lowton to T Right
Then 400 m L to Lowton
In Lowton Str8 to T – L
Take a R to To Sellicks Grn
To Pitminster .....In Pitminster – R to Corfe
In Corfe L to Shoreditch .........In Shoreditch – R
To T Junc – R to Stoke Mary ....In Stoke – L to Henlade
In Henlade L to Creech St Michael
To Rbout left over river
Keep right on to St Michael rd to Rbout – R
Left to Creech Heathfield
To T – R on to A361
Thru Lower Durston / East Lyng / Heading for Burrowbridge
At bridge left to Westonzoyland on riverside
Rd breaks right, take 1st left on Hoopers Ln
To T – R on Lakes Wall to Westonzoyland
1st left on Bull Horn Drove to T Left
2nd right on Park Wall drove to T – L
To A39 – R
1st R on to Bradney Ln to Bawdrip to A39 – R
1st left to Woolvington
R on Combe Ln
To X rd
Left on eight acre drove
To fork – L
Rd breaks right to X rd – str8
Rd breaks right to 2nd left river rd
To T junc –R
To T junc – L
To x rd – r to Mark
In Mark - L on Kinsway to Tamock to a38 – right thru hills
To left on Sidcot ln A371 to Windscombe
R on to Sandford Rd
Over A368
1st right on Sandymead Rd
4th left on Church Ln to King Rd to Brimsea Batch to Congresbury
In Congresbury to Rbout – R over bridge
Left on B1333 – smallway staying left at fork on to Frost Hill
Left on to High St
100 m – right on Claverham rd to Claverham
To T Junc - R to Claverham.
To X rd left on high st staying right at fork on to Brockley Way
To T junc – R
To T junc – L then 1st right on Chelvey Ln
To T – R on Chelvey Rd to west town on to A370 thru Backwell
After Flax Bourton (400m) look for rd on left – if access walk ?
To Old Western Rd to T - T then L on to Weston Rd

If not exit on to b3130 Clevedon Rd
To Rbout - R to Weston rd

To Long Ashton to X rd – str8 into Ashton Court Estate
1st left snap back up hill
Top of hill to x rd – str8 to Clifton bridge
Over bridge 1st left bordering Clifton down – (staying high)
Joins Clifton rd – keep left
Joins valley rd – R then immediate left on to Ladies Mile on Westbury Park
To T on stoke Rd – R to fork Left to Rbout
Str8 onto Redland Hill
To X rd
Left on to Redland rd
Right on to Coldharbour rd
Str8 1 mile this bit to visit my sister
Right on Bishops Rd
Left into FentonR

Back to Redland Hill at Rbout – R
At Fork – L on to Parrys Ln
Fork – L on to Cross Elms Ln
Rd bears R on to Shirehampton Rd
XRd with Sylvan Rd – Str8
On to B4054 Xrd – Str8

on to Kings Weston Rd
L on to Hallen Rd – to Hallen under M5 and M49
Into Severn Rd
On to A403 under Mway to Mway – find cycle path
Maybe Right to Aust

to Aust services and follow the cycle path over the old Severn Bridge.
At M48 J 2 take cyclepath under motorway to Chepstow
follow A466 through the Wye Valley to Monmouth.
On A466 thru Monmouth to Wormelow (long way)

L on to A438 to Much Dewchurch
Fork – R
Fork -R
Fork – R to Callow / Haywood
At T – L
To T – R on A465
To Rbout on to Belmont Rd
L on to A49 over river
To X Rd with A438 – L on to Eign St
2K go right on A4110 to Three Elms Rd
At 3 Elms Str8 at X Rd
Thru Canon Pyon / BushBank to Knapton
Thru Knapton – 2K fork – R
To A44 – R then L
To Shireheath to Mortimer Cross
To Amestry / WIgmore – Hill Coming !!!!!
To Adfonton – Fork – R to Leinthwardine

Thru Marlow to T – R to Clungunford/Broome/Longmeadow End
R to Craven Arms
L on A49 to Strefford/Upper Affcot
Left Fork to little Stretton/church Stretton/all stretton
Next right over A49 str8 to Frodesley
At Frodesley L to Condover
T – R to Condover to A 49 to Shrewsbury
Left on Lower Pulley ln into Pulley Ln – at T right to A49
A49 L to Rbout
2nd exit Roman Rd/Hereford rd B4380
R fork into town centre
Over river to T
Left over bridge str8 along Town Walls A458
To T Left
To X rd – R along Smithfield Rd – Then keep left up Coton Hill
L to Berwick/Cross Green
R fork to Bomere Heath
Merrington
Webscott
Myddle
Onto A528 left
R to Loppington to T right to Wem
1st L to Highfields – Road bears Left to Waterloo
X Rd Str8 to T / Fork - R
Left to Whixhall
In Whixhall str8 to Welsh End
At X rd R to Hollinwood to R fork to T – R to Tilstock
To Rbout - Str8 into Whitchurch on Tilstock Rd
To Sedeford B5395 – L
To Fork - L on Dodington into Newtown to T
Right on Yardington to T
Right then first left on Claypit/Alport Rd

Fork go R
To Mile bank towards Osmere
At Fork – L to 3 way junction – R on Hollins Lane
To T – L to Marbury cum Quoesley
Road bears left to McQ
To Fork - R on School Ln
Over Shroppy canal
To Right turn on Gauntons Bank
To T – L on Lower Hall Rd
To X Rd – R on Holridge Ln
To X Rd – L on Wrenbury Rd
To 3 way junction – L
To A49 – R to Ridley

Ridley
Spurstow

To Tarporley to junction A49/A51
Str8
Into Eaton Ln – X Rd - Str8
To T – R to Eaton
Road bears to Left to X Rd – R
Left on to Eaton Ln
R on to Beech Ln to X Rd
Str8 to Oulton
2nd L on Park Rd – Fork- R
X Rd – Str8 to Foxwist Green
Over A54
Road bears right on to Clay Ln
To Foxwist
3rd X Rd – L on Dalefords Ln (maybe Sandy Ln)
Fork – R on to Dalefords Ln
towards Sandiway/Cuddington
to X Rd with A556 – Str8 to Sandiway
to Fork – R on Weaverham Rd to X Rd – Str8
to Fork – R to Gorstage
to T – L
20 m – R on West Rd - pass Stn Rd and stay left
On to Sandy Lane to T – R on to A49


To A49 – R to Warrington
Over M56 on London Rd
Through Stretton to Rbout 2nd exit
Rbout – 2nd exit
On A49 - v large Rbout – R following A49
Over bridge and Str8 to Rbout – 2nd exit to A49
Over M62
To Rbout bear L
Fork – R on A573
Right onto Goldborn Rd
Under M6 on A573
To T – R then L
To Rbout – Str8
Thru Goldborn
To T left on Ashton Rd
Take first Right on A573 (Wigan Rd)
To Abram / through Platbridge

On Platt St to Rbout – Str8
Fork - L
Follow A573 on Walthew Lane
Str8 into Warrington Rd
Rbout – L
Over river X rd - Str8
X Rd – Str8 on School Lane
X Rd – R
T – L
To Rbout - R
X Rd – Str8 to Rbout Str8 on to Bridgeman Terrace

Kenyon Rd/Mesnes Rd
Fork - L on Whitley Crescent to T
At T – R on Walter Scott Ave to A49 – L
Stay left at fork on A49 to Standish on Wigan Rd
At Standish - Rbout – L on School Ln on A5209
At Xrd/T –R on Almond Brook Rd to Shevington Moor
R to Shev Moor
R on Old Pepper Ln
Left at T on Pepper Ln leads into Bournday Ln over M6
To T – R On Mossy Lea Rd to Wrightington Bar To Heskin
to Eccelston
Out of Eccleston fork – R on Lydiate Ln to T with A581 – R
Left on Leyland Ln to Leyland to Rbout –left
on Schlesswig Way to R bout on to Flensburg Way
to R bout R to Farington to Rbout
Left on Croston Rd to T – L
First Right on to Brownedge Rd
2nd left to to Doodstone Nook
Fork – L on Watering Pool Ln
To T – L
On Carrwood Way
2nd Left to Old Tram Way
At fork - R on Old Tram Way over river
Str8 up park to Bushel Place
On Bushell Place L on to Ribblesdale Pl
Follow rd round to Right to Fishergate/Church St
Left 2nd Right on to Ringway
R 100 m to Left up Friargate
300 m take R on Moor Ln A5071 to A6 – stay on A6
AVOID USING CYCLE ROUTE – MANY BIG HILLS ON IT
Very Long Way

Thru Catterall / Bowgreave / Garstang
Over 2nd bridge take L on Park Hill Rd to T – R
To R bout – L on Crosston Rd to A6
Over A6 on Cockerham Rd (b5272)
Cockerham / Upper Thumham
Lower Thumham in to Lancaster on Ashton Rd -
R bout 2nd exit on South Rd on A6
Over bridge into Penny St/King St
Str8 China St/Bridge Ln/Cable St/Kingsway A683
On A683 / Caton Way to Sedbergh - Denny Beck / Caton / Claughton / Homby / Melling to T –
L to Turnsall / Nether burrow to T with A65
Left then 3rd R to Casterton on A683
Left fork follow A683 to Middleton
To Ingmire Hall
X Rd (A683) to Sedbergh
3rd left (2K) left on Ingmire Back Ln to Ingmire Hall
T – L
On A684 – 400 metres turn right up Slacks Lane
Slacks Ln to bear left on Howgill Ln into Fairmile Ln
Following M6 on other side and the river to cross over under m6
To T junc – R to Tebay
Into Tebay left on Orton Rd
Over R bout to Orton
At Fork – L
To T junc on W End Rd – L
Follow B6261 to the right up valley
under M6 to T junc – L
to A6 – R to Shap

Very long ride to Penrith

If A6 is busy

2 miles N of Shap go right to Sleagill
Under MWay then Left to Towcett
Thru Little Strickland – Fork - R
To Great Strickland
Fork – R to X
Str8 on to Airgyll Ln
Into Waterfalls Ln To T – R
To T – L to Clifton Dykes
Right on to Moor Lane – bears to Left in to Penrith
Over river to A66 – L
200 go right to Carleton Rd
To junction – Str8 to fork R
T - L
To A6 - R

Penrith Kings Street / Middle Gate / Strickland Gate
Road bears right to Scotland Rd
And out of Penrith

If A6 is busy --------

2 miles N of Penrith
To Rbout
2nd exit to X Rd
To T – R
To T – L
Under MWay
R to X Rd to Coltwaite
To X – to Monkcastle to X
To Burthwaite to T – R then L
To X to Scalegate Rd into Boundary Rd
To Rbout – 3rd exit onto Blackwell Rd
To A6 - L

Carleton/Carlisle

In Carlisle A6 is the London Rd into Botchergate
R on to Lowther St
R Warwick Rd
L Spencer St
Str8 to Georgian Way to R bout
Str8 to Stanwix Bank into Scotland Rd
As road widens L on to Park House Rd
Road bears to L on corner take 2nd right
Takes a right towards Todshills running alongside M6
X Rd Str8
To T junc - L
100 m – R
Over River to T – L
Over River into Scotland to Rbout - 3rd exit on to Glasgow Rd
Str8 1 mile – R to Gretna Green Stn
Under mototway to T – L
Thru Kirkpatrick Fleming
After Kirkpatrick Fleming
B7076 – follow NW (A74) motorway on the right
B7076 eventually is a T – R to Locherbie
2nd exit on Rbout – Str8
Passed Johnstonebridge eventually to a T – R
½ mile Fork – L
To Beatock
X rd – R Str8 to Rbout – 1st exit
Coatsgate / Nether Howecleuch
600 m - (if there is access to the right hand lane – take it)
Back on to B7076 to Rbout 3rd exit to A702
To Kirkton / Abington
To Rbout 2nd exit to B7078
Eventually to T – R under motorway to Rbout – L
Thru Happendon
Rbout – L under motorway to Rbout
Right on to B7078
Thru Lesmahogow to Rbout – R under motorway
To Rbout – L to Kirmuirhill/Blackwood
Thru Blackwood on Carlisle Rd
Under motorway to Rbout 2nd exit on B7078 to Strutherhill/Larkhall
On to A72 to Femiegair.
Fermiegair over bridge to Rbout – 3exit
To A72 to T - L
Onto A724 to Hamilton to HUGE Rbout
2nd exit – to Rbout Str8
Big Fork – L
On Blantyre Rd 2nd right
On to Russel St – into Glasgow Rd (A724)
Rbout – 2nd exit under big road
Rbout – Str8
Rbout thru Blantyre
1 mile – Left into Swan St
Str8 into Lightburn Rd
Str8 on to A724
1 mile Fork – R (Cambuslang Rd)
X rd – Str8 into Afton Ave (A749) – L
Into Swanston St – R in Poplin St
Along side park
Keep park on left
Top left of park find Greendyke St
From Greendyke St – L to river
Right on to A814 (before river) ? Clyde St – see map

Right on to Finnieston St to T – L
Onto Argyle St over river to X Rd – Str8
On to Dumbarton Rd TO Partick to RBout
Under bypass 2nd exit 20m T – Right
On South St 2 miles – R on Anniesland Rd to A814 – L
Onto Dumbarton Rd – L on Dock St –
100 M bears Right to A814
L on Glasgow Rd into Dumbarton Rd
Thru Old Kilpatrick to Rbout – 1st exit onto A82
Thru Milton
Take Left fork – Glasgow Rd (A814)
To Rbout – Str8
Over river
Right fork (A812) to and thru Renton
On Main St left on to Queens Drive
then immediate R on Main St
Str8 onto Luss Rd to Rbout – 1st exit
Rbout – R to Arden

Stay on A82 – pass a left (Glen Fruin Rd) leading to Auchenvennel
Take 2nd right to follow loch side
4th right to Luss to X rd – str8
To T – R to T with A82 - - R
Immediate L to follow A82 back on to A82
2 miles take 2nd right to loch side back on to A82
Thru Stuckgowan/ Ardlui/ Inveraman/ Crianlarich – L
To Inverherive / Tyndrum / Clifton
Bridge of Orchy / Altnafeadh / Glencoe / West Laroch
Druimarbin to Fort William to Rbout – str8
To Rbout – R on Belford Rd to Rbout - L
Onto North Rd – Left over bridge on A830
to Benavie B8004 – Muirshearlich
Gairlochy – Right over bridge 2nd Left
Follow Lochside – road bears hard left – follow road round loch side
On A82 – thru Altrua / LetterfinlaySouth Laggan / Laggan
To Fort Augustus to T
Right – to Glendoebeg and up a big hill
Whitebridge to fork Left to (A52) Foyers to Dores
This is Loch Ness Beach to Inverness
Thru Dores pass the left turn to Adourie take next right to T left
Thru Scaniport – B862 – R
On to Island Bank Rd
L on to Ness bank ------------ L on to Castle Rd
Str8 to Bank St ------------------ R to Friars Ln
L to Chapel St to R bout ---- 4th exit on A82
To R bout – left A9

If possible to come off bridge as it lands come off left to North Kessock
Main St into Oakleigh Rd into Millbank to R bout 1st exit
Back onto A9
R on B9161 to Bogallan at 500m Left to Tore.
Left to Rbout right on to A9
Over bridge to Rbout – R
Dalmore / Archagarron / Tomich / Kildary / Tain
Glen Morangie R over bridge
Proncyroy / Poles / Kirkton / Culmally / Golspie /
Brora / Lothbeg / Helmsdale / Navidale / ousdale
Newport / Dunbeath / Latheron /
Eventually to Wick arriving in Francis St
Onto Cliff Rd over bridge to centre of town
Left on High st to x rd – Str8 on to George St
Rd bears left on to North Rd
Thru Ackergill to x rd
Right on A99 to golf club
Keiss / Nybster / Fresick / JoG!!!!!!

Hooraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah