Lands End - JOG

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

Thinking of doing this in the summer....

Schedule:

1 Lands End - Minehead156 156
2 Minehead - Stratford 137 293
3 Stratford - Edale 103 396
4 Edale - Windemere 119 515
5 Windemere - Carlisle 42 557
6 Carlisle - Stirling 119 676
7 Stirling - Aviemore 113 789
8 Aviemore - JOG 152 941

The mileages are approximate and are based on quieter roads, and stopping at Youth Hostels (also family at Carlisle).

I know some of you have done this before.
Any comments / ideas please

[Stu Merckx Man]

not planning on riding back down the other side paul?

[kieran]

having never done it, heres my valued opinion:

you have left the 2nd longest leg for the last leg, when most tired?, up in Scotland through the highlands, how hilly will it be there? and also the weather?

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

[quote="kieran"]having never done it, heres my valued opinion:

you have left the 2nd longest leg for the last leg, when most tired?, up in Scotland through the highlands, how hilly will it be there? and also the weather?

[-Adam-]

Paul, stop being such a lightweight and drop day 5, and add it onto day 4!

I mean its not like your going to have to do anything at your relatives house is it. Then your there in 7 days, and not 1 week and a day. Sounds much better dont you think!?

Or, get the train

[Hal]

I did this many years ago on a fully loaded mountain bike by a similar back roads route over 16 days with my brother. We covered 1060 miles.

The toughest bit by far was day 1 and 2 where we followed the North Cornwall and Devon coast to the Severn bridge. Lots of short sharp climbs from fishing village/beach to cliff top. We were planning one day ahead, and found that we were getting fitter and fitter as the time went by. Our longest day was up in Scotland where the hills are longer but more suited to a long day out.

I would contemplate some shorter days earlier on and longer days on the flatter cenral england sections. I think you would have no problems doing this in 7 days, it does sound cooler.

Enjoy. Would love to do this again.

Hal

[CaroleH]

I've done this over a 2 week period. There is a book available which actually has the route (scenic but longer). If I can find it - you're welcome to borrow it. We did it the other way round. The first 3 days were dreadful. The weather was crap and particularly tough over the highlands (although for you Mr PVT - they're just mere tumps ) The rest of it was fantastic - would love to do it again and would recommend to anyone. Make sure you book a nice hotel along the way - see it as a nice treat!!!!

Carole H

[jon avery]

I've always wanted to do this but i have also been on a few rides with you Paul, somehow i think you may do it quicker than 7 days

[kieran]

I echo Adam's idea of skipping Carlisle, for your relatives sakes, don't they realise they'll probably be bored to tears with your stories of how the ride is going so far etc

Staying at youth hostels - make sure they all do an evening meal! You should be able to travel very light then (no need for sleeping bags any more) maybe arrange for a drop off/pick up at relatives?

Do a Crane brothers thing, saw your toothbrush in half or just use your finger, drill holes all over your bike etc

[Mike I]

I haven't done this either, but I'm not going to let that stop me from offering a few words of advice.

Your longest day is also the hilliest (see North Cornwall Tor thread). I'd suggest starting inTaunton.

Pack no more than three socks. Wash one each day and rotate them. Make sure they're white.