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Cycling Land's End to John o' Groats - Front Cover
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Cycling Land's End to John o' Groats

LEJOG end-to-end on quiet roads and traffic-free paths

A concise guide to cycling the length of Britain, from Land's End to John o' Groats (or vice versa). As well as describing an optimal safer route of around 1000 miles, there is helpful advice on how to get to and from the start and finish, accommodation options and facilities, plus tips on how to prepare for the challenge.

The eBook is also sold by Google Play Books, Apple Books, Amazon Kindle and Rakuten Kobo.

Available in Cicerone Outdoor Adventures app

Quick facts

  • Location: United Kingdom – from Cornwall to far north Scotland
  • Distance: ~1,000 miles / ~1,600 km end-to-end route
  • Typical duration: ~2 weeks (alternative 10–18 day schedules)
  • Start: Land’s End, Cornwall
  • End: John o’ Groats, Scotland
  • Route format: Linear long-distance cycle touring on quiet roads & traffic-free paths
  • Stages: 14 daily stages (~96–147 km / 60–92 miles each)
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging – requires reasonable fitness for long daily distances
  • Best season: March–October (longer days and better weather)

Detailed overview

Discover the iconic LEJOG journey as you cycle the length of Great Britain, from Land’s End, the wild tip of Cornwall, to the windswept cliffs of John o’ Groats in Scotland’s far north. Covering 1000 miles (1600km) and over 14,000m of ascent, this legendary route is a rite of passage for cyclists, threading together the country’s most diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes.

Designed for riders with reasonable fitness, LEJOG is accessible to anyone with determination, a love of adventure, and a willingness to take on a two-week challenge. The meticulously crafted Cicerone guidebook presents a safe, enjoyable, and rewarding ‘optimal’ route that links traffic-free paths and quiet roads, steering clear of busy trunk roads and city centres while keeping the journey direct and achievable.

The guidebook divides the route into 14 stages with alternative options through Central Scotland via Glasgow and the Trossachs (1046 miles/1675km) for those seeking a longer adventure.
Flexible schedules allow you to tailor your ride to the route’s 14 stages, whether you’re aiming for a brisk 10-day epic or a more leisurely exploration. Sample bustling harbourside at Fowey or the market-town charm of Aviemore; each stage offers a unique slice of Britain’s landscapes and local character.
Each stage begins and ends at locations offering a range of accommodation, including Land’s End, Clevedon, Garstang, Penrith, and Aviemore, as well as local services, with practical information on bike repairs, refreshments, and transport connections throughout.
Clear, linear maps at a 1:200,000 scale accompany detailed route descriptions, elevation profiles, and essential information for every stage. Downloadable GPX tracks are provided for both LEJOG and JOGLE riders, supporting digital navigation and adaptation to your personal itinerary.
Additional features include expert guidance on pre-trip training, invaluable load-lightening tips, and comprehensive logistics for getting you and your bike to the start at Land’s End and home from the finish at John o’ Groats.
Key highlights along the way include the wild beauty of Dartmoor, the lush Somerset Levels, the historic Severn Valley, the majestic Lake District, the untamed Cairngorms, and the haunting Flow Country.


Experience the challenge, camaraderie, and unforgettable scenery of Britain’s greatest cycling adventure. The definitive Cicerone guide puts it all at your fingertips.

Where and when to go

Seasons

Best ridden between March and October when the weather is better and the days are longer with late summer being preferred for those needing time to build their fitness.

Centres

Land's End, Penzance, Fowey, Crediton, Clevedon, Worcester, Nantwich, Garstang, Penrith, Moffat, South Queensferry, Pitlochry, Aviemore, Inverness, Lairg, Tongue, John o' Groats

Difficulty

Riding an average of 70 miles per day over 14 consecutive days clearly requires a reasonable level of fitness but it is well within the grasp of anyone of any age who is well-prepared. Alternative schedules are included for those wanting to ride faster - or slower.

Must See

The 'optimal' route for this classic ride, following quieter roads and traffic-free paths without much meandering. The route covers 1000 miles and can comfortably be completed in a fortnight. Passes through Dartmoor, the Somerset Levels, the Severn Valley, the Lake District, the Cairngorms and the remote Flow Country.

Which format is best for me?

Printed book

A guidebook with detailed route descriptions, stage breakdowns, accommodation listings, profiles and maps — everything you need on the trail.

ISBN9781786310255
AvailabilityPublished
Published13 May 2021
Reprinted14 August 2023
Weight 270g

eBook

The complete digital edition of the guidebook, with full route descriptions, accommodation listings, profiles and maps, ready to use on any device.

What is the Cicerone app?

The Cicerone App is your on-trail companion: GPS-enabled maps, route information and planning tools from our guidebooks, built for use on the move. Browse and buy guides directly in the app, then follow expert-curated routes, explore local landmarks and points of interest, and check facilities information as you go.

Find out more about the Cicerone App FAQs here, for further details.

Key features:

  • Expert-curated routes – Follow routes crafted by expert authors who know each area inside out.
  • Plan with confidence – Find detailed facilities information and discover local landmarks along the way.
  • Your adventure library, always with you – Access your purchased guides anytime and discover new adventures in our expanding digital collection, from local day walks to epic treks.

Get the app on the App Store or Google Play.

Please note: GPX files are downloaded separately and are designed for use in other mapping apps or GPS devices. They cannot be viewed within the Cicerone app.

Updates

  1. Updated

    Accommodation update

    The following B&Bs are closed - Ravenous Beastie and The Queens B&B both in South Queensferry)

Meet the author

Richard Barrett

Richard Barrett

View author

Richard Barrett spent his working life as a professional marketer, but still found time for climbing, winter mountaineering and sea kayaking. He first visited the Harris hills as a teenager and became a regular visitor. He lived in North Harris for a number of years, where he and his wife ran a guest house and, although now a city-dweller, he still makes frequent forays to the Hebrides, reconnecting with the wilderness and catching up with old friends.