Lands End To John O'Groats: The Best Route

There’s nothing more exciting than taking your bike on a new cycle route. What better way to see the sights and experience them all than by visiting different parts of the UK on your way up to the very peak of Scotland.

It’s important to remember a journey like this takes plenty of training but with determination, the right bike, some hand plasters and some great friends, you’ll be good to go!

Keep reading below to find the best route from Lands End to John O’Groats as well as some much-loved sights and the average cycle time. We've got you covered!

The Journey

So, you’re about to start your journey, but which way do you go?

This route holds so many different pieces of history and character and some spots will even take you past the great northern seaside. There are some great places to stop off at so there’s no reason you can’t make this a long trip if you wanted to. 

Land's End

Since this is the best route from Land's End, this is where you’ll start. If you’re not familiar with the area, you could take a trip to Long Rock Beach, Green Farm or take a delve into the Cornwall Underground Adventures. 

There’s plenty to see and do here, the water would be perfect during the summer months and the underground adventure would be a great way to get some shade. Why not book a hotel and explore the local area before setting off! 

Average cycle time (Lands End to Three burrows) - 2 Hours 56 minutes

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Three burrows

Your next stop on your journey is Three Burrows. If you’re looking to do some sightseeing here, why not visit St. Agnes Heritage Coast and take a look at the incredible waters? Or maybe delve into some skating at the Mount Hawke Skatepark.

The St. Agnes Heritage Coast house some hillside trails above sheltered coves so you’re able to happily and comfortably explore the area without fear of getting wet in the bad weather (that’s if you’re not there in the summer sun)

Average cycle time (Three Burrows to Bodmin) - 2 Hours 57 Minutes

Bodmin

Your third destination is going to be Bodmin. Bodmin is found in the South-west of England in Cornwall. If you’re wanting to make a pit stop here, you could visit the Bodmin Jail attraction, Lanhydrock and Bodmin Keep. 

Lanhydrock is an ornate Victorian county house and estate and is owned by the national trust. This house stands in the extensive grounds of the River Fowey and has been in the care of the National Trust since 1953.

Average cycle time (Bodmin to Lifton) - 2 Hours 19 Minutes

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Lifton

Next stop, Lifton! This village is located in Devon and is part of the electoral ward of Thrushel with a population of only 1,180.  If you’re wanting to stop off here, you could visit Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre and Roadford lake.

The Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre is owned by a charity to help preserve original fairground equipment, art and rides in hopes future generations will be able to understand and appreciate the part fairgrounds have played in past generations and society.

Average cycle time (Lifton to Crediton) - 3 hours 26 minutes

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Crediton

Next, you’re going to stop off in Crediton. This town is located in mid-Devon and has a population of between 8,000 to 9,000. If you’re wanting to make a stop here, you could visit Libbets Well, Crediton Museum or the Shrine of St. Boniface. 

The Shrine of St. Boniface is located in the Fulda Cathedral. It’s the foreigner abbey church of Fulda Abbey and is the final resting place of Saint Boniface. Saint Boniface was born in Crediton and was made Archbishop of Mainz by Pope Gregory III. 

Average cycle time (Crediton to Bridgewater) - 4 hours 45 minutes

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Bridgewater

Your next stop is going to be Bridgewater, this is a large historic market town in Somerset and has a population of over 35,000. Some great sites to visit here are the Blake Museum, Somerset Brick and Tile Museum and Hestercome House and Gardens.

The Hestercombe Estate dates back to the 11th Century (at least) when it was owned by Glastonbury Abbey. The manor house was added on in the 16th century for the Warre family and then further additions to the building were added on in the 18th Century. 

Average cycle time (Bridgewater to Thornbury) - 4 hours 13 minutes

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Thornbury 

Thornby will be your next stop and is located in West Northamptonshire. Thornbury houses a manor house and has less than 200 people in its town. If you want to stop here, you could visit the Mini Meadows Farm, Jurassic Way (great for cycling) and the Icarus Falconry. 

The Icarus Falconry has been open since 2002, hosting falconry taster sessions, vulture and eagle experiences and photographic workshops. This would be a great chance to learn some new skills and experience some incredible wildlife. 

Average cycle time (Thornbury to Glouster) - 2 hours 12 minutes 

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Gloucester 

Located in the west of England, your next stop will be Gloucester. This city is known for its 11th-century cathedral and houses the tomb of King Edward II. If you want to take a trip around this city, you could visit Gloucester Cathedral, The Museum of Gloucester and The National Waterways Museum. 

Gloucester Cathedral is a well-known cathedral housed in the west of England. This location has been used on various films sets, the most popular being three of the Harry Potter films (The Philosopher's Stone, The Chamber Of Secrets and The Half-Blood Prince).

Average cycle time (Gloucester to Rugby) - 5 hours 50 minutes 

Rugby

Rugby is a market town in Eastern Warwickshire, situated close to the River Avon and is the second most populated town in Warwickshire. If you’re looking to make a pit stop here, you can visit attractions like Rugby Art Gallery and Museum and Caldecott Park.

Rugby Art Gallery and Museum is housed in central Rugby and the building itself houses the gallery, museum and a library. Here you’ll be able to see the work of various local artists. 

Average cycle time (Rugby to Leicester) - 2 hours 12 minutes 

Leicester  

Your next stop is going to be Leicester. This city is located in the East Midlands and has some great history surrounding Leicester Castle. If you want to make a stop here, you could visit the National Space Centre or Leicester Museum and Art Gallery.

The National Space Centre is a museum and educational resource which teaches others about space and astronomy and works in partnership with Leicester University. 

Average cycle time (Leicester to Croxton Kerrial) - 2 hours 23 minutes 

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Croxton Kerrial

Next on your cycling journey is Croxton Kerrial. This village is in the county of Leicestershire and houses a population of just above 500. When stopping off here, you could visit St Michael and All Angels church, Belvoir Castle or Harlaxton Manor.

Harlaxton Manor is a Victorian country house built originally for Gregory Gregory who was a local squire and businessman. This manor was built by the two leading architects of the victorian era, Anthony Salvin and William Burn. 

Average cycle time (Croxton Kerrial to Bradholme) - 3 hours

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Broadholme

Your next location is going to be Broadholme in Lincolnshire, just five miles west of the city of Lincoln. If you want to make a pit stop here, you could visit the Fledborough Viaduct or the Old Railway Path.

Since you’re here on a cycling trip, the Old Railway Path would be the ideal spot. This is - you guessed it - an old railway line now converted into a path intended for cycling. You can find sections of different seats made from old railway sleepers. 

Average cycle time (Bradholme to Epworth) - 2 hours 

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Epworth

Next on your impressive cycling journey is going to be Epworth. This is a town located in East Lincolnshire and houses around 3.7K people. If you want to visit some great places here, you could try the Old Rectory or the Trolleybus Museum. 

The Trolleybus Museum specialises in the preservation of old Trolleybuses, these are old electric buses that draw power from the overhead cables for the electrical circuit. They’re similar to Trams. 

Average cycle time (Epworth to Selby) - 2 hours 

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Selby

Selby is going to be your next stop which is located in North Yorkshire, housing a population of around 14K people. If you want to take a journey around Selby you could visit Selbey Abbey, Selby Park or even let off some steam at Selby Bowl which is a bowling alley. 

Selby Abbey is an Anglian Parish Church and is Grade 1 listed. This was originally designed by George Gilbert Scott in the 17th century. 

Average cycle time (Selby to Coxwold) - 3 hours 

Coxwold

Located in North Yorkshire, Coxwold is going to be the next stop on your trip. With a population of around 300, Coxwold is located within the North York Moors National Park. You could take a delve into Byland Abbey or Shandy Hall.

Byland Abbey is a ruined abbey and small village in North Yorkshire. This site was around in the 12th century and was one of the largest Cistercian orders in Britain. 

Average cycle time (Coxwold to Stockton-On-Tees) - 3 hours 

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Stockton-On-Tees

Your next stop is going to be Stockton-On-Tees, better known as just Stockton. This is located in County Durham and has a population of around 85K people. When you make a pit stop here, be sure to visit the Middlesborough Institute of Modern Art, Preston Park Museum Grounds or the Dorman Museum (or even all of them!)

The Dorman Museum specialises in local and social history in Middlesborough and is one of two museums operated by the local council (alongside the Captain Cook Birthplace). You’ll be able to see galleries such as ‘Earth In Space’ and ‘20th Century Woman’  

Average cycle time (Stockton-On-Tees to Whitburn) - 2 hours 53 Minutes

Whitburn

Whitburn is going to be your next stop. This is a small village in South Tyneside in Tyne And Wear. This village was once part of County Durham which is where your previous stop (Stockton-On-Tees) resides. If you want to stop here, you could visit Seaburn Beach or the National Trust Souter Lighthouse. 

Souter Lighthouse, in its day, was the most technologically advanced lighthouse in the world. This lighthouse was originally designed and built to use alternating electric current and is a Grade II listed building. 

Average cycle time (Whitburn to Creswell) - 2 hours 30 Minutes

Cresswell

Located in Northumberland on the North Sea Coast, your next stop will be Cresswell. This village has a small population of just over 200 people and is just north of Ashington. When taking a trip around here, you might want to visit Pele Tower or Cresswell Beach.

Pele Tower was built between 1350 and 1600 and is a set of miniature castles built as a defensible retreat against attacks from the Border Reivers, raiders and robbers. Due to renovation projects, this landmark is open to the public as well as for filming. 

Average cycle time (Cresswell to Bamburgh) - 2 hours 50 Minutes

Bamburgh

Bamburgh will be your next stop. This is a village located on the coast of Northumberland and houses a decreasing population of around 400 people. When stopping off here, you could visit Bamburgh Castle or the Grace Darling Museum.

Bamburgh Castle is a Grade I listed building built in the 11th century. The original owners of the castle were the Armstrong family and the castle has remained theirs since 1894. 

Average cycle time (Bamburgh to Berwick-Upon-Tweed) - 2 hours 

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Berwick-upon-tweed

Your next stop is going to be Berwick-Upon-Tweed. This is a town in Northumberland, located around 2 miles south of the Scottish border connecting to England. When making a pit stop here, you could visit Berwick-upon-Tweed Castle and Ramparts, the Barracks and Main Guard or the Berwick Museum and Art Gallery. 

Berwick-upon-Tweed Castle and Ramparts are the remains of a medieval castle that was crucial the Anglo-Scottish warfare. This castle was commissioned by the Scottish King David I in the 1120s. This castle was then taken by the English under the terms of the Treaty Of Falaise in 1175.

Average cycle time (Berwick-Upon-Tweed to Broxburn) - 6 hours 

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Broxburn

You’re finally in Scotland! The next leg of your journey will be landing in Broxburn, Scotland. This town is located in West Lothian, around 12 miles away from Edinburgh and 5 miles from Edinburgh airport. If you want some great places to visit here, try Forth Bridge or Niddry Castle.

Niddry Castle is a 16th-century tower house near Winchburgh. This castle once belonged to the Hope family who had it passed to them around 1680. The family, at the time, were granted the additional title Baron Niddry in 1814. 

Average cycle time (Broxburn to Perth) - 3 hours 45 minutes 

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Perth

Next, you’re going to be taking a trip up to Perth in Scotland (not quite sunny Australia but incredible all the same). Perth is a city beside the River Tay and has an incredible history. If you want to take a delve into the history of this city, you could venture into Black Watch Castle and Museum or Huntingtower Castle. 

Huntingtower Castle was once known as Ruthven Castle or the Place of Ruthven. The castle's most famous visitor was Mary Queen of Scots who stayed in the castle in 1565 whilst on her honeymoon with Lord Darnley.

Average cycle time (Perth to Kingussie) - 5 hours 45 minutes 

Kingussie

This small town of Kingussie was historically in Inverness-shire and is going to be your next stop. When venturing into this small but beautiful town, you could visit the Ruthven Barracks or the Highland Wildlife Park and explore nature. 

The Ruthven Barracks was built by George II’s government around 1700, the remains are the best preserved of the four barracks. This site sits on top of an old castle mount and has a vast amount of history within its walls. 

Average cycle time (Kingussie to Inverness) - 4 hours

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Inverness

Your next stop is the well-known city of Inverness on the northeast coast of Scotland. This is the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands. When stopping off here, you could visit Inverness Castle or Ness Islands. 

Ness Islands are placed along the River Ness opposite Bught Park. The first bridges to the islands were built in 1828, before this, the only way onto the islands was by boat.

Average cycle time (Inverness to Larig) - 5 hours

Lairg

Next, you’ll be visiting the village of Lairg. This village is placed in Sutherland in Scotland and has a population of around 891 people. Here, you could visit Lock Loyal and the Falls Of Shin.

The Falls Of Shin are a popular tourist attraction in Lairg well known for its resident Salmon jumping through the water upstream. Here, you can find mini-golf, a restaurant, a gift shop and plenty more. 

Average cycle time (Larig to Bettyhill) - 4 hours

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Bettyhill

Bettyhill will be your penultimate stop which is located in the parish of Farr. This village is in the Scottish Highlands along the north coast. When taking a trip around here you could visit Brove Castle and Strathnaver Museum.

Brove Castle, also known as Castle Wearie and, if you’re fluent in Scottish Gaelic (or have a flair for languages), Caisteal Bhuirgh. This is a 14th-century castle and the site now holds the remains of the once beautiful building. This castle became a scheduled monument in 1993.

Average cycle time (Bettyhill to John O’Groats) - 4 hours

John O’Groats

You’ve made it! You’re finally at your destination and you’ve reached John O’Groats. This is a village just northeast of Canisbay and is popular with tourists. Since you’re at the final leg of the journey, why not take a well-earned break and explore all the area has to offer. You could take a local driving tour of Caithness, embark on a wildlife cruise or even head to the Orkney Islands for a day trip.The Orkney Islands have a day tour which you can start by Ferry. Here you can see the Standing Stones, a beautiful storage village and an incredible Italian Chapel.

Last Minute Cycling Tips

We couldn't just leave you here, before you head off, we wanted to share some of our best last-minute handy cycling tips you can take with you on your trip!

• Plasters - It's inevitable you'll end up with sore feet and hands at some point, take some blasters along to help ease the pain! 
• Lights and reflective gear - On such a long journey there's a good chance you'll be cycling at night, so make sure you're all ready to go with some safety lights and reflective clothing! 
• First-Aid kit - Scrapes and bruises are part of the process, so save yourself from an infected cut by bringing a small first-aid kit with you. They can fit neatly into a bag and can go anywhere with you.
• Tell a friend - If you're planning to cycle alone, tell a friend where you're going, give them your route and don't forget to check in at each stop. You could also share your location with your friend so they can make sure you're safe! 
• Check your bike - Before any long trip (including road riding or mountain riding), it's important to check your brakes, handlebars and other bike features work properly. This will save you from injury. 
• Take breaks - Don't over exhaust yourself, take breaks where you feel they're needed and look after your body, don't push yourself too hard. It's important to remember this should be enjoyable!

After a long trip from Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands, you’ve got every right to take the train back! Remember to give yourself a well-earned break after such a long trip and let your body recover, we have a wide range of road bikes available as well as some great Dutch bikes and folding bikes!