Saturday 12th July

Hurray! I have finally got internet access in Thurso Library. I must at this stage make an apology for those of you who can seek out and find all the grammatical errors. These blog entries are sometimes written in less than perfect conditions. Also halfway through entering the last few entries in Thurso Library it decided to close and the computer suddenly went dead! We searched the streets of Thurso and found internet access again in a newsagents. As you will see there are no photos for the last week or so. They will be added in the more conducive surroundings of home when we eventually get there.
The final data of our journey is Lands End to John O’Groats in 14 days and 1,006 miles.

Friday 11th July

Last night we discussed our final push for John O’Groats. Considering that we were all tiring and the cycling had become less pleasant we decided to do the final miles in one direct push up the north east coast. When we made our usual early start, it was not raining but we had to contend with head winds. As all cyclists know one of the most frustrating aspects of cycling into a head wind is that you do not get the full benefit of the down hill bits when you can rest. We travelled up The A9, which was now quieter, up the coast to Helmsdale where we had our first rest stop. The caravan had been left at Dornoch for the team to return to at the end of the day. After this rest we had a long hard climb just north of Helmsdale which together with the head wind and our fatigue made for some hard cycling. A further climb was encountered at Berriedale. Shortly after this we made an uneventful ride on the A99 to John O’Groats. The celebratory champagne was drunk and photos taken. Geoff & Marian then went on their way for a one week holiday in the north of Scotland whilst the rest of the party returned for the final overnight stop at Dornoch. They would then travel home during Saturday.
Miles today = 79.5 These were hard miles too!

Thursday 10th July

Raining from the start. Left a very cloudy bleak Fort Augustus. Cycled along the shore of Loch Ness. The water looked very cold and sinister. If there is such a thing as a current day monster I’m sure this Loch would certainly be high on its priorities for a home! On through the loch-side town of Invermoriston and then headed away from the water at Drumnadrochit. The road from here to Beauly gave us probably the steepest climb of the trip so far and was made worse by rain and northerly winds. An hours rest stop gave us chance to effect some road-side bike repairs and warm up. Still in the same weather conditions we cycled through Muir of Ord, Conon Bridge, Dingwall, shortly after which we joined the A9, the main road north. This made the cycling unpleasant with speeding traffic and lorries especially, giving us little clearance. This part of our journey gave us more spectacular scenery but little choice of route. Whilst this made the navigating easier it did mean we had to put up with traffic conditions. We cycled on by-passing Alness, Tain and over the long road bridge across the Dornoch Firth. We eventually found our campsite after a little mishap with the booking on our part which meant Marian using the local tourist office. Due to our late arrival at the site and the difficulty in erecting the awning it was decided to walk into the delightful town of Dornoch (definitely worth a visit if you are in the area) to search out a pub.

Miles today = 75 This has been out most unpleasant days cycling so far. But the pub meal at the end of it made up for it.

Wednesday 9th July

Fairly level cycling today. Early on we traversed a Victorian iron bridge at Connel. Most of today we were cycling along loch-side roads which gave spectacular views. Unfortunately the wind had changed to a northerly so we found ourselves often having to pedal hard down the minor hills we came across. Now that we have Marian with us she is able to get better access to shops than the wagon and caravan can. Consequently our supply of mid-day food has improved. We are all beginning to tire and various parts of our anatomy are getting sore. This makes us sometimes a little inpatient with each other but we realise this would happen and it is not getting out of hand. Also that light at the end of the tunnel is just around the corner so our perseverance is good. We passed through Fort William and eventually found our campsite at Fort Augustus on the shores of Loch Ness. We all hope we sleep well tonight!
Miles today = 81.

Tuesday 8th July

Our usual 7 am early start is doing us well as we are able to get some miles under our belt whilst the traffic is relatively quiet. We had a climb out of Balloch on the shores of Loch Lomond over to Helensburgh. We then cycled along the shores of Loch Gare to Faslane where the Navy’s Nuclear Submarine base is located. We did not see much just a very secure perimeter fence! On through Garelochhead, with our first hour rest stop at Arrochar. We had a steep hill climb up what is known as the “Rest and Be Thankful”, what a wonderful name. We all succeeded but when we got to the top nature decided we needed a wash and it started to rain. It soon stopped and we made our way down to Inveraray. As we climbed out of this very popular town the rain started again and this time heavily. We got very wet again but our next rest stop was not far away. After this stop we got going without rain and we managed to dry out whilst cycling our way to Loch Awe. Our next campsite was at The Bridge at Awe just south of Taynuilt.
Miles today = 71

Mon 7th

Set off as usual down from hill farm campsite & back on the A7071 in Abington. Again this road was quiet and we made good progress. In no time we were in the out-skirts of Glasgow. Had our first rest stop near the race course in Hamilton. After this we cycled further towards the city centre and met up with the River Clyde Cycle Route in Uddingston. This cycle path took us all along the Clyde towards the city centre and out again via the old city docks to Dunbarton. It was very interesting cycling through the more industrial parts of Glasgow that has now, like many other city centres, been re-developed. Our second stop was at a city centre pub. It wound have been un-wise to try and meet up with the caravan in Glasgow city centre. We exited Glasgow still on the cycle path to Dunbarton and the further north to our campsite near Loch Lomond.
Miles today = 68

Sun 6th

Off early and back on the A6 again. We got to Carlisle quickly and because it was early on a Sunday morning we were in and out in no time. Came out of Carlisle on the A7 and were soon in Longtown and over the boarder into Scotland at Gretna Green. Navigation then became very easy as we followed the old main road from Gretna Green to Glasgow. This has now been replaced by the A74M. The old road runs alongside this motorway and is extremely quiet. We eventually arrived at our campsite in the hills near Abington and were greeted with the arrival of Geoff’s better half, Marian. Not only had she come along to help out with the cooking now that the Bell Ringing food supply had ceased, but she also helped Motor Mike erect the awning before our arrival. Seeing this already completed does wonders to our spirits as we arrive after a long days cycling.
Miles today = 80.

Sat 5th

Back on the A6 and managed to get in and out of Lancaster very easily. This was probably due to being there at 8:00 am. As we were progressing well we decided to continue our affair with the A6 and cycle up the long “Shap Hill”. We had an hours rest stop prior to embarking on this task which was just as well as after we started in rained heavily and continued to do so until we had descended the other side into Penrith. After much map reading we eventually found our campsite in the little village of Great Salkeld. This was our most rural and basic site so far. The food was provided by another Bell Ringer and his family and was up to the very high standard that has been provided by these very generous people. Thank you, all of you. Your efforts are crucial to ours.
Miles today = 65.

Friday 4th

We anticipated that today was going to be difficult as we had to cycle through the Liverpool / Manchester metropolis. We had a good quick early run to Frodsham which is where the problems started to occur. Trying to follow either Ordinance Survey Maps or signed cycle routes was very difficult. We ended up using mainly the former and using common sense. We could see the Runcorn bridge over the Mersey from some way out so headed for this landmark. We got over this bridge Ok and then cycled along the St Helen’s canal and up through Widnes, Burton-in-Wood, and on to Ecclestone. We eventually got ourselves on the old main road called the A6. This proved to be fairly quiet so we altered our route accordingly. We then made very good progress and got through Preston fairly well. Our nest stop was at Cabus near Garstang in Lancashire. The food tonight was kindly provided by relatives and someone back at Martock. They know who they are and we give them all a heart-felt thank you for their efforts. After dinner we reviewed the coming days route and decided to keep to the A6 as it had proved successful thus far.
Miles today = 74. The average was the lowest so far which was to be expected considering all the urban navigating through a lot of traffic.

Thursday 3rd July 2008.

Last night at the campsite we met a local man at the pub we visited who was very helpful and gave us some useful advice about our route. Some hills were saved. Our route took us through Bishop’s Castle, Minsterley, Coedway, Kinnerly, Knockin, Grimpo, Tetchell, Ellesmere, Penley, Threapwood, Malpas, Hampton Heath, Peckforton, Beeston and finally to out campsite near Tarporley. Events today included our first puncture, some crank problems that involved several stops for roadside maintenance. On arrival at our campsite we were delighted to see Geoff & Kathleen Mountjoy from Martock. Note only had they come all that way to supply us with some excellent food but they had also helped erect the caravan awning. A big thank you to you both.
Miles today = 79 together with our highest average speed so far.

Wednesday 2nd July 2008

Most mornings Rev Trev has held a short prayer meeting for those wish. Left campsite at Dingestow at 07:15 and straight into several largish very steep hills. This topography of South East Wales was none too popular with most of the team especially first thing in the morning. Anyway we all persevered and eventually crossed the boarder back into England near Ewyas Harold (see photo). We cycled steadily north through the English / Welsh Boarders. This is a very green area and very quiet with only local traffic to contend with. Most of our cycling during this period was on minor roads. Many apple orchards were passed. The weather today was more overcast but initially dry. By mid afternoon thunder, lightening and heavy rain set in. This was the first time we have cycled in rain whilst on LEJOG but having done so many times in training it produced us no problems. It did however increase the concentration on the cycling with the last 10 miles done at a cracking pace. Today was also a first in that we put the awning up not only in record time but also in the rain. By the time it was up the rain stopped and the sun came out. This, for a time, helped dry out some wet gear. Tonight’s meal was kindly provided by Dave’s daughter which we brought with is yesterday. One hears that often during camping food takes on a rather basic format. This cannot be said for us. The food provided thus far has been excellent and keenly devoured by us all. Often we are fighting over the seconds!
Miles today = 64. With the early hills this has been perhaps our hardest days cycling. Motor Mike continues to get the caravan where and when we want it. We do though hear him cussing the “Sat-Nav”. We think he will resort back to the map in good old paper form. As I write the rain has started again and has that rather steady sound to it. We will wake tomorrow hoping it has stopped!

Tuesday 1st July 2008.

Apologies for those that have been reading this blog for the lack of entries. Internet access has proved more difficult than anticipated.
Met at DT 06:30. Taken back to Othery in vehicle. Off at 07:30, Pedwell, Shapwick, Westhay, Wedmore, Cheddar and hour stop in layby on main road above Axbridge. Fortunately the cycle path to Winscombe came off this layby, took this on old disused Railway, through very old tunnel and straight through Winscombe and Sandford. This was a delightful path and very easy to cycle. Then back roads to Congesbury, Yatton and outskirts of Clevedon. From here cycled the edge of the Gordano valley along virtually beneath the raised section of M5. Very quiet road good cycling.
Dropped down into Pill to get onto cycle path over the M5 Avonmouth bridge. Then met up with DT’s brother in law who supplied refreshments. Then cycled on through industrial Avonmouth and eventually to the services on the English side of the Old Severn Motorwar suspension bridge. Took an hours refreshment stop with the caravan here. Cycled on the M4 severn bridge cycle path to Chepstow. After Chepstow Racecourse hit off right up some long steep hills to Devauden, Micheljoy and then finally Dingestow. Meal provided by a lovely lady from St Edmunds Church Crickhowell. Again we ate extremely well. We are so lucky to have these very generous people providing sustenance for us.

Monday 30th June 2008

Off early again at 07:10 hours from Bridestowe. Weather good. Cycled to Okehampton and through small Devon villages of Sticklepath, South Tawton, Spreyton, Hillerton, Colebrook and Crediton where we had an hours stop. There were then more delightful Devon lanes before arriving at Collumpton. We had another hours rest near Appledore and then crossed into Somerset just south of Wellington. Taunton was the first big town that had to be negotiated and we emerged safely at Henlade and Creech St Michael. Dave's daughter and grand daughters came to wave us on at Burrow bridge and we finished todays trip at Othery. We travelled back to Martock in the truck and caravan where we look forward to a home bed and a greater degree of rest.
Miles today 77 which is nearer to what will be required during the coming days.