My route

 

There are literally scores of different routes one can take when doing a LEJOG. The route I am taking between July 11th and August 10th is as follows: Land's End, Truro, Liskeard, Okehampton, Honiton, Street, Bristol, Cheltenham, Garway, Knighton, Malpas, Leigh. Burnley, Carnforth, Keswick, Gretna Green, Abington, Glasgow, Callander, Killin, Pitlochry, Aviemore, Inverness, Lairg, Kinbrace, Thurso, John O'Groats. 

There are several reasons I'm going this route: 1) It has been recommended in two good guide books and is well-cycled by thousands. 2) It's safer and more scenic: mostly on cyclepaths, quiet B roads, along canals and away from main roads. 3) I'm doing some small detours to stay with family (my elderly father in Okehampton, my son and family in Cheltenham, and with two order members in Garway). 

Covering 40-50 miles daily fits nicely into one month's ride. At the completion, I'll have covered around 1200 miles. The longest endurance ride I have done by far! What I really, really look forward to most of all is simply being on the road in our varied and beautiful country. I know that Britain is amazing, and I'll get the opportunity to really see it properly and raise some money for the project in the process. Turning those pedals, the wind in my face, and the open road. Apart from meditating and being with friends, the place I'm most currently happiest in is on my bike. I simply love it! Also knowing that the cycling really helps the arthritis in my legs a lot is a double benefit. My legs are currently the strongest they have been over my whole life.

I have all my B&Bs booked up well in advance. It has cost me £1300 in accommodation for this ride, but it is worth it. It means I can cycle from 9am to 6pm daily. I'll have meditated and breakfasted at the B&B before my 9am start, with a sandwich on the road at lunchtime. I'll reach the B&B for around 6pm and have a shower, meal and do my blog in that order. Then bed for a decent sleep before doing it all again the next day! Every day will be different in terms of places passed, but my routine will stay the same throughout. 

I am taking overnight sleepers to and from each 'end'. A sleeper to Penzance, and a sleeper from Inverness to London Euston (having taken a local train from Thurso to Inverness). 

I'll be adding to this blog daily during the ride - mostly with videos. You can keep up with me daily!