Celebrations

Once the photos and signing of the end to end book we were treated to cake and a nice meal. What next? Well first some well earned rest and relaxation, and then we'll see!

We Made It

Eventually we got there, arriving to a frenzy of media attention (okay mum, David, Sarah, Sue and Dave). 1026 miles since beginning in Lands End 12 days ago.

Nearly There

As we headed east towards John O'Groats the weather closed in again bringing the cold and rain with it. This made the last few miles hard work and very uncomfortable.

Icecream

Even in the cold and wet you can always find time for icecream! Even if it is sheltering in a bus shelter.

The Strath

Again the weather was cold and wet as we headed out. What happened to the summer weather we had all hoped for? As we headed up the Strath, a beautiful untouched area of land, the weather did brighten a little.

Day 12 - The Final Leg

The final day saw sandwich production go into full swing in preparation for our push up the Strath before, heading across the north coast to John O'Groats.

The Night Before

The end of day 11 was to be spent in Helmsdale. On route we stopped in Tain for lunch and paused outside Dunrobin castle for Sian to pose for this picture. Once in Helmsdale we were treated to a fish and chips supper at La Mirage, where we got the largest portions of fish and chips we had ever seen. We stopped in the local Spar to pick up supplies for the final day's breakfast and lunch.

Another ferry

Heading across the Black Isle we reached Cromarty where we boarded a ferry for a quick trip across to the other side where we continued our trek north with the end nearly in sight.

Day 11

On leaving the hostel Inverness continued to provide grey skies and cold weather, however as we headed across the Black Isle the skies brightened and we soon found the layers being peeled off and sun cream being applied.

Still Loch Ness

It seemed liked forever that we had Loch Ness on our right as we headed for Inverness. We eventually reached the end at the aptly named Loch End. We then enjoyed a nice long downhill swoop into Inverness. We arrived at the hostel had been invaded by 3 coach loads of kids. We ordered a take away and then struggled to locate some dishes and eating irons to enjoy our spoils.

Strange Signs!

Who came up with this road sign?

Loch Ness

Our trip along Loch Ness began at Fort Augustus where we stopped for a late lunch on route to Inverness. After our jacket potatos we headed off along the north shore. Had the weather been better we would have taken the southern shore for better views and reduced traffic.

Day 10

Today saw us heading north east to Inverness taking in Ben Nevis and Loch Ness. With a shorter day than the two previous ones we were hoping for some good weather to allow up to stop and take in the views. Initial signs were positive but things gradually turned cold and grey with a horrid northerly wind, which at times required up to pedal just to keep moving downhill!

Weary Travellers

With the weather tiring up out we had to look to each other for support. Over 12 long and gruelling hours after setting out we finally reached the YHA in Glencoe.

Scottish Weather

The wind and rain continued for most of the day. Occasional blue patches of sky could be spotted in the distance but never near enough for us to reach.

Day 9

Another long day law ahead of us today. First we had to make sure we caught the 8:15 ferry across to the mainland. Upon landing we came across a field of hairy cattle. We then had a trek of 96 miles to reach our next destination. The weather was not so nice today, and could easily be described as Scottish (wet and windy)!

End of day 8

After our trek across the island we reached the YHA. And although tired from cycling 101 miles we took a moment to savour the view. We enjoyed dinner at one of the local hotels and sampled some whiskey from the island's distillary (yes, even Sian).

The Scottish Weather Shines

The weather was a big factor in us making the time we did. It was especially good considering the forecast was for rain. We made it to Aaran and the good weather continued to shine in this beautiful area of Scotland. From our landing point we had to trek 16 miles north to reach our end point for the day, with a 2 mile climb over the hills in the middle.

Day 8

Today sees the group set with two challenges. Challenge 1 is our longest day with around 100 miles of cycling. Challenge 2 was one of time, with the group having to make it to Ardrossen in time to catch the last ferry at 6pm. This called for an early start and for the group to raise their pace. Somehow we made the earlier sailing at 4:15 and the group boarded the ferry to Aaran.

Across the border

After our stop in Carlisle for lunch we continued our trek north. We crossed the border on our invasion of Scotland around 4pm and then headed off in search of our accommodation for the night. We're very grateful to Bill, Jenny and Rachel for putting us up for the night and feeding us so well.

Picturesque

Travelling through the lakes, we enjoyed the views. Today was probably the most picturesque day of the trip so far and we were able to appreciate it. Heading out of the lakes and down into Carlisle Owen broke the 50 barrier with a speed of 51.4 mph.

Day 7

Having reached halfway in the number of days as well as distance we met up with our third guest rider, Huw's friend Doug. We headed out into what was expected to be bad day with the weather. As it turned out the weather held all day.

Consigned to room 101

We made good time and arrived in Ambleside on the shore of Windemere just after 6pm. Checking into the YHA we were assigned room 101. After we had done some bike maintenance and got cleaned up, we headed out for some food. We ended up eating in a nice restaurant which turned out to be a vegetarian restaurant.

Welcome to the Lake District

There was a threat of showers predicted by the weathermen but fortunately we were able to avoid there all day. We were welcomed to the Lake District by the site of hills!

Day 6

Leaving St Helens we continued our trek north. The weather was good again and so we were able to make good time as we travelled along. We stopped for lunch in Garstang and attracted lots of attention from some local keen cyclists.

The end of day 5

Carrying on north we crossed the Runcorn bridge and passed where Sian used to go rowing. We kept on going until we reached out rest stop at the top of Owen Street. We were all glad of a dry day, at last.

The sun is shining

Continuing our way north the sun carried on shining. Who said the south gets the better weather!

Day 5 and more rain?

Day 5 saw up wake to more rain. After breakfast we headed out into the drizzle and began climbing out of the valley where the hostel was located. We altered the original route to stick to more major routes to remove some troublesome navigation and increase the pace. This saw us heading towards Shrewsbury. Reaching the top of the hill we stopped to remove our extra layers as the sun had come out. On the road down into Shrewsbury Owen set the group's top speed of 49.3 mph.

The long grind

We continued along some flat roads near the Wye. Heading north we were greeted by a sign welcoming us to the Shropshire Hills! Carrying on through the hills and rain, to reach our bed for the night at the YHA in Bridges just before 9pm.

More potty humour

We continued to wind our way back and forth across the border between Wales and England making our way north. The weather was changeable between rain and sun. On the road to Abbey Dore potty humour took over again on spotting a sign to Dicks Pitch. After picking ourselves up off the floor we continued on our way.

Day 4

Again we wake to grey skies and rain, with 90+ miles to do again today. We headed out into the pouring rain and through the rivers that had formed in the streets. There turned what would have been am exciting downhill into a brown trousers affair.

Our castle

Eventually we arrived at the YHA just before 9pm. After dumping our kit mum and David took up our for a hearty meal at the George. Day 3 was long and tough going , with up travelling through sun, rain, wind and hail, while covering over 90 miles.

The only way is up

Heading out of Bristol we picked up a cycle track and headed for the Severn Bridge. Crossing the bridge we were met by mum and David waving the Welsh flag. On the way to let our stop for the night we passed through Chepstow and after less than 3 miles we were back in England. The YHA in St Briavels is in the castle and this castle was on the top of a hill 7 miles away!

And into Bristol

Having climbed through the hills surrounding the Cheddar Gorge we diverted from our original route along the back roads onto the busier main roads to catch up some of the lost time. We crossed into Bristol via the swing bridge and then climbed up to the level of the Clifton suspension bridge.

Then came the weather

Approaching Cheddar the jack of energy causes the group to descend into "potty humour" as we passed Cocklake. Then the heavens opened. We took a short detour to have a look at Cheddar Gorge then cycled up over the hills towards Bristol.

Somerset Plains

Heading off with nice weather and flat roads we made good progress for the first hour or so after clearing Taunton.

The Big Breakfast

Day three began the same as day two! With a large breakfast. The group were pleased to see sunshine after the heavy downpour of the previous night.

Day two complete

After leaving Sara the weather continued to be unsure if it wanted to rain or shine (or possibly both at the same time). Navigation became more tricky as we ventured into areas with little or no sign posts. The last 6 miles ended up taking 90 minutes with map reading and grinding climbs. We were however rewarded with a 20% downward gradient hill just before we finished. Another 82 miles under our belts. Plenty of people came to visit this evening. Thank you Kate for the homemade flap jacks. Thank you Dave for playing chauffeur and taking us into Taunton in search of food. And finally to Sarah and family for dropping off our supplies package. Today saw us cross from Cornwall to Devon to Somerset. Tomorrow we change countries (well for about 3 miles).

Guest riders!

Progress was slower today due to taking the less direct route in order to avoid the traffic. On reaching Okehampton we met up with our first guest rider Lewis (Sian's friend Sara's dad). Using Lewis' local knowledge we fine tuned our route to avoid some of the worse hills in from our original route. After bidding farewell to Lewis 10 miles or so from Crediton we contined on to Creedy Bridge where we met up with Sara who cycled with us until just before Bradninch.

The not so nice start to the day

Coming out of the B&B we were greeted with the unwelcome site of a 12% gradient climb! Is this a sign of things to come?

The good start to day two

What a wonderful sight to feast our eyes and our bellies on. After a healthy breakfast we set off.

A bed for the night

Even with the problems we didn't arrive much later than originally planned. Our hosts at the Lynhers Farm B&B were very welcoming. After tea and cake, and a shower they generously gave us a lift to and from the nearest restaurant, the Racehorse Inn where we had a wonderful meal.

Our saviours

The team at Bodmin Bikes came to our rescue fitting a new rear mech hanger and rear mech. We were lucky to find then open as this was the first sunday they had done in 18 months.

It was all going so well and then disaster strikes

Having left Lands End later than planned, we were off to a flying start averaging 17 mph through the ups and downs of Cornwall. We had done over 40 miles and looking for somewhere to stop for lunch when disaster struck. Sian sort of just stopped and dragged her bike to the side of the road. Investigation revealed a broken rear mech hanger and a bent rear mech. Not something that can be resolved at the roadside even with Owen's experience! After locating an open bike shop 15 miles away Huw and Owen head off towards the shop while Sian waited for rescue by Sarah and Dave.

The Start. It's all uphill from here

The team gets together for the group photo at the Lands End sign post.

The night before.....

The trio finally make it to the start (almost) after their individual trips to Lands End. Meeting at Penzance train station and sheltering from a torrential down pour before heading off to the Youth Hostel. Settling in for a cosy nights rest after treking across fields for a fish and chip supper in the pouring rain. It all begins for real in the morning!