The Route

Probably the most difficult day will be the first with small, lumpy, Cornish roads which don't allow much time for long, fast cycling. But (hopefully) with the wind behind you and views of penzance and the coast fresh in your minds you will reach Tavistock in good time, looking forward to easier cycling over the next nine days!

Bedford Hotel
Plymouth Road
Tavistock
PL19 8BB
01822 892347

Today starts out with a climb over spectacular Dartmoor and a couple of the morning sections will be quite tough. However the ride flattens out during the afternoon as you cross the Somerset levels on some lovely, straight roads and arrive in Bristol at the end of the second longest day.

Bristol Airport Holiday Inn
A38 Bridgewater Road
Cowslip Green
BS40 5RB
01934 861123

This morning you cross into Wales via the Severn Bridge which could be windy but will certainly be fun. After five minutes in Wales you cross back into England via the forest of Dean and the rest of the day is spent cycling through the best of rural English countryside and a couple of lovely small market towns.

Ramada Kidderminster
Habberley Road
DY12
0844 8159033

Today has it's fair share of hills and undulations as you swap views of agricultural farm land for sweeping vistas across the Peak district. This combined with cycling to the edge of a big city at the end of the day reminds you how far you have cycled already!

Smokies Best Western
Ashton Road
Bardsley OL8 3
0161 7855000

Although this mornings cycling has nice, flat, fast stretches and some challenging hills, the highlight of the day will be the two stages after lunch when you cycle into the Yorkshire Dales and experience some lovely, undulating roads with good surfaces and wonderful views.

Appleby Manor
Roman Road, Appleby in Westmorland
Cumbria CA16 6JB
01768 351571

Today you cycle from England into Scotland, crossing the border before lunch. Your route takes you on some quiet, gentle, wonderful roads for cycling and if the weather is on your side, today could be one of the best cycling days of the trip.

Peebles Hydro
Innerleithan Road
Peebles EH45 8LX
01721 720602

Today's scenery is not the most inspiring as we skirt the edge of Edinburgh and head north into the final stages of your ride! However, the industrial landscape of Grangemouth makes for an interesting change and provides some quick, flat cycling. Today is short and less hilly than some of the other days. You should arrive in Kinross early!

Green Hotel
2 Muirs
Kinross KY13 8AS
01577 863467

The longest day in terms of mileage could also be one of the most spectacular. The countryside really opens up today with your route eventually taking you up into the Cairngorms, possibly the UK's most breathtaking mountains. As well as a couple of tough climbs, today has some of the best down hill sections so your efforts are amply rewarded!

Hilton Coylumbridge
Coylumbridge nr Aviemore
PH22 1QN
0131 2228703

The variety today is good passing through Inverness, crossing the Beauly Firth and ending up on the coast in the north east of Scotland. Tonight's hotel is stunning: right on the beach and you know that John O’Groats is only just around the corner.

Brora Marine Hotel (2 nights)
Golf Road, Brora
KW9 6QS
01408 621252

This is the shortest day of cycling but it also has a couple of the worst hills as we follow the coast road north to John O’Groats. The sea views of rugged cliffs and small hamlets are beautiful and before we know it we will have arrived at our destination.

You will be transferred back to our hotel in Brora in time to relax before the evening’s celebration dinner. Congratulations!