About this trip.
Lockerbie to John O'Groats in eight days
426 miles and 21,317 feet of ascent, ridden over eight days from the Southern Uplands to the top of the Scottish mainland. This is stage two of Pedal Nation's full Land's End to John O'Groats route, sold as a standalone trip for riders who don't have a fortnight to spare for the whole of LEJOG, or who'd rather split Britain in half and tackle it twice. You meet the full LEJOG group in Lockerbie on day one and ride north with them.
The tour is officially called Le Jock — a play on LEJOG that you'll either find amusing or won't.
Through the Trossachs and over Rannoch Moor
The opening days are the gentlest. The Southern Uplands roll rather than rear up, and the scenery is pleasant rather than dramatic. After Glasgow — and a night in the city, which makes a welcome change of pace — the character of the ride shifts. The Trossachs are sometimes described as the Highlands in miniature, and on a bike that reads as steep, wooded, and properly Scottish.
The standout day comes when you crest Rannoch Moor and Buachaille Etive Mòr appears ahead — one of those mountains that genuinely lives up to its photographs. From there the route follows the Great Glen along the Caledonian Canal and past Loch Ness, before turning north to Bettyhill, where the white sands of the north coast arrive before John O'Groats itself. Wildlife to look out for includes golden eagles, red deer, otters and seals. The Loch Ness Monster is, as ever, less reliable.
How the days are run
Accommodation is twin-share on a bed and breakfast basis, in a mix of family-run hotels and good B&Bs. From 2026, Pedal Nation is moving the route entirely onto comfortable hotels — they say they'll be the first UK cycle tour operator to do so on this route — with secure bike storage and, where the summer months allow, air conditioning. The group is housed together each night when availability allows.
Lunches are put together by the support team and handed out from the van: sandwiches, pasties, easy bites from local bakeries, with cafés stepping in when the weather rules out eating outdoors. Evening meals aren't included and are usually eaten communally in whichever pub or restaurant the group has settled on, though no one minds if you'd rather slip away. The van carries water, fruit, bars and emergency gels; preferred sports nutrition you'll want to bring yourself.
Dates, prices and who it suits
Departures run 13–20 September 2026 and 12–19 September 2027, both at £1,295 per person sharing, with a £350 single supplement. The 2026 trip is led by Sean Bolland and Dominic Watts. It suits riders who want a Scottish challenge on its own terms, or who'd rather take Land's End to John O'Groats in two halves than one long push.
The shape of the trip.
What's typically in the price, what isn't.
A general guide for cycling holidays of this kind. Check the operator's booking page for the final inclusions on this specific trip.
Typically included
- ✓Hotel accommodation, double or twin en-suite rooms
- ✓Daily breakfast at each hotel
- ✓Luggage transfer between hotels on every riding day
- ✓Bike rental (usually a hybrid), helmet, and panniers
- ✓Detailed route notes with GPX files and emergency contacts
- ✓24/7 support line in English for the duration of the trip
Typically not included
- ×Flights to and from the country of travel
- ×Travel insurance with cycle cover (strongly recommended)
- ×Lunches and most evening meals — eat locally on the route
- ×E-bike or road-bike upgrades (usually a supplement)
- ×Repair kit consumables (tubes, chain lube) beyond what comes with the bike
- ×Any alcohol beyond wine included with set dinners
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard are the climbs?
Grading reflects daily distance, total climbing, and traffic. Moderate routes typically involve 40-60km a day with 300-600m of climbing, on quiet roads or well-surfaced bike paths. If you ride regularly at home and can manage a 40km weekend ride, you'll be fine. Check the daily elevation profile when the operator shares it.
Q2Is bike rental included?
It's usually included, with a hybrid as standard and an e-bike or road-bike upgrade available for a supplement. Helmets and panniers normally come with the rental. Check the operator's booking page for the exact inclusions on this trip.
Q3What if I get a puncture?
Rental bikes come with a small repair kit and a pump. If you can't fix it yourself, the operator's support line can arrange a replacement or a lift to the next hotel — times vary by location. Carry a phone and the support number at all times.
Q4Can I use my own bike?
Yes, most operators are happy for you to bring your own bike — you'll often get a small discount off the trip price in lieu of rental. Check with the airline on how to transport it, and bring basic spares (tubes, multi-tool).
Q5Can I do this solo?
Absolutely — self-guided cycling holidays work well for solo travellers. The route notes, GPX files, and 24/7 support are designed for confident independent riders.
Q6What if the weather is bad?
The route is rideable in rain if you're dressed for it, though some surfaces get slower. The operator's support line can reroute you onto a lower / flatter alternative or arrange a vehicle transfer for any stage if conditions are genuinely unsafe.
Q7How do I get there from the UK?
Fly into the nearest airport, then train or transfer to the start point. The operator will advise — some will book onward trains for a small fee. If you're bringing your own bike, check dimensions and dismantling requirements with the airline in advance.
Q8What about cancellation?
A deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance with cycle cover is strongly recommended.
Three cycling holidays, side-by-side.
Other cycling holidays on Mooch in the same spirit. All prices per person, from the operator.
