Land's End to John O'Groats Classic
About this trip.
Riding the length of Britain
Over 1,000 miles, three countries, fourteen days of riding spread across a sixteen-day tour. Land's End to John O'Groats is one of those rides that British cyclists tend to talk about for years before they actually do it, and the appeal is simple enough — you start at one corner of the island and stop pedalling when you reach the other. Saddle Skedaddle have been running this route since 2006, and they head north rather than south to make use of the prevailing winds, which over a fortnight in the saddle is the sort of small mercy you come to appreciate.
This is a fully guided road tour rather than a sportive or a self-supported slog. The daily distances are long and the group does spread out, but a riding guide and a support van keep tabs on everyone, with regular meet-ups along the way and a maximum group size of fifteen.
From Cornwall to Caithness
The route leaves Land's End and heads up through Cornwall before skirting the wilds of Dartmoor and dropping through Cheddar Gorge. After crossing the River Severn there is a Welsh detour past Tintern Abbey and along the Wye Valley, before the road bears north again on quieter rural lanes the operator's guides have spent years stitching together.
The middle days cross the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and Cumbria, then the Scottish border. The Southern Highlands and the Forth Road Bridge mark the shift in landscape, and from there the route runs through the Cairngorms National Park and Royal Deeside towards Inverness. The final stretch crosses the Black Isle, passes the Falls of Shin and pushes up the north Scottish coast to John O'Groats.
How the tour runs
A support vehicle carries the luggage, so each evening you arrive at a hotel, B&B or country inn with your bag already there. Accommodation is independently run rather than chain — small places, chosen by the operator. Lunches are picnics put together by the guides from local produce, or stops at cafés along the way; the line on packed sandwiches is firm, and after a long morning's riding that is more meaningful than it sounds.
Navigation is by GPX files loaded onto your own device, and Saddle Skedaddle will lend a pre-loaded GPS unit free of charge if you'd rather not run down a phone battery. With long daily distances over fourteen consecutive riding days, it suits cyclists who already train regularly and are happy on consecutive long days in the saddle. Prices from £3,295 per person.
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.
