Land's End to John O'Groats Explorer
About this trip.
Why 22 days rather than 14
From the granite headland at Land's End to the cliffs above John O'Groats is over 1,000 miles by road, and Saddle Skedaddle's 22-day version is the unhurried way to ride it. Most cyclists who tackle the route compress it into a fortnight; this one builds in arrival and departure days, a rest day, and shorter daily distances, so you finish each stage with something in reserve for the pub and a proper conversation about where you've been.
Daily mileage falls between 50 and 75 miles (80–120 km) — a steady regular-cyclist's pace rather than a sufferfest. The trip is graded 3 out of 5: solid endurance riding, not racing. Saddle Skedaddle has been running End to End tours since 2006, and the route has been refined over those years to favour quieter roads and the more interesting market towns over the most direct line on the map. There is also a faster two-week version for riders who want longer, harder days; the 22-day trip is the one for people who would rather see the country than just cross it.
Cornwall to Caithness, in stages
Day one's roll-out from Land's End sets the tone — narrow Cornish lanes, granite hedges, climbs that announce themselves immediately. Dartmoor follows, then a long stretch into Wales and the borderlands. By the time you reach the edge of the Yorkshire Dales the riding has changed character: bigger skies, longer climbs, fewer hedges. Edinburgh sits roughly two-thirds of the way through and is the trip's psychological turning point. The road north from there is what most riders remember most — the run up through the Highlands, into Inverness, and the final, quieter days through the far north to Caithness.
The accents shift as the miles do. So does the food, the building stone, and the weather. Riding the country slowly enough to notice these things is the whole point of the 22-day version.
How the supported tour runs
This is a fully supported tour. Luggage is moved each day by vehicle, you ride with a GPS unit pre-loaded with the day's route, and a guide rides with the group, regrouping at sensible points and meeting you for breaks. You ride at your own pace within that structure rather than being marshalled bar-to-bar.
E-bike hire is offered if you would rather have battery assistance on the climbs, though the group pace is set by riders on regular bikes, so an e-bike makes the days easier rather than faster. Prices start from £4,895 per person. It suits enthusiastic regular cyclists comfortable with consecutive long days in the saddle, rather than first-time tourers.
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.
