End to End

Day Thirteen


Today 60.51 miles 6 hours 16 minutes

Cumulative 97 hours 09 minutes, 899.2 miles


Got up early again to finish the last day on time, Ann then had a problem with her brakes and the only bike shop in Wadebridge was shut for stocktaking all day. Fortunately a bike hire shop temporarily fixed her bike so we could continue. Eventually set off about 930, and hour and half later than we wanted. Lots of hills to begin with, then onto the A30 all the way to Penzance. Not a pleasant road to cycle on, with lorries and cars speeding inches from you. Arrived at Penzance at 230pm, for our first break, a quick cup of tea and lunch, before the last 10 miles to Lands End. However we decided to follow a cycle path, big mistake. This took us the long way round and the hilliest, we eventually got to Lands End at 5pm. Kirsty and Ann’s parents met us there, and kindly drove us back to Devon, don’t think we could have coped with cycling back to Penzance after that. And that is that, John O’Groats to Lands End in 13 days, a once in a life time experience, because after you do it once, you won’t want to do it again.

Thanks for the encouragement, emails and text messages on the way, this was much appreciated, and if you felt generous towards the fundraising we were doing, thank you for that too.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/29351247

Day Twelve


Today 75 miles 9 hours 19 minutes

Cumulative 90 hours 53 minutes, 838.69 miles


In the morning I awake,my arms my legs my body aches, the sky outside is wet and grey,so begins another weary day.

Not our best day today, we were behind from yesterday so had to try and catch up as much as possible. Left Bickleigh at 8am an hour earlier than normal, and had a very large hill to climb straight away till we got to Crediton. Bought 3 more inner tubes to last the day and the next, should be plenty. Stopped for our first Cornish Pasty in Okehampton. Then headed to the A30 towards Bodmin. After 10 minutes on the A30 I had a puncture, fixed it, and within 2 minutes, the other wheel had a puncture, fixed that and within 5 minutes had another puncture. We had to get of the A30, and found a back route towards Launceston. Another big climb into the town centre, where we found a great bike shop, very friendly and helpful, checked the pressures on our tyres, and made us teas. Gave us a new route towards Lands End that was not as hilly as the one we planned. The one we planned though must have been very hilly, because the new route certainly wasn’t easy. The bike shop was Launceston Cycles, and they have a book where End to Enders sign, we were the second this year, the first to do it from John O’Groats. Called my father 20 miles out of Wadebridge to ask him to find us accommodation, and carried on in the pouring rain, fortunately there were few hills and it took us about 90 minutes to get to Wadebridge. Once there we found a good restaurant where the owner donated some money towards our fundraising, and another couple at the table next to us also did the same.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/29351260

Day Eleven


Today 57.85 miles 6 hours 14 minutes

Cumulative 81 hours 34 minutes, 763.69 miles

Bridge over Troubled Water

Possibly the worst dinner we have had on our holiday so far, last night, at the Holiday Inn. Only recompense was that we were served by an actor from Skins. Pretty straightforward day today not many hills, but a strong wind against us. Had one puncture. Was sold the wrong type of inner tube in a bike shop at Shrewsbury. The shop was closing down, now i know why. A big fat tattooed guy with a fag behind his ear was serving, probably never been on a bike before, told me there were no hills between Shrewsbury and Hereford, that was a blatant lie. His only experience of hills is probably rolling down them. Cut our journey short today and booked in at Bickleigh. I used to run a pub here when I was at Venners, but it was full. We therefore booked into the Fisherman’s Cott, where apparently Paul Simon wrote Bridge over Troubled Water, which Elvis Presley covered. Had dinner with Ann’s parents, and my beautiful daughter, Kirsty, who was absolutely thrilled to see me. She’s only human after all.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/29351276

Day 10


Go West

Miles 64.7 miles 7 hours 8 minutes

Cumulative 715.84 miles; 75.2 hours



Lovely ride through the Wye Valley this morning then over the Severn Bridge towards Bristol. Ended up at the Holiday Inn Bristol Airport. My brakes finally failed this morning, I was having a drink on a downhill stretch, and suddenly realised that whilst holding the drink in my right hand, the brake on my left hand was not working, had to throw the drink to the ground to stop. Then spent 20 minutes changing the brakes.

My daughter Kirsty has complained to me that this journal is always about me and her mother, and what we have achieved on our journey. However we have failed to mention that Kirsty achieved more in her science test than her friend Grace, and she has managed to get out of bed and dressed everyday of this Easter Holiday so far. Kirsty I am so proud.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/28971674

Miles today 75.59 time 7 hours 27 minutes

Cumulative 68 hours 12 minutes; 651.14 miles

From Whitchurch to Hereford today. Lots of hills and hard cycling. Had a puncture after lunch, changed it in a driveway as road was very busy. However the owner of the house returned, and he was very upset, kept hooting at us, so we moved the bikes, still kept hooting so we moved the bags, still kept hooting so we moved the tools, still kept hooting, there was nothing left to move, what is his problem? Then we realised we had left a tyre lever on his drive. Moved everything away from his property, although technically we were never on his property as we were on the pavement. Decided it was safer to fix the bike on a busy a road with lorries whizzing past us within a couple of inches, than upset a country person, as we know they all carry shotguns, and shoot trespassers before asking questions. They also keep wild dogs. Spent the night in the Merton Hotel, Hereford, hotel in poor condition but service and attitude excellent. Went into town for dinner.

Miles today 64.55, time 7 hours

Cumulative 575.55 miles and 60 hours 45 minutes

Good breakfast at Dan’s and Nicky’s, thank you both of you. A long arduous journey today, plenty of long slow climbing hills, and not many descents. Tried not to stop too much, but couldn’t help it at lunch, as we had to wait forever for our food to arrive, but it was worth the wait and the rest helped my knee recover a bit. We were looking to end the day at Shrewsbury, but we were too knackered by 6pm, so settled down in Whitchurch instead. Found a decent hotel , where there are some other end to enders staying. Their families were booking them in when we arrived, they are due to be here later. They are doing the easy way, from Lands End up, and with their families carrying their luggage. Lightweights! We have only seen 2 lots of end to enders so far, one on our second day, they looked like they would finish that day, and some yesterday outside Preston.

Miles today 71.22, time 7 hours 16 minutes

Cumulative 511 miles and 53 hours 45 minutes

Good breakfast, best b&b to date, the landlady makes the bread, jam and marmalade herself. Set off on the A6 towards Preston. Had my second puncture of the trip within 20 minutes of leaving. Went through the Lake District, stunning views, but a long, long climb. Plenty of snow on the ground, a bright sunny day but very cold. Stopped off at Kendal for a cup of tea in a very nice tea shop. Then headed to Lancaster. Short stop at Lancaster for a sandwich lunch at 4pm in a petrol station, and then to Preston. We left our bikes at the station and Dan picked us up and took us back to his. Met his new wife Nicky and a had a great evening and our best dinner of the holiday. If anyone is worried that Dan might have a problem with drinking, we would like to assure you that when we went to bed I made sure that there was no alcohol left in house, as I finished it all.

our journey

Day 6
6hours 7 minutes 58.19 miles
Cumulative 46 hours 29 minutes 439.78 miles

Good day today, weather was pretty decent and kind to us. Started the day with a bit of snow and then it cleared it up, on our last hour we had a snow shower, but by then we were only 10 miles or so from our B&B. Ann had a few problems with her bike so we started late as we stopped by a bike shop in Dumfries. Whilst waiting we bought some waterproof gloves and shoe covers, hopefully to keep us dry for the rest of the trip. They couldn’t resolve all the issues to we carried on to Carlisle via Gretna. At last we have left Scotland, after 6 days here. Went to a great bike shop in Carlisle where they spent about an hour on Ann’s bike and didn’t charge us. Very kind. Was also opposite the McVities factory, and this morning they had just baked some ginger nuts, I had to keep to going out to sniff the air. Have just discovered a new drink, Crabbies alcoholic ginger beer. Very nice. Got a good b&b in Penrith, would have liked to have gone further today but Ann’s bike needed fixing. The bike guys said I should get new brake pads, but I wanted to get on, and I like to live dangerously. Tomorrow we are heading for Preston, where we will catch up with my old mate, Dan. Can’t wait.


http://connect.garmin.com/activity/28519380

Our Journey

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for Untitled

Day five
9 hours approx , 85 miles, ? calories
Cumulative 40 hours 22 minutes; 381.59 miles; 19593 calories

Very tough day today, weather was very very bad. We had heavy snow, gales that were blowing us across the road, hail stones, sleet, and heavy rain. The Satnav died about 20 miles into the journey. We estimate we have headed 85 miles south today. Not ridden all of it, because we were blown some of the way. Had our first puncture of the trip, cost us nearly 45 minutes. 35 minutes for Ann to realise I was no longer behind her, 5 minutes to find the tools and spare inner tube , and 5 minutes to fix it. Went over the Erskine Bridge, this is not for the faint hearted. At least we had a good start today, as an early morning phone call, and the fact that the breakfast staff were on time, meant we were able to start an hour earlier. I forget to mention yesterday, that after the landlady had overslept and kept us waiting for breakfast, she then asked where we were headed for that day. When we said Dumbarton, she said Naye, do you  want to be leaving thios late for Dumbarton, you should have left here an hour ago, you'll never make it. Well we knew who to thank if we didn't, that is if she is awake long enough to receive thanks.  Short stops in Paisley and Kilmarnock. Booked a hotel at tea time for Dumfries, haggled and got a good rate. They demanded I gave them my credit card number in case we cancelled, they have a 48 hour cancellation policy, so no good to us when we are booking 4 hours ahead. Then after they confirmed she mentioned she got the price wrong, it should be double. I said sorry but no thanks, I have a budget, she said fine but we will charge you the full amount as a cancellation fee. Well I hit the roof, I was sitting in a cafe and started to give the lady a piece of mind on the phone. The whole cafe was entranced and obviously enjoying the show. Eventually the lady backed down and agreed the price originally quoted. When we arrived we were treated exceptionally well, hello Mr Herbert we have given you the best suite, also we have given you a private room for your bicycles, please have some extra heaters to dry yourselves and your clothes. At dinner we had the best table, plus loads of canapés and amuse bouches, that no one else seemed to get. Good end to a pretty bad day.

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Day Four
7 hours 41 minutes, 75.65 miles, 5155 calories
Cumulative 31 hours 22 minutes; 296.59 miles; 19593 calories
Another good start this morning with the mad landlady oversleeping, twice now on our holiday this has happened. She couldn't cook either. She very kindly gave me a discount on the rate, however this was still more than we agreed when I made the booking, just paid her what I agreed. Long, long climb today into the mountains, very, very cold, plenty of snow and ice around us. we had frost this morning which lasted most of the day, and bright sunshine. We both caught the sun despite the cold. I had a Snickers bar in my pocket, when i went to eat it, it was frozen. Stopped at a pub half way up, it had a lovely log fire, could have stayed there all day. Carried on to Loch Lomond, the largest lake in Great Britain and the United Kingdom. Stopped off at a small cafe for lunch, unfortunately it was the waitress’s tea break, and she wasn't shy in letting us know how upset and angry she was at being interrupted. Then the rain came, but we managed another 25 miles to Dumbarton, where we found a hotel with 1 room left, which we gratefully took. Tomorrow we are heading towards Thornhill, another 70 odd miles, then one more day after that, and we are out of Scotland.

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Day Three
6 hours 32 minutes; 65.55 miles; 4866 calories
Cumulative 23 hours 41 minutes; 220.94 miles; 14438 calories
Woke up an hour early because of the clocks, got ready for breakfast, and went down. No one there, waited a while, mad a bit of noise, started helping ourselves to bits and pieces, we were in a hurry to get going. Eventually the owner appeared, he didn’t know the clocks went forward, we could have stayed in bed a bit longer. Day three of my holiday, and I am still covering for the breakfast staff, as they are late, this is like a bus man’s holiday. In the room there was a leaflet advising us to ask the owner anything because he knew everything. Well a he didn’t know the difference between a bath and bathroom, he didn’t know that a wooden pole hammered in the ground is not secure to chain a bike to, he didn’t know what time the pub served food to, and he didn’t know that the clocks went forward last night. Good journey today, about 67 miles, and took us about 6 hours, saw Ben Nevis and Fort William. Staying in Glen Coe tonight. Got a massive hill to climb in the morning, fortunately this b&b has a bath.

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for Day 2 Helmsdale to Loch Ness

Day 2
9 hours 14 minutes, 81.89 miles, 5087 calories
Cumulative 17 hours 9 minutes; 155.39 minutes; 9572 calories
Started the day with a bowl of hot porridge and eggs and bacon, the owner took the mick out of me for not having milk in mine.
Got on our bikes, and started towards to Golspie, 16 miles away. Should have taken us 90 minutes ended up taking us nearly 3 hours. The journey was gruelling and the wind unrelenting. We had allsorts of weather today, sun light rain, heavy rain, breezes, heavy gales, everything but snow, but that is forecast for Monday. We did over 80 miles and were on the bike for over 9 hours. The last 10 mile took over 2 hours in the dark, climbing and climbing the hills. We eventually made the b&b, by Loch Ness, by 830pm, and were both looking forward to a nice hot bath before dinner. Fortunately when I booked I asked whether there was a bath before I confirmed the booking, otherwise we would stay somewhere else. Got to the room, and couldn’t see the bath. I called the owner and asked him where the bath was. He said it was in the room, still couldn’t see it, so I asked him to show me, he came up and showed me the bathroom, I said I could see that but not the bath. He said he didn’t have a bath only a bathroom, it was too late to argue, so we had to make do with a shower. There were two temperatures, freezing cold and scalding hot. Not what we wanted after our hellish ride. Dinner was good in the local pub, got a couple of tablets from the owner to help us on our journey. Ginger wine was 50p a glass, so I had plenty. Clocks go forward tonight, so early (ish) night ready for the morning.

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for Untitled
Day 1 73.5 miles (including 20 miles to John O'Groats) 7 hours 55 minutes 4485 calories
Started the day with a continental breakfast, i say continental, because thats what we were told we would have. However it transpires that in Scotland Continental Breakfast is actually toast. Why they don’t just say toast i don’t know, it’s quicker to say than continental breakfast. I didn’t complain for two reasons, one that Ann asked me not to complain this holiday, and two, because the receptionist was very kind last night and let us store our bikes in the housekeeping office. However this was full as a de3livery had arrived that day, so i had to move this around with the receptionist. My first day on holiday, and i am still sorting out a housekeepers office and telling someone how to store things. However this office was one of the tidiest i have seen recently, and i have seen several very dirty housekeeping offices this year.
Got the 7am train to Thurso and then cycled the 20 miles to JOG. When we go there the famous sign was gone, as apparently this is not the season for doing end to end, and the cafe where we register was also closed for the same reason.
If John O’Groats is the start and finish of Great Britain, then it must be either the beginning or end of Rip Off Britain, as we paid £13 for 2 soups, one tea and one coffee. The tea even came with a small carton of UHT milk, this time i did complain.
We then started the journey, and it was hilly, very hilly, much hillier than we expected. We eventually arrived at Helmsdale at 745pm, and had to go straight to dinner. Fish and chips in a restaurant that has been on the telly. Wow! David Seaman has also been there.
Back to the b&b for bath and bed.

Arrived at Inverness last night at around 8, hotel was next door to the station so quick in the hotel and bed. Train journey was long, went through Newcastle and Edinburgh. Bit foggy in Newcastle on the Tyne. Plenty of snow here, in Scotland, so far. When we arrived at Inverness it was pouring with rain. After 4 hours of sitting next to Ann on the train we decided to swap to a table seat at Edinburgh. This was our first and hopefully last big mistake. The two fattest ladies in Scotland decided to seat next to us. They then piled the table with food, read recipe books and food magazines, whilst squashing me against the window. I have bruises in my ribs where i was elbowed every time one of them put something in her mouth. I now have DVT for sitting in the same position for 4 hours. We were so close at one stage I could read the same magazines as them at the same time, one was reading an article about sploshing, to be honest i found it a trifle distasteful.

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Cycled to my brother's house in Brockham,

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Ann went out on her own on Saturday, I decided to settle for the gym and use the excercise bike followed by a spin class. Then onto Croydon to buy some energy bars for the trip.

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for Untitled

My commute to work

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for Docklands and Thames
A trip round the Docklands and then the The Thames. Learnt how to use the SatNav the night before, but the battery died half way through the trip. Estimated 43 miles today. Hammersmith Bridge closed so difficult to cycle over. Did most of the trip without stopping.Did the shopping on the way home, to give us an idea of carrying heavy bags, though I doubt we will have to carry bottles of wine, and loads of fresh meat when we do the trip

Lessons learnt; remember to charge the Satnav, and check the traffic news for bridge closures

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Round trip via Kingston, Hampton Court and Walton, with a stop of to see my Mum as it was Mother's Day. Lovely day, but very windy in the beginning. Went to the annual dinner for Thomas' boat club last night.

Lessons learnt; not best to get drunk the night before