Lands End to John O'Groats 

Janice Small's Account of an Epic Journey

Last month , on my own, I completed my cycle trip from Lands End to John O'Groats.  At the outset, I had agonised over the route but, in the end, it proved excellent and I cycled all 981 miles in just 18 days.  I met wonderful people, saw stunning scenery and had perfect weather - about one hours rain. I cycled 50/60 miles a day which was well within my ability, so each day I was fresh and keen to get started. 

The hills of Cornwall and Devon were relentless so I was glad to get the first couple of days over. I crossed the Severn to the Wye Valley, which was beautiful, then headed north through Warrington, Wigan and Preston.  I was concerned about heavy traffic here, but surprisingly I enjoyed the challenge. Cycling over Shap had been a worry but it was one of the highlights of my trip. It was a beautiful day and I coped very well with the climb of 1500 ft - the highest of the trip. When I reached the 'Welcome to Scotland' sign I knew I was more than halfway there.  I had pre-booked my B&B's so all I had to do was get there. 

I had signs on my bike stating 'Lands End to John O'Groats - Please support Dr. Graham's Homes' so people spoke to me about the trip.   On roundabouts and traffic lights people would hang out car windows handing me  £1 coin's, shouting 'Good luck', and one landlady waived her charges for the night.  There are many other stories of generosity, which I just loved , and they spurred me on for the rest of the day. 

I travelled east through Scotland on the old A9.  Strathyre, Pitlochry, Inverness then Lairg through Strathnaver and north to Bettyhill.  Absolutely stunning scenery, and so remote. Funnily enough, the heaviest rain of the cycle was when I reached a sign stating 'Welcome to the  Highlands' ?? The main A road was single track with passing places.  The closer I got to John O'Groats, the more cyclists I met doing the same journey.  One man had started out in a party of four but due to the high daily mileage he was the only one left. He was pleased with his achievement but hadn't really enjoyed himself.  What a shame.  He was surprised I had loved my trip but then I was doing a more comfortable mileage.

I didn't want my journey to end so on the last day I found myself cycling slower and slower but eventually I arrived to be greeted by a proud husband. I had been on the road the best part of 3 weeks and away from home for nearly a month but I loved every moment of it and would not have changed a thing.  The trip exceeded my expectations and I now can't wait to get back to India and cycle from Kolkata to Kalimpong. To date I have raised £462 for Dr Graham’s Homes and money is still coming in.
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