Itinerary Plan C (The Wild Card)
This page with give a full technical breakdown of everything we and you need to know about the schedule and route etc proposed in Itinerary 'plan C'.
This breakdown of the route considers the varying terrain we must cover during the tour but unlike the other two proposed itinerarys, has been spread over a 14 day period.
We are covering a total of 1017.8 miles over a fourteen day period so 'Itinerary Plan C' has been created in order to cover the same route as 'Itinerary Plan A' and 'Itinerary Plan B' but the daily breakdown of miles to be covered is as near to 72.7 miles per day as possible.
'Plan C' shows the route and places we will visit (pass through) listed in numerical order on the electronic map.
Please view the accomodation details provided below each respective daily breakdown for information regarding our planned accomodation on itinerary 'Plan C'.
Day 1 - Land's End to Par Sands - 66.1 Miles (total 66.1 miles)
Day one will actually begin in Manchester. We aim to fit as many people and bikes as possible into the support vehicle and get them on their way to sunny Cornwall.
The remaining members of the team and their bikes will board a train at Manchester Piccadilly station destined for Penzance. Once we all make it to Penzance in one piece and have had time to get everyone straight, we have to take a quick ride in the wrong direction towards the Land’s End Hotel at Land’s End which will act as our official starting point.
After a quick photo op at the famous Land’s End white sign post, our journey begins.
The day provides a gentle introduction to the tour through the picturesque lanes of Cornwall. The south-west peninsula is the most popular holiday destination in Britain and as such the narrow, tree lined roads that are characteristic of the area can become rather congested.
The route climbs from the granite nose of Land’s End (1) to the town of Penzance (2) before continuing along the shores of mounts bay to Helston (3). The Lizard Peninsula is bypassed as the route continues across country to Falmouth (4) and then to Truro (5) before once more joining the coast at St Austell and the picturesque village Par Sands (6) situated on St Austell Bay.
Because it is our first day and we have already been on the road (or railway track) for many hours, today will be a relatively easy day covering only 66.1 miles to our first over night stop, Par Sands.
Although we are covering fewer miles on day one, we will encounter some steep gradients along the way including an initial climb of approx 600ft above sea level on the roads between Land’s End and Penzance. However, by far the biggest climb we face on day one will take place on the roads between Helston and Truro where way will tackle a gradient of approx 800ft above sea level before gradually making a soft descent down to our destination and beds!
Night 1 camping - Par Sands, Cornwall
We will spend our first night in Par Sands Holiday Park which is nestled behind grassy sand dunes bordering the beach of St Austell bay.
Par Sands Holiday Park is signposted one mile east of the centre of Par Village off the A3082 towards Fowey.
Prices are £17.50 per night for 1 tent pitch with two people sharing and £4.50 per extra person thereafter. Many facilities are offered at this site including the all important hot showers! Please see Par Sands website for more information. http://www.chycor.co.uk/parsands/
Day 2 - Par Sands to Moretonhampsted, Devon - 57.3 Miles ( Total 123.4 Miles )
So, after a good night’s sleep and a big breakfast we leave Par Sands and head off in the direction of Moretonhampstead in Devon. Today will be a hard ride but we must cover some ground in order to stick to our ten day target.
The route leaves the sanctuary of Par (1) and the coast and strikes out across the wilds of Dartmoor. The ascents and descents gradually become more onerous as the towns of Lotwithiel (2) and Liskeard (3) lead alongside the high ground of Bodmin Moor and into the county of Devon.
We will then visit Merrymeet (4), St Ive (5), Callington (6) and Drakewalls (7) before Tavistock (8) provides a last chance for refreshments before the plateau of Dartmoor Forest is crossed.
The fringes of this beautiful wilderness are intertwined with a maze of canopied roads that interconnect to the many villages in the area.
We will pass through Postbridge (9) before reaching Moretonhampstead (10) which is the largest town on the eastern fringe of the moor and today’s destination.
Night 2 - Camping - Moretonhampstead, Devon
We will be spending our second night under canvas at Clifford Bridge Park Campsite which is an 8 acre site situated on the stunning banks of the River Teign just a short ride away from the heart of Moretonhampstead village.
Prices are to be confirmed.
This site has all mod cons including hot showers. Please see Clifford Bridge Park Campsite website for more information. http://www.clifford-bridge.co.uk/
Day 3 - Moretonhampstead To Bridgwater - 68.8 Miles ( Total 192.2 Miles )
So, once again after packing up our tents, we hit the road. After the trials of Dartmoor and the West Country the gradients we face today are minimal with the highest peaking at approx 350ft above sea level on the roads towards Bridgewater.
After leaving Moretonhampstead (1) and Dartmoor National Park behind us, we come upon Tedburn St Mary (2), Venny Tedburn (3) and the historical town of Crediton (4) before reaching Tiverton (5).
Leaving Tiverton, following the course of the Exe Valley, the cycling promises to be delightful. The route takes us through a setting of wooded hills and meandering streams. Ahead can be seen glimpses of the Brendon Hills and Exmoor National Park.
We will cross the River Bathern (by bridge!) and pass through Bampton (6) and then follow the river course in the shadow of steep sided hills to reach Shillingford (7).
The road continues and we will pass Waterrow (8) and Wiveliscombe (9) before leading into the beautiful Vale of Taunton Deane.
We will pass through Heathfield (10) before heading down a steep embankment into the town centre of Taunton (11). Once we have cleared Taunton we pass through Monkton Heathfield (12) before the road turns north and begins to run parallel with the M5 into the town of North Petherton (13).
To the west rise the peaks of the Quantock Hills that separate the Vale of Taunton Deane from the Somerset Plain and Sedgemoor. This vast fertile area of the Mendips is criss-crossed by a grid-like network of roads which when followed north will provide us with extensive views of the Quantock Hills before delivering us safely into Bridgwater (10) where a hot meal and cold drink awaits!
Night 3 - Camping - Bridgwater
We will spend our third night in the heart of Somerset, camping at Mill Farm Campsite located in Bridgwater.
From the centre of Bridgwater we will follow the A39 towards Minehead for 6 miles. At keenthorne turn right for Fiddington. The Campsite at Mill Farm is 1 mile from the main road.
Prices are approx £19.00 per night for a tent pitch but a true idea of cost will be obtained upon application. For more information, please view Mill Farm Campsite website. http://www.millfarm.biz/index.html
Day 4 - Bridgwater to Stroud - 75.9 Miles ( Total 268.1 Miles )
Today we will cover many miles thanks to the fairly flat roads ahead of us.
This area is quite exposed with flat, open farmland stretching as far as the eye can see and makes for easy cycling.
After the trials of Dartmoor and the West Country the gradients we face today are minimal with the highest peaking at approx 350ft above sea level on the roads between Bridgewater and Bristol.
Leaving Bridgwater (1), we will soon pass the villages of Dunball (2), Pawlett (3), Huntspill (4) and Highbridge (5).
At the edge of the Mendips we will pass through the town of Axebridge (6) before passing through some wonderful wooded slopes clinging to limestone outcrops and continue ever north through the villages of Winscombe (7), Churchill (8), Redhill (9) and Lulsgate Bottom (10) as the route begins the run towards Bristol (11).
Once we have negotiated the main road leading through Bristol city centre, we are quickly led out of the urban sprawl through the villages of Filton (12) and Patchway (13) before reaching the charming town of Almondsbury (14).
We are now in the deepest darkest Cotswolds which promise to provide us all with sights of unforgettable beauty and some of the most imposing scenery of our journey.
Still heading north, we will contour the west flank of Stinchcombe Hill passing through the villages of Alveston (15), Falfield (16), Stone (17), Woodford (18) and Newport (19) before reaching Dursley (20).
We are now nearly at our destination. All that remains is to follow the quiet road which weaves pleasantly along the steep sided river valley before climbing through the wooded slopes past the village of Uley (21), along an undulating crest with beautiful views across the Cotswolds, through Woodchester (22), and finally straight into the historic town of Stroud (23) for a well earned rest!
Night 4 - Camping / Hotel / Youth Hostel / B&B - Stroud
Tonight we have the choice of camping, a hotel, a youth hostel and B&B’s.
All accommodation is located half a mile south from Stroud off the A46 on Rodbourogh Common.
Full details and prices TBC.
Day 5 - Stroud To Chelmarsh - 76.8 Miles ( Total 344.9 Miles )
Like day 4, the route we follow on day 5 promises to be a flat one. Again, we will take advantage of the terrain and cover many miles today.
The highest hills we will face today will be approx 250ft above sea level on the roads between Buttonoak and Chelmarsh.
Leaving Stroud (1), we head towards and then pass Painswick (2) and then Shirdington (3) before heading north through Cheltenham (4) and its famous race course on our right.
We continue and pass the town of Bishops Cleeve (5) with beautiful views back to the steep ridge that marks the western edge of the Cotswold escarpment.
Swift progress may now be made along the flat flood plain of the River Severn.
The road passes through the isolated knoll of Oxenton (6) before passing through Pamington (7), Bredon (8) and Bredons Norton (9).
A little further north we come upon the town of Eckington (10) shortly followed by the beautiful village of Pershore (11) located on the River Avon.
We will now follow a delightfully varied course through glorious open countryside through the village of Upton Snodsbury (12) and into the medieval town of Worcester (13).
From the centre of Worcester we follow the river bank further north to reach the village of Hallow (14) then onto Holt Heath (15).
This area will be a delight to cycle through because of the ever changing panorama of wooded slope, narrow overhung lanes, twisting roads and ancient woodlands.
From Holt Heath we follow the course of the River Severn through Shrawley (16), Noutards Green (17), Areley Kings (18) and Ribbesford (19) before descending through the south-west peninsula of the WyreForest into the town of Bewdley (20).
We will now be making good progress as our route continues to take us through the WyreForest to reach the villages of Button Oak (21), Kinlet (22), Highley (23), and then finally today's destination, Chelmarsh (24).
Night 5 - Camping - Chelmarsh
Night 5 will again be spent under canvas at Denn Farm Campsite in Chelmarsh.
Denn Farm Caravan and CampingPark is situated in quiet rural Shropshire, just five miles from Bridgnorth on the B4555 in the village of Chelmarsh
Prices are £8.00 per pitch with two people sharing and then £4.00 per additional person per night.
For further information please check out the Denn Farm Campsite website. http://www.dennfarm.co.uk/about.html
Day 6 - Chelmarsh To Warrington - 81.4 Miles ( Total 426.3 Miles )
Day 5, as always, starts after breakfast. The aim of today is to take full advantage of the relatively flat terrain.
We leave Chelmarsh (1) and soon pass through Eardington (2) before the road turns east and follows the Severn Valley Railway into the historic town of Bridgnorth (3).
From Bridgnorth we will navigate a tree lined route past the River Worfe and onto Stockton (4), Sutton Maddock (5), the beautiful Telford (6) and Sleapford (7) before passing through Crudgington (8).
We will then follow an avenue of rhododendrons into the villages of Waters Upton (9), Peplow (10) and Hodnet (11) before a nice descent through open countryside passing Marchamley (12), Darlinston (13), Prees Higher Heath (14) and Prees Heath (15) before finaly reaching Whitchurch (16).
Leaving Whitchurch town centre we will follow the road which after taking us into the county of Chester, passes a waterfowl sanctuary before crossing the Shropshire Union Canal.
From here, the road continues through scenic meadowland to pass the impressive entrance to Cholmondeley Castle on the left. We pass through the pretty villages of Bickley Moss (17), Spurstow (18), Bunbury Heath (19) and Tiverton (20) before a short climb leads to the village of Tarporley (21).
Ignoring the newly constructed bypass that circumnavigates the village, we follow the rural road which boasts spectacular views across the Gowy Valley.
After descending into Cotebrook (22) the road continues to lead us ever onward passing Cuddington (23), Whitley (24), Stretton (25) and Stockton Heath (26) before delivering us into the familiar realm of deepest darkest Warrington (27).
Night 6 - Camping - Warrington
Tonight we will be so close to home and our own beds that we may be tempted to give in to the dark side of the force…….But we won’t……..
Tonight we will be camping at the Hollybank Caravan and Camping Site in Deepest darkest Warrington.
The cost for a pitch based on two people sharing is £13.00 per night.
Please check out Hollybank Caravan and Camping site website for further information. http://www.hollybankcaravanpark.co.uk/index.html
Day 7 - Warrington To Kirkby Lonsdale - 74.5 Miles ( Total 500.8 Miles )
An industrialised barrier stretches across the country from Liverpool in the west to Humberside in the east, presenting a seemingly impenetrable band of urban sprawl to us northbound cyclists. However, fear not, for our route weaves through many back roads and wealthy suburban villages that remain surprisingly untouched by the proximity of the areas large industrial cities.
As we exit Warrington (1), we will pass through Winwick (2), Golborne (3), and Abram (4) before reaching sunny Wigan (5) for a much needed ‘pie stop’ and to remind Nick that there is no place like home.
As we continue, we will cycle through Marylebone (6), Standish (7), Coppull (8) and Chorley (9).
The concrete blocks begin to recede now and give way to a more open countryside and a few miles of mental relaxation.
A few miles later we will cross the Leeds and Liverpool Canal before passing through the village of Wheelton (10) then join the road which takes us into Blackburn (11).
We will cut right through the centre of Blackburn then pass through Wilpshire (12) and Langho (13) before arriving at Clitheroe (14).
The going gets a bit tougher from Clitheroe onwards as we face the biggest climbs of the day. At first we must cut across the open moorland – some of the most remote roads we will have yet encountered – the climb may initially appear to be unending but the gradient soon relents to allow the beauty of the area to be fully appreciated.
The much welcomed descent now leads us through the villages of Waddington (15), Newton (16), Slaidburn (17), High Bentham (18) and Low Bentham (19) before taking us back into Lancashire, along the course of the River Wenning and then into Cumbria.
The last leg of today’s journey takes us through Wennington (20) and Turnstall (21) before finally delivering us all in one piece at Kirkby Lonsdale (22) where we can hop out of the saddle, straighten our backs and enjoy a much needed and well earned hot meal and cold drink!
Night 7 - Camping - Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
Night 7 will again be spent under canvas at Woodclose Caravan Park in Kirkby Lonsdale. The site is set in the beautiful valley of the River Lune between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District.
Woodclose Caravan Park is no more than ½ mile from the market town of Kirkby Lonsdale so as soon as we arrive we can start relxing!
Prices are £12.00 per tent with two people sharing per night and £3.75 per extra person thereafter. Please view Woodclose Caravan Park website for more information. http://www.woodclosepark.com/index.htm
Day 8 - Kirkby Lonsdale to Gretna, Scotland - 96.6 Miles ( Total 597.4 Miles)
Today is the day. Today we reach a real milestone of our tour. We cross the border!
We are dropping the mileage a little today but will still cover a lot of ground. The route is fairly flat other than a gradient of approx 1100ft above sea level on the roads between Sedbergh and Kirkby Stephen. By now, this kind of hill should be no problem for use hill hardened riders!!
The day’s route follows the eastern leg of the Cumbrian Cycle way that traces the Eden Valley north-east between the Pennines and the Cumbrian mountains.
We leave the refuge of Kirkby Lonsdale (1) and follow the River Lune through the villages of Casterton (2) and Middleton (3) before reaching the small market town of Sedbergh (4). From here a steep climb leads into the remote valley at Mallerstang and the source of the River Eden.
Again the river is followed north through a patchwork of grazing meadows that carpet the widening valley floor. The hills of the North Yorkshire Moors begin to retreat as the Lune merges into the estuary of the Solway Firth at the fortress town of Carlisle.
We cross the River Rawthey at the far side of Sedbergh that commences the slow climb towards Garsdale (5), Garsdale Head (6) and Outhgill (7) before we pass through Nateby (8) and onto Kirkby Stephen (9).
The route now leaves the main road to cross the undulating hillocks that dominate the western fringe of the Pennines. We will pass through the village of Soulby (10), make a quick climb before a lovely descent into Great Ormside (11) and then pass through the beautiful village of Dufton (12).
The cycleway continues through Knock (13), Millburn (14), Blencarn (15) and then onto Skirwith (16) and the town of Langwathby (17).
The road then joins another cycle track before we begin another steep descent to cross the Croglin Water and pass the villages of Salkeld Dykes (18), Kirkoswald (19) and Croglin (20).
The road now gives way to a more pleasant section of easier ground which leads us through Newbiggin (21), Castle Carrock (22) and into Brampton (23).
The final 15 miles into Gretna are said to be relatively painless. The glacial ‘Kames’ that for form the hillocked landscape around Brampton is left behind as the route crosses the estuary of the Esk and the Eden.
We follow the road which takes us through Longtown (24) on the River Esk.
The road now continues easily across the border into Scotland to reach the town of Gretna (25) and a significant milestone on our journey!
Night 7 - Camping - Gretna Village, Scotland
Tonight we will spend our first night in Scotland. We will stay in our trusty tents at The Braids Caravan and Camping Site in the heart of Gretna Village.
The site is easily located in the centre of Gretna Village.
Prices are £10 - £20 pounds per tent with two people sharing per night and £2.50 per extra person thereafter. Please view The Braids Caravan and Camping Site website for further information. http://www.thebraidscaravanpark.co.uk/index.asp
Day 9 - Gretna To New Cumnock - 69.7 Miles ( Total 667.1 Miles )
Today’s route crosses the border country of Dumfries and Galloway in the Scottish Lowlands.
The Solway Firth cuts deep into the mainland giving rise to an intricate coastline that is perhaps some of the most beautiful in Britain.
The route from Gretna follows the coast road along heather-covered hills fringed by sandy inlets with views south to the Cumbrian Mountains that are said to be particularly stunning in the early morning or at sunset.
The Nith Valley provides a setting for further northern progress and will compliment the route towards today’s destination.
Today we will climb a few small hills. The largest ascents taking place on the roads between Sanquhar and Cumnock which top out at approx 550ft above sea level.
The day will begin in Gretna (1). We will leave the town crossing the River Annan and begin a slow short climb passing through Rigg (2), Eastriggs (3), Dornock (4) and Annan (5) before reaching Cummertrees (6).
We will now continue more easily along this beautiful coastal section with the view across the Solway Firth to the Cumbrian Mountains.
The road follows the course of the rail line to Dumfries.
We continue along the estuary bringing us to Bankend (7) which is nestled beneath the Bankend Hill.
We pass through Glencaple (8) and Kelton (9) before starting another steady climb with views across the Mabie Forest to eventually arrive at the town of Dumfries (10).
From Dumfries we pick up the local ‘KM cycle route’ and follow it passing Newbridge (11) and then onto Dunscore (12). We will now start the gentle descent into Keir Mill (13).
The terrain will now become suddenly more dramatic with the Kier Hills dominating the western horizon and the evergreen plantation of the Forest of Ae creeping onto the lower slopes of the Lowther Hills in the east.
We pass through Thornhill (14), Carronbridge (15), Enterkinfoot (16) and then Mennock (17).
The route now takes us through a impressive forest fringed lane that leads to the 17th centaury Drumlanrig Castle before passing through Drumlanrig Park on a high course above the Nith Valley on the west bank.
The road then descends to the west bank and follows the river past Eliock (18) and into Sanquhar (19).
We will now continue along the Nith Valley with the Lowland Hills dominating the view all around.
We pass through the town of Kirkconnel (20) before continuing to follow the course of the river onto our destination of New Cumnock (21).
Night 9 - Camping - New Cumnock
Tonight we will hopefully be camping at Glen Afton Leisure Park situated in new Cumnock.
Prices will be arranged on application.
The site has limited facilities for campers because the site is aimed at caravans etc. Although Glen Afton does not advertise tent pitches, I have been told tent pitches can be arranged for us weary cyclists.
Please check out the Glen Afton Leisure Park website for further information. http://www.glenaftontimberlodges.com/aboutus.htm
Day 10 - New Cumnock To Luss - 83.5 Miles ( Total 750.6 Miles )
Today’s route endeavours to search out a course through the industrialised centres and suburbs clinging to the banks of the Clyde in the west and the Firth of Forth in the east.
Setting off from New Cumnock (1), we leave the sanctuary of the Nith Valley and a more undulating course is followed to Cumnock (2).
From Cumnock, the course takes us across the River Auchinleck before delivering us to a town by the same name (Auchinleck 3).
The road is now pleasantly followed to the town of Mauchline (4) before passing through the suburbs of Kilmarnock which include the villages of Crosshands (5) and Hurlford (6).
The next stop of the day is Kilmarnock (7) where we can grab some refreshments.
Once we have left Kilmarnock, we will pass through the villages of Kilmaurs (8), Cunninghamhead (9), cross over the Annick Water to reach Montgreenan (10) and then onto Kilwinning (11).
We will now cross the River Garnock in Dalgarven (12) before passing by one of Scotlands oldest churches on a beautiful tree lined lane.
We will then pass through Dalry (13) and Highfield (14) before the road continues along the crest of a ridge above the Garnock Valley.
On our way to the Erskine Bridge we will pass through Beith (15) before reaching Paisley (16) where the industrial skyline of Glasgow can be seen in the distance.
After crossing the River Clyde on the Erskine Bridge we will find ourselves in Old Kilpatrick (17) where we will now pick up the ‘Glasgow to Loch Lomond Cycle Route’ which runs parallel to the River Clyde utilising sections of disused railway lines before turning north along the towpath of the River Leven to follow the Leven Valley to Loch Lomond.
Whilst we are on the cycle route we will pass through (or near by to) Bowling (18), Dumbarton (19), Renton (20) and Alexandria (21) before reaching the start of Loch Lomond.
We will now follow the western shore of Loch Lomond which takes us through Arden (22) and finally into Luss (17) where we will spend the night camping on the shore of Loch Lomond.
Night 10 - Camping - Luss (Loch Lomond)
Tonight we will spend the night camping right on the shore of Loch Lomond at the Luss Camping Site.
The village of Luss is a Conservation Village, the camping site is close to the village. The Camping site is on the western shore of Loch Lomond, across the water from the Millarochy Bay Club Site.
Prices are will be arranged on application.
Please check out the Luss Camping site for further information. http://www.siteseeker.co.uk/siteseeker/aspx/details.aspx?id=7180
Day 11 - Luss To Spean Bridge - 86.7 Miles ( Total 837.3 Miles )
If the weather is favourable, today promises to offer us some of the most memorable cycling one could hope for.
The day will contain all the scenic diversity that typifies the west coast of Scotland.
The route begins in Luss (1) with a steady hill climb (the highest we will face today peaking at approx 1000ft above sea level) before reaching Tarbet (2).
We will then continue along the western shore of Loch Lomond before arriving safely at Ardlui (3) at the northern most tip of the Loch.
The route takes us through Inverarnan (4) and Crianlarich (5) before we reach Tyndrum (6).
The route now begins to follow the narrow Glen Falloch and Strath Fillan, overhung with beech and crowded by the surrounding peaks.
We will pass through Bridge of Orchy (7) and Achallader (8) before the inhospitable wilderness of Rannoch Moor will leave us riders seeking the security of Glen Coe (9) with mountain scenery as dramatic as anywhere in Scotland.
After a wee climb we will make a final welcome descent off the moor and enter Glen Coe. The entrance of Glen Coe is guarded by the peaks of Beinn, providing us riders with an uncomfortable but beautiful welcome.
We now continue on our route passing Ballachulish (10), North Ballachulish (11) and Onich (12) on the way.
The scenery will now suddenly change from classic Upland Mountain into a rugged, coastal setting.
The road follows the headland and passes through Corran (13) before following the shore line of Loch Linnhe and going around the base of the peaks of Beinn an Mhoir and Beinn na Cucaid to the town of Fort William (14).
As we leave the town of Fort William behind us, we will be able to see the whale-backed peak of Ben Nevis with the Allt a Mhuilinn leading up into the dark recesses of the north face cliffs.
The road continues easily through the Leanachan Forest to reach today’s destination, Spean Bridge (10), where a memorial to the Commandos who used this area as a training ground during WW2 proudly stands at the junction of the glens.
Night 11 - Camping - Spean Bridge
Tonight we will be spending the night under the stars in our tents at the Gairlochy Holiday Park situated just outside of Spean Bridge.
Gairlochy Holiday Park is situated near Spean Bridge at the south end of the Great Glen, on the B8004 between the Commando Memorial on the A82 and the Caledonian Canal.
Prices are £11.50 per tent pitch based on two people sharing per night and then £4.50 per extra person/tent per night.
Please check out Gairlochy Holiday Park website for further information. http://www.theghp.co.uk/index.html
Day 12 - Spean Bridge To Dingwall - 65.4 Miles ( Total 902.7 Miles )
The road now leads us out of Spean Bridge (1), over a wooded hummock followed by a soft descent down the hillside of Coire Ceirsle before joining the River Gloy on its route to the banks of Loch Lochy.
Peaks rise steeply all around the depths of the mirrored loch water, creating a truly memorable scene. Have your cameras ready!
The road undulates easily beneath a canopy of greenery as we pass through Laggan (2).
At the head of the loch a final descent leaves the Laggan Forest and crosses the Caledonian Canal.
The next town we pass through is Invergarry (3) which will act as a place for a quick pit stop at the head of Loch Oich.
We shall now continue along the west bank of Loch Oich before crossing the Caledonian Canal once more.
The route to Fort Augustis (4) picks a course through the glacial hillocks deposited at the head of the most famous of all Scottish lochs, Loch Ness.
The road now continues along the shore of Loch Ness below the Port Clair Forest before making a short detour to cross the River Moriston at Invermoriston (5).
Creagnaneun Forest now hugs the steep slopes above Loch Ness before delivering us to Drumnadrochit (6) half way up the Loch.
We pass through Lewiston (7) before we make a slight detour from the route followed in ‘Plan A’ and ‘Plan B’ in order to avoid Inverness and enjoy a more scenic route.
After Lewiston we pass through Milton (8), Beauly (9) and the Muir of Ord (10) before our route takes us through Cononbridge (11) and finally into Dingwall (12) which is today’s destination.
Night 12 - Camping - Dingwall
Tonight we will spend the night camping in Dingwall at Dingwall Camping And Caravanning Club Site.
The town of Dingwall is only half a mile away from the camp site. A famous Heritage Trail passes the camp Site. The trail goes along the River Peffery and down to a picnic area on the Cromarty Firth.
Prices on application.
Please check out Dingwall Camping And Caravanning Club Site website for further information. http://www.siteseeker.co.uk/siteseeker/aspx/details.aspx?id=7100
Day 13 - Dingwall to Helmsdale - 59.4 Miles ( Total 962.1 Miles )
Today we set off from Dingwall (1) and make our way back onto the same route as ‘Plan A’ and ‘Plan B’.
Our course soon takes us through Evanton (2) and onto the main coastal road.
We will then begin to follow the course north passing through Dalmore (3), Rosskeen (4), Kildary (5) and Morangie (6) before crossing the Dornoch Firth and reaching Evelix (7).
We will cycle through Proncy (8) and then the road takes us right onto the coast of the North Sea for the rest of our journey.
Now it is just a question of staying focused and covering the ground required to reach our target.
We will pass through Golspie (9), Doll (10), Brora (11), Kilmote (12) and Portgower (13) before finally reaching Helmsdale (14) for some food and much needed sleep.
Night 13 - Hostel - Helmsdale
Tonight we will be spending the night on a sprung mattress at the Helmsdale Hostel!
Set in the small scenic village of Helmsdale, halfway between Inverness and John o'Groats.
Prices are £15.00 per person per night.
Please check out Helmsdale Hostel website for further information. http://www.helmsdalehostel.co.uk/
Day 14 - Helmsdale To John O'Groats - 52.6 Miles ( Total 1014.7 Miles )
So, today is the day we make the home run and the big push towards our final destination.
The concluding leg of our journey follows the north-east coast road out of the Highlands into the open moor lands characteristic of the Scottish north coast.
The route is as flat as any we have so far encountered; therefore, covering a high number of miles will be no problem today. The route follows a lonely course and taken in isolation the day would not be considered the most memorable of cycle tours but as a climax to our tour that has spanned the countryside of Great Britain it is a fitting finale and something we should all enjoy.
The stretch of coastal road spanning from the outskirts of Inverness to the north-eastern tip and John O’Groats is as isolated as expected and lives up to all preconceptions that one may associate with this part of the journey.
From Helmsdale (1) stunning views across the rugged coastline of the North Sea is a (small) reward for our efforts as the road begins to lead us down a series of steep descents taking us through the villages of Berriedale (2), Borgue (3) and Dunbeath (4) which all offer welcome sanctuary to us weary riders.
As the route continues it will be noticeable that the ridges and peaks of the Highlands have receded onto the western horizon and been replaced by more open grass land combed by the relentless winds that sweep this north-eastern headland.
The road winds northwards passing through Latheronwheel (5), Swiney (6), Occumster (7) before continuing through Bruan (8), Ulbster (9) and by the time the village of Thrumster (10) is reached the cycling has become very straight forward.
A little further on from Thrumster we reach Wick (11).
As we leave Wick we will pass the twin ruins of Sinclair and Girnigoe Castles clinging precariously to the cliff tops.
We will now pass through the villages of Ackergill (12), Keiss (13), Auckengill (14) and Freswick (15) before we follow the last bit of coastal road across a harsh landscape of Tussock grassland.
A short climb (our very last of the trip!) over the Warth Hill leads to the final descent to the coast and the small village of John O’Groats (16) our final destination of the trip.
We have made it. What has all the fuss been about?!
After a quick photo op at the famous John O'Groats white sign posts (completing the set) we can head for camp.
After many hours of tedious research, I have drawn the conclusion that emotions at the end of a tour of this nature tend to be a mixture of jubilation and disappointment.
Jubilation, obviously, because the trip has reached a successful conclusion and any rider completing the full distance can feel justly proud.
On the other hand there may be an anticlimax that accompanies a project such as this.
Realising you now must begin the tiresome task of arranging transport home before going back to work and facing ‘real life’ can be quite disappointing.
No matter how we all feel, we should all be immensely proud of what we have achieved and never forget the fun we had whilst doing it!
Now that we have cracked open the champagne and used up the last bit of muscle rub in our kit bags, its time for us to start planning the next trip? How about the circumnavigation of the British Isles, the Red Sea to the Dead Sea or around Ireland or…………???
Night 14 - Camping / Hotel - John O'Groats, Scotland
Our final night will, at last, be in the place we have just spent fourteen leg aching, blister inducing days to reach. John O’Groats Caravan and Camping site in John O’Groats.
At the end of the A99 you will find the John O'Groats Caravan and Camping Site on the seafront besides the Last House in Scotland and there is a hotel very near by if you can’t hack spending one last night under canvas!
It is not clear what the cost is to stay at the Campsite or in the Hotel but full contact information is provided on their website. Please view John O’Groats Caravan and Camping Site website for further information. http://www.visitjohnogroats.com/johnogroatscampsite.co.uk/index.htm