Ride Across Britain

A challenge that has endured centuries The ‘End to End’ has been an iconic cycling challenge since before the Tour de France was even a glint in Henri Desgrange’s eye. It always has and always will be a true test of stamina and will. The reason it has stood the test of time as a challenge? The simplicity of going from South to North and the breathtaking variety of scenery it passes through. Experience the full range of terrain Britain has to offer We guide you from the rugged coastline of Cornwall to the rolling hills and valleys of the North of England right up to the barren majesty of the Scottish highlands. We don’t believe there is another event in the world that manages to string together such a range of moorlands, hidden green valleys, winding back lanes, stunning coastal roads and historic sites. STAGE 1: LAND'S END TO OKEHAMPTON SHOWGROUND The first of many hundreds of miles with fresh legs required for the relentless ups and downs of the Westcountry hills OVERVIEW The ride begins with some of toughest climbs of the entire route but these come with rewarding views of the impressive coastline, St. Michael’s Mount and Cornwall’s iconic china clay pits. You will cross the edge of Bodmin Moor and skirt around Dartmoor, hitting the short, steep climbs and descents that Devon and Cornwall are so famous for. KEY STATS Distance: 105.7 miles Ascent: 8,236ft Challenge Rating: 4/5 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY St Michael’s mount Stunning moorland Steep climbs and fast descents China clay pits TOP TIP It’s a long way to John O’Groats and Day 1 is a tough one. Start slowly as there is plenty of time to push yourself later on. STAGE 2: OKEHAMPTON SHOWGROUND TO BANNERDOWN BATH The highlight of day two is undoubtedly the magnificent climb of Cheddar Gorge before your arrival in the UNESCO world heritage city of Bath OVERVIEW Skirting the edge of Dartmoor, crossing the Quantock Hills and arriving at the magnificent climb of Cheddar Gorge; this is certainly another ‘grippy’ day on the bike. The arrival in the stunning city of Bath where you’ll ride past some of the iconic sights of the UNESCO World heritage site to inspire you on wards. The town is built on an extinct volcano, meaning you will have a little sting in the tail with the final ascent up to the base-camp. KEY STATS Distance: 113.9 miles Ascent: 7463ft Challenge Rating: 4/5 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY Views from the Quantock Hills Cheddar Gorge Ancient city of Bath TOP TIP As the road flattens in the middle of the day, look to find other riders of a similar speed and start to ride in groups. STAGE 3: BANNERDOWN BATH TO LUDLOW RACECOURSE You will cross the immense Severn Bridge and dip into Wales as you pedal through the Forest of Dean towards Ludlow OVERVIEW Heading out of Bath, you will skirt the South-Western flank of the Cotswolds before crossing the sweeping expanse of the Bristol Channel on the Severn Bridge. Don’t panic, there is a bike lane! Then it’s time for a quick pit stop at Chepstow Castle before one of the most beautiful sections of the ride along the River Wye. For most riders, this is often one of the highlights of their entire ride. KEY STATS Distance: 94.3 miles Ascent: 5,318ft Challenge Rating: 3/5 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY Crossing the Severn Bridge Chepstow Castle Hidden roads along the glorious Wye Valley The relaxing racecourse basecamp at Ludlow TOP TIP Get your camera out. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the country and so make sure you take a few moments along the way to enjoy the journey. There’s plenty of time to catch up! STAGE 4: LUDLOW RACECOURSE TO HAYDOCK PARK RACECOURSE If there is an ‘easy day’ then this is it as day 4 has the least amount of climbing of all the days on the ride OVERVIEW By this point you will be well in the rhythm of the ride. Setting off with the sun rising over the hills, you will cross the edge of the Stiperstones hill before hitting the Shropshire and Cheshire plains around lunchtime. This is where the ride flattens out significantly and you can push out some steady miles in the peloton. The landscape becomes more suburban as the route passes between Manchester and Liverpool on the approach to Haydock Park and your next camp for the night. KEY STATS Distance: 107.7 miles Ascent: 3,180ft Challenge Rating: 2/5 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY Views of the iconic Stiperstones Pedal through the industrial heartland of England Manchester ship canal Some flat roads! TOP TIP On the second half of the day you will be heading through some more built-up areas. Keep alert and always follow the highway code. STAGE 5: HAYDOCK PARK RACECOURSE TO CARLISLE SHOWGROUND Day 5 is dominated by the ascent of Shap Fell; the highest point on the whole ride and the signal that the England stages are nearly over OVERVIEW As the route passes through Wigan and Preston the scenery improves, allowing views towards the Pennines to your right and out to the Blackpool Tower over the Fylde Coast to the left. You’ll pass the end of Bradley Wiggins’ road and then continue North with the mighty Lake District rising around you. Then it’s time for a quick pit stop and a deep breath before you set off on the steady climb of Shap Fell. Weather will have a big impact on your enjoyment of this climb as the sunshine will make the views from the top unforgettable whilst howling wind and rain will make it a stern test for any seasoned rider. KEY STATS Distance: 116.4 miles Ascent: 5,558ft Challenge Rating: 3/5 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY The mighty Shap Fell Crowds of primary school children cheering you along the way Dramatic views of the Lake District TOP TIP Take it easy in the first half of the day as you will take on the incredible Shap Fell today. STAGE 6: CARLISLE SHOWGROUND TO HOPETOUN HOUSE It’s time to get North of the border with a quick stop for the obligatory ‘Welcome to Scotland’ photo OVERVIEW Heading North from Carlisle you will soon be at the border of Scotland with some of the most dramatic scenery lying ahead of you. The ride to Hopetoun Estate offers fantastic views of the Lowther Hills, the River Clyde and the iconic Forth Railway Bridge. KEY STATS Distance: 105 miles Ascent: 4,144ft Challenge Rating: 4/5 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY The Scottish border photo opp The Lowther Hills Sweeping views of the Lowlands of Scotland TOP TIP As you cross the border you will get a second wind and feel revitalised for the journey ahead. Welcome to Scotland! STAGE 7: HOPETOUN HOUSE TO BELLABEG (STRATHDON) Some mighty climbs and epic Scottish scenery greet you when you set off from Hopetoun Estate OVERVIEW Day 7 starts with one for the bucket list, an epic crossing over the iconic Forth River Bridge. Your journey continues into the stunning Grampian Mountains through the Cairngorms National Park, conquering the mighty Glenshee on your way. As the route winds into Strathdon, take a minute to admire the historic Braemar Castle. KEY STATS Distance: 112.3 miles Ascent: 7,332ft Challenge Rating: 5/5 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY The Grampian Mountains and The Cairngorms National Park The world famous Glenshee Riding alongside the River Dee Braemar Castle TOP TIP Start slow, you’ll need plenty in the tank for when you hit Glenshee! STAGE 8: BELLABEG (STRATHDON) TO BALBLAIR (BONAR BRIDGE) Another incredible day of riding through the heart of Scotland with mountains and forests OVERVIEW If you are feeling good this will probably be the day when it begins to sink in that the challenge is slowly coming to an end. If you are exhausted you will begin to feel that the finish is within touching distance. You will face tough climbs up the infamous Lecht Hill at the very start of the Ride and also at the Ski Resort before your descent to the finish at the Kyle of Sutherland so mental preparation and positivity is key to finishing jubilantly at your final basecamp. KEY STATS Distance: 109.3 miles Ascent: 6,735 ft Challenge Rating: 5/5 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY Lecht Road Tomintoul village- Whisky area Dulsie Bridge TOP TIP The climbs in Scotland are long, but aren’t as steep as the ones you have taken on in England. Get into a nice steady rhythm and cheer each other on to the tops… STAGE 9: BALBLAIR (BONAR BRIDGE) TO JOHN O'GROATS Everyone should ride the Strathnaver Valley in their lifetime and few will savour it more than you knowing a finisher’s medal awaits OVERVIEW The long-awaited final day! And it never fails to impress. The undulating route takes in some of the remotest and most spectacular parts of Scotland and offers some of the best riding anywhere in the UK. The days starts with a climb up to the two highest points of the stage – Cnoc Staign and Strath Vagastie – before winding through the Strathnaver Valley and on towards the rugged North Atlantic Coast and the finishing line at John O’Groats! Lap up all of the praises and the hugs, there’s no one who deserves it more than those who complete this immense challenge! KEY STATS Distance: 104.1 miles Ascent: 4,541ft Challenge Rating: 4/5 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY The remote splendour of the Strathnaver Valley The rugged North Atlantic Coast Views of the Orkneys The long-awaited finish line at John O’Groats TOP TIP Savour the moments of that final day. You’ve earned every single bear hug, high 5, text message, e-mail, donation and nod of admiration. You will have completed something truly incredible.