Bognor to John O’Groats Bicycle Tour

September 2014

Bognor to John O’Groats bicycle tour, Garry’s second tour of the year. Not quite the classic Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle ride! But then Garry does like to be different!

Garry had spent much of the year in and out of the hospital! After an operation on a slipped disc back in March. But, now Garry had finished all appointments and was fully discharged from the hospital. He was free to go touring once again!

This was to be a sort of continuation of his last tour in July, his Southwest England ride. There, after reaching Land’s End, Garry headed north towards John O’Groats. Even though he knew he had no chance of making it that far! So now Garry was going to complete his Land’s End to John O’Groats ride!

Rather than go all the way back to Land’s End, Garry decided to start the tour from his home in Bognor Regis. So, in early September, Garry set off for Scotland. And in less than two weeks, he arrived in John O’Groats! Which to be honest, was a bit of an anti-climax, there was nothing there! Just a hotel, campsite, visitor centre and the iconic John O’Groats signpost! It probably didn’t help that the last few miles had been in the rain! But Garry had enjoyed the ride up through Scotland; it was very picturesque.

After his disappointment with John O’Groats, Garry checked into the hotel rather than the campsite, any excuse!

After a good night in the hotel, talking to other cyclists, who were also a bit disappointed with John O’Groats, it was time to head home. Garry hadn’t thought this far ahead! But after talking to other cyclists, he found out there was a train station 20 miles away in Thurso. And after a couple of changes, Garry found himself in Edinburgh, where he boarded the Caledonian Sleeper to London.

Garry arrived in London in the early hours of the following morning. And after a short ride across London from Euston to Victoria, Garry boarded his last train. And walked through his front door at around 9.30 am.

An enjoyable tour despite the disappointment of John O’Groats with 777 miles cycled.

If you want to find out if Garry’s away touring at the moment and check his location, visit the Where’s Garry page.

Photos

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Garry’s Route

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4 Replies to “Bognor to John O’Groats Bicycle Tour”

  1. Garry what are the roads like on this route? I want to do like you did from my house in Surrey to John o groats.i can see there are national cycle networks but have no experience of them

    1. To be honest, it was such a long time ago I can’t remember. Although I’m pretty sure I would have cycled along the main roads, in fact, I seem to remember ending up on the A1 at one point! There weren’t so many cycle routes then.
      You’ll be absolutely fine on the cycle network and have the time of your life. But if you are unsure, maybe try another cycle route over a weekend. There are plenty in and around Surrey.

  2. I’m glad you tipped me off, I’ll give it a miss. You should have stayed longer in Edinburgh. he he.

    1. The way things are now (Covid-19), I might have to go back there this year!
      I intended to stop in Edinburgh longer. Unfortunately, my timing was all wrong! In 2014 Scotland had that referendum. I arrived in Edinburgh the night before it was taking place and couldn’t find a hotel!

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