Cycling to John O’Groats: Heighington to the Kielder Forest

Cycling UK, heading for John O’Groats, my latest bicycle touring update from England, on Wednesday, the 10th September 2014. Heighington to the Kielder Forest. 64 miles. Unfortunately, I was right about it being hillier today. It’s been very hilly. The roads have been a bit like a roller coaster ride. It’s been constantly going up and down right from the beginning of the day. But at least with the hills comes better scenery. The views today have been the best so far on this trip.

I was thinking today that we get ripped off so much in the south. A pint of beer last night cost me £3.15. The exact same pint back in my local costs me £4.30. that’s £1.15 difference. Why?? The landlady was a lot more helpful than the landlady in my local. Not only did she give me menus for takeaways, but she also rang them for me. I think they might get a lot of takeaways themselves, judging by their size. That’s a bit rude, I know, but true! I also think they wanted the deliverers to know they recommended me, so they got an extra discount, which was fine with me.

I ordered large cod and chips, plus kebab and chips, with a free bottle of fizzy. (I was hungry!) And all it cost me was £8.50! I couldn’t see the landlady in my local ordering a takeaway for me, well, not without adding her 50% on top!

Tour Information

It’s been years since I took this ride, but the memories (and the data) are all archived:

• Photos: See my photos on Flickr
• The route: View my route to John O’Groats
• Tour page: Ride overview

Follow My Bicycle Touring Adventures

Subscribe to my blog and follow me as I continue to travel around on my bike. Plus, as a subscriber, you’ll be among the first to receive news and updates on future tours. If you’re enjoying the ride and want to fuel my next mile, you can always buy me a beer. And, of course, you can always follow me on social media: Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, X, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest. I’m also on Flickr, where you’ll find pictures from all my tours, along with regular photo updates that I generally publish each month.

If you want to find out if I’m away touring at the moment and check my location, visit the Where’s Garry page. And for an insight into the gear and logistics that keep me on the road, see my Life at 10mph Guide.