TheBigD
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For reasons that I don't know, the sleeper ECS often runs Paddington-Newbury-Reading.
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LEJOG (Land's End to John O'Groats Cycle Trip)
- Thread starter TheBigD
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For reasons that I don't know, the sleeper ECS often runs Paddington-Newbury-Reading.
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Techniquest
Veteran Member
Isn't that something to do with turning the set? I can't remember now to be honest.
A decent day of cycling there, that descent into Whalley sounds like it must have been pretty tight. The sort of descent I really don't like!
TheBigD
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Tuesday 20th September 2022
LEJOG Day 10 - (just north of) Whalley to Kirkby Lonsdale
A short buy tough day today. Although only 37 miles, we did nearly 3500ft of climb.
After breakfast we retraced our steps for a mile or so back in to the Ribble Valley before starting our climb up through the Forest of Bowland AONB. 13 miles to our first tea stop at Slaidburn, climbing along single track dales roads with passing places. A couple of tough climbs, one lovely descent, and one tricky descent. In the 13 or so miles we had climbed around 1400ft.
After our tea stop we started our climb up and over Cross 'O Greet, riding through the desolate beauty of the pennine moors. In the first 6.5 miles to the summit, we had climbed another 1400ft. From the summit you can see the 3 peaks of Yorkshire, Ingleborough, Pen-y-gent, and Whernside. A wonderful descent down to Bentham followed. We passed over the Little North Western at Bentham station before continuing along the very welcome generally flat section to Wennington.
After Wennington we headed north, climbing gently towards Kirkby Lonsdale, stopping for lunch along the way.
We cycled past Devils Bridge at Kirkby Lonsdale on our way to the hotel. I will be walking the mile or so back to there later this afternoon.
Tomorrow we continue out journey north with a roughly 60 mile ride up to Talkin. I'm looking forward to cycling through the northern fells, another highlight of the trip for me.
Cycle Stats
Distance 37.06 miles
Time 3hr 14m 08s
Average Speed 11.5mph
Ascent 3438ft.
LEJOG Day 10 - (just north of) Whalley to Kirkby Lonsdale
A short buy tough day today. Although only 37 miles, we did nearly 3500ft of climb.
After breakfast we retraced our steps for a mile or so back in to the Ribble Valley before starting our climb up through the Forest of Bowland AONB. 13 miles to our first tea stop at Slaidburn, climbing along single track dales roads with passing places. A couple of tough climbs, one lovely descent, and one tricky descent. In the 13 or so miles we had climbed around 1400ft.
After our tea stop we started our climb up and over Cross 'O Greet, riding through the desolate beauty of the pennine moors. In the first 6.5 miles to the summit, we had climbed another 1400ft. From the summit you can see the 3 peaks of Yorkshire, Ingleborough, Pen-y-gent, and Whernside. A wonderful descent down to Bentham followed. We passed over the Little North Western at Bentham station before continuing along the very welcome generally flat section to Wennington.
After Wennington we headed north, climbing gently towards Kirkby Lonsdale, stopping for lunch along the way.
We cycled past Devils Bridge at Kirkby Lonsdale on our way to the hotel. I will be walking the mile or so back to there later this afternoon.
Tomorrow we continue out journey north with a roughly 60 mile ride up to Talkin. I'm looking forward to cycling through the northern fells, another highlight of the trip for me.
Cycle Stats
Distance 37.06 miles
Time 3hr 14m 08s
Average Speed 11.5mph
Ascent 3438ft.
Attachments
Last edited:
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Some intense climbing! 
Rather you than me with that, but I can imagine it must have been a beautiful ride in many places. 1,400ft of climbing in 13 miles sounds incredibly tough!
Rather you than me with that, but I can imagine it must have been a beautiful ride in many places. 1,400ft of climbing in 13 miles sounds incredibly tough!Some intense climbing!
without wishing to be dismissive, having been on those roads myself, it’s an average of 2%. It’s not that tough.
TheBigD
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I've cycled in the Indian himalayas, now that was tough!!!
One can imagine!
Techniquest
Veteran Member
I guess it also depends on the individual hills, but yes an average of 2% is decent.
That you are welcome to, definitely not for me!
TheBigD
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Wednesday 21st September 2022
LEJOG Day 11 - Kirkby Lonsdale to Talkin
Perfect weather for today's ride. Tail wind, sunny, no rain, and a cool temperature.
We started the day with a lovely 12% downhill run. Our route largely following the route of the former Clapham-Ingleton-Lowgill railway line. We undulated along passing first Waterside viaduct and then Lowgill viaduct.
After Lowgill viaduct we started to climb, first passing under the WCML, and then the M6. After a mile of so of climb we joined the A685 for a cracking 30mph descent down towards the M6. Turning off just before the M6, we followed a lovely back lane, single track with no passing places! No traffic encountered, we continued before joining another road which took us over the WCML once again, followed shortly after by the northbound M6 and then a little further on, the southbound M6. This road took us in to Orton where we stopped for tea.
After tea we headed north, with a mile or so climb out of Orton. At the top, with the wind behind us it was a cracking run in to the Eden watershed, the scenery changing from the hills of the lake district and Lune Valley to the lush green field of the Eden valley. Our route took us through a number of small villages, Maulds Meaburn and King's Meaburn before we passed under the A66 and on to Culgaith. At Culgaith signal box we crossed over the Settle to Carlisle railway line and then largely followed it to Langwathby where we had a picnic on the village green.
After lunch we again headed north, passing back under the Settle to Carlisle line before taking a quick deviation from our route to see the stone circle at Long Meg. Suitably underwhelmed, we continued along undulations country lanes towards Brampton. The pennines being an ever constant on our right, and catcging a glimpse of the notorious Hartside Pass. Turning off a few miles before Brampton for one last climb up through Talkin to Hallbankgate and our bed for the night.
I'm not sure there's much to explore here but I will have my usual 3+ mile walk later.
Cycle Stats
Distance 60.2 miles
Time 4hr 34min 0sec.
Average Speed 13.2 mph
Ascent 4751 ft
Tomorrow sees our longest day in the saddle, 80 miles from Talkin, crossing the England/Scotland border, to Peebles.
LEJOG Day 11 - Kirkby Lonsdale to Talkin
Perfect weather for today's ride. Tail wind, sunny, no rain, and a cool temperature.
We started the day with a lovely 12% downhill run. Our route largely following the route of the former Clapham-Ingleton-Lowgill railway line. We undulated along passing first Waterside viaduct and then Lowgill viaduct.
After Lowgill viaduct we started to climb, first passing under the WCML, and then the M6. After a mile of so of climb we joined the A685 for a cracking 30mph descent down towards the M6. Turning off just before the M6, we followed a lovely back lane, single track with no passing places! No traffic encountered, we continued before joining another road which took us over the WCML once again, followed shortly after by the northbound M6 and then a little further on, the southbound M6. This road took us in to Orton where we stopped for tea.
After tea we headed north, with a mile or so climb out of Orton. At the top, with the wind behind us it was a cracking run in to the Eden watershed, the scenery changing from the hills of the lake district and Lune Valley to the lush green field of the Eden valley. Our route took us through a number of small villages, Maulds Meaburn and King's Meaburn before we passed under the A66 and on to Culgaith. At Culgaith signal box we crossed over the Settle to Carlisle railway line and then largely followed it to Langwathby where we had a picnic on the village green.
After lunch we again headed north, passing back under the Settle to Carlisle line before taking a quick deviation from our route to see the stone circle at Long Meg. Suitably underwhelmed, we continued along undulations country lanes towards Brampton. The pennines being an ever constant on our right, and catcging a glimpse of the notorious Hartside Pass. Turning off a few miles before Brampton for one last climb up through Talkin to Hallbankgate and our bed for the night.
I'm not sure there's much to explore here but I will have my usual 3+ mile walk later.
Cycle Stats
Distance 60.2 miles
Time 4hr 34min 0sec.
Average Speed 13.2 mph
Ascent 4751 ft
Tomorrow sees our longest day in the saddle, 80 miles from Talkin, crossing the England/Scotland border, to Peebles.
Attachments
LSWR Cavalier
Established Member
Lots of down and up, how does it feel on a strange cycle, or is it very familiar thanks to bike fitting?
Do you cycle in a group (or several groups) mostly? How many are on the trip altogether? Are there any E-bike riders?
I have done occasional long rides, 100 miles plus, then several rest days. But what happens if you do long rides day after day? I guess it would be beneficial.
Do you cycle in a group (or several groups) mostly? How many are on the trip altogether? Are there any E-bike riders?
I have done occasional long rides, 100 miles plus, then several rest days. But what happens if you do long rides day after day? I guess it would be beneficial.
TheBigD
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Thursday 22nd September 2022
LEJOG Day 12 - Talkin to Peebles
Well the great cycling weather yesterday has been replaced today with a day of rain for our longest day in the saddle. The only positive being that we have a decent tailwind.
We left Hallbankgate in the pouring rain, descending down to the level crossing where we had to wait for a 37 to pass heading eastwards. Back underway we passed through Brampton and headed north once again.
It continued to rain heavily, the country lanes having lots of standing water on them. One particularly tricky 14% descent had a foot of water at the bottom! Thoroughly drenched we continued towards Penton and the Scottish border.
After a quick tea stop and the obligatory photos at the "Welcome to Scotland" border sign, we then headed through a wooded area that is being logged, and onwards towards Langholm were we turned off and headed to Eskdalemuir.
The community hub at Eskdalemuir being a very welcome lunch stop after 43 miles in the heavy rain.
Lunch over, the rain had eased a little and the rain was now light. We continued up the valley, climbing steadily until we had crossed the watershed. Then it was a lovely few miles alongside a mountain stream and forest before once again heading up another valley and crossing the watershed. This was repeated a few time for the next 15 miles, through the pine forests, and the mountains of the Scottish Borders.
With the roads having been upgraded for timber extraction, they were in great condition for cycling, though I suspect the many HGV drivers would disagree!
Weather not withstanding, this was certainly one of the highlights of the cycling so far.
Mountains and forests over, we continued along undulating roads through to out hotel in Peebles, where we are staying for 2 nights.
No cycling tomorrow, just a visit to the launderette! Saturday will see us cycle the 54 miles from Peebles to Kinross.
Cycle Stats
Distance 78.41 miles
Time 6hr 04m 33s
Average Speed 12.9mph
Ascent 5636ft.
LEJOG Day 12 - Talkin to Peebles
Well the great cycling weather yesterday has been replaced today with a day of rain for our longest day in the saddle. The only positive being that we have a decent tailwind.
We left Hallbankgate in the pouring rain, descending down to the level crossing where we had to wait for a 37 to pass heading eastwards. Back underway we passed through Brampton and headed north once again.
It continued to rain heavily, the country lanes having lots of standing water on them. One particularly tricky 14% descent had a foot of water at the bottom! Thoroughly drenched we continued towards Penton and the Scottish border.
After a quick tea stop and the obligatory photos at the "Welcome to Scotland" border sign, we then headed through a wooded area that is being logged, and onwards towards Langholm were we turned off and headed to Eskdalemuir.
The community hub at Eskdalemuir being a very welcome lunch stop after 43 miles in the heavy rain.
Lunch over, the rain had eased a little and the rain was now light. We continued up the valley, climbing steadily until we had crossed the watershed. Then it was a lovely few miles alongside a mountain stream and forest before once again heading up another valley and crossing the watershed. This was repeated a few time for the next 15 miles, through the pine forests, and the mountains of the Scottish Borders.
With the roads having been upgraded for timber extraction, they were in great condition for cycling, though I suspect the many HGV drivers would disagree!
Weather not withstanding, this was certainly one of the highlights of the cycling so far.
Mountains and forests over, we continued along undulating roads through to out hotel in Peebles, where we are staying for 2 nights.
No cycling tomorrow, just a visit to the launderette! Saturday will see us cycle the 54 miles from Peebles to Kinross.
Cycle Stats
Distance 78.41 miles
Time 6hr 04m 33s
Average Speed 12.9mph
Ascent 5636ft.
Attachments
TheBigD
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The bike is a Giant Contend road bike. It's a decent bike and once I'd got a feel for it on the first day I was pretty confident on it. One of my bikes is a Giant Revolt cyclo-cross bike so things like the brakes and gears weren't new to me.
The bike fitting really helps. I'm spending a 1000 miles on it so I wanted to be as comfortable as possible. I'd recommend a bike fitting to anyone who is planning on spending a fair bit of time in the saddle.
There are 10 of us in the group, plus 2 guides who alternate riding/driving the van on alternative days. All of us are mixed ability. I'm one of the youngest at 50, the oldest are both 77! We have generally split in to me riding ahead solo, then another few solo and 3 groups of 2. We set off together, split up, then reunite at tea breaks and lunch.
I've spent the last 3.5 months cycling as much as possible, usually between 200 and 350 mils per week, with a number of 100 mile rides, so I'm more than used to time in the saddle, and cycling on consecutive days etc. I've put in over 3000 miles in preparation for the trip, though living in the Lincolnshire fens, hill training has been non existent!
Techniquest
Veteran Member
I absolutely don't envy the cycling in heavy rain, that can't have been fun whatsoever. Your preparation riding sounds like it has set you up well for the adventure, except for the hills of course!
The important question, are you enjoying the experience overall?
The important question, are you enjoying the experience overall?
TheBigD
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Absolutely. Wonderful trip so far.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Good to hear
I'd have had to give up by now, although I am getting back to fitness slowly. I thought of your adventure yesterday, when charging down some of the descents through the Cotswolds, and your recent 40mph sector. I came close with a maximum of 36.7, and even on a clear road that was scary enough!Really enjoying reading this. I did LEJOG in a Smart car last year, keeping to the minor roads. Nearly burned the brakes out on Porlock Hill.
When you're done I really recommend reading "Free Country" by George Mahood. It recounts the journey he made with a friend from LE to JOG starting out in just a pair of boxer shorts each, with no money. They weren't allowed to accept or spend any money, and had to blag everything from strangers, including food and accommodation.
When you're done I really recommend reading "Free Country" by George Mahood. It recounts the journey he made with a friend from LE to JOG starting out in just a pair of boxer shorts each, with no money. They weren't allowed to accept or spend any money, and had to blag everything from strangers, including food and accommodation.
D821
Member
I've enjoyed reading about your progress. I've got into MTB cycling this year, but it's been mostly gravel trails for me and little in the way of hills. I'm aiming to get 30 miles in today, pales in comparison to your efforts!
TheBigD
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Saturday 24th September 2022
LEJOG Day 13 - Peebles to Kinross
Yesterday was a rest day in Peebles. After an early morning dash to the launderette, a very pleasant 4.75 mile walk along the river Tweed to Neidpath Viaduct and tunnel. A lunchtime walk around Peebles followed, it really is a lovely little town.
This morning's ride is forecast to be dry with sunny spells, and a very slight 4-5 mph side/headwind, much better than Thursday's soaking!
We set off, leaving the lovely Peebles behind us heading towards Edinburgh. We followed the main road out of Peebles towards Edinburgh. Being a Saturday morning the traffic was light. We turned off after around 6 miles on to a quiet country lane which took us through areas that were previously pine forests but had been logged and replanted.
After a couple of miles we joined another road, possibly the bumpiest road in Scotland! After a bum numbing couple of miles we stopped for tea brak in a lay-by before continuing to Edinburgh.
We caught a glimpse of Arthur's Seat descending down in to Edinburgh. Whilst Edinburgh is a lovely city, the roads we used weren't in great condition, and some of the cycle paths just as bad. We meandered through the city, our route including the "joys" of cobbled roads, unplanned road closures, crossing Princes Street, and sharing the tramway for a very short section near Haymarket railway station.
After Haymarket we continued along a decent cycle path that obviously used to be railway line for a mile or so before cycling through residential areas and a bit of countryside near Queensferry. I'm pretty sure this is a sustrans route.
At Queensferry I took a more than a few photos of the iconic Forth Bridge and had lunch at The Rail Bridge Cafe.
After lunch we cycled over the original Forth Road Bridge. We got lucky as the eastern path was the one in use giving us a cracking view of the Forth Bridge alongside. A 158 headed north and a 170 south whilst we were crossing. Crossing the Firth of Forth was another highlight for me on the trip.
After coming down off the bridge, we continued north through Inverkeithing, Cowdenbeath and Kelty. After Kelty we had a moderate headwind for the last 5 miles or so to Kinross.
Tomorrow will see a relatively short ride, the 39 miles from Kinross to Bridge of Cally. An easy day, ready for the Monday where we will do 60 miles and 6000ft of climb.
Cycle Stats
Distance 53.59 miles
Time 4hr 05m 15s
Average Speed 13.1mph
Ascent 2920 ft.
LEJOG Day 13 - Peebles to Kinross
Yesterday was a rest day in Peebles. After an early morning dash to the launderette, a very pleasant 4.75 mile walk along the river Tweed to Neidpath Viaduct and tunnel. A lunchtime walk around Peebles followed, it really is a lovely little town.
This morning's ride is forecast to be dry with sunny spells, and a very slight 4-5 mph side/headwind, much better than Thursday's soaking!
We set off, leaving the lovely Peebles behind us heading towards Edinburgh. We followed the main road out of Peebles towards Edinburgh. Being a Saturday morning the traffic was light. We turned off after around 6 miles on to a quiet country lane which took us through areas that were previously pine forests but had been logged and replanted.
After a couple of miles we joined another road, possibly the bumpiest road in Scotland! After a bum numbing couple of miles we stopped for tea brak in a lay-by before continuing to Edinburgh.
We caught a glimpse of Arthur's Seat descending down in to Edinburgh. Whilst Edinburgh is a lovely city, the roads we used weren't in great condition, and some of the cycle paths just as bad. We meandered through the city, our route including the "joys" of cobbled roads, unplanned road closures, crossing Princes Street, and sharing the tramway for a very short section near Haymarket railway station.
After Haymarket we continued along a decent cycle path that obviously used to be railway line for a mile or so before cycling through residential areas and a bit of countryside near Queensferry. I'm pretty sure this is a sustrans route.
At Queensferry I took a more than a few photos of the iconic Forth Bridge and had lunch at The Rail Bridge Cafe.
After lunch we cycled over the original Forth Road Bridge. We got lucky as the eastern path was the one in use giving us a cracking view of the Forth Bridge alongside. A 158 headed north and a 170 south whilst we were crossing. Crossing the Firth of Forth was another highlight for me on the trip.
After coming down off the bridge, we continued north through Inverkeithing, Cowdenbeath and Kelty. After Kelty we had a moderate headwind for the last 5 miles or so to Kinross.
Tomorrow will see a relatively short ride, the 39 miles from Kinross to Bridge of Cally. An easy day, ready for the Monday where we will do 60 miles and 6000ft of climb.
Cycle Stats
Distance 53.59 miles
Time 4hr 05m 15s
Average Speed 13.1mph
Ascent 2920 ft.
Attachments
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Yikes to the poor road surfaces, but great news on the views!
Monday's 6,000ft of climbing is enough of a thought to put a shiver down my spine! 6,000ft, in one day
Monday's 6,000ft of climbing is enough of a thought to put a shiver down my spine! 6,000ft, in one day
Glenshee or Drumochter?
if the former, double check the route as the A939 may be closed at Gairnshiel for bridge work.
TheBigD
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Glenshee. One of our 5 climbs tomorrow en route to Tomintoul.
Our guides are aware of the bridge work but that it shouldn't affect our route. Thanks for the heads up though, appreciated!
Good luck - it’s a drag up to Glenshee, especially the last 2k (half decent cafe at the top if you need a break), but the roll down to Braemar is an absolute hoot - you won’t need to pedal for 10k.
We’ve just received an update from our friends that have finally arrived at John o’ Groats. They’ve done it in four bites from Lands End and they’ve covered 246 miles this last week. Loved it though.
Good luck with the last bit @TheBigD .
TheBigD
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Sunday 25th September 2022
LEJOG Day 14 - Kinross to Bridge of Cally
A relatively short ride today up to Bridge of Cally. Moderate side/headwind, sunny but cool.
We headed north out of Kinross, largely following a signposted cycle route to Perth. Most of the route was back roads but there were a couple of cycleways alongside the main road.
No spectacular mountain views yet, just rural landscapes. No real climbs, just a 12% descent. We passed over the Ladybank to Perth railway line then the Perth to Stirling mainline just south of Peth Station. A welcome tea break was had in South Inch(?) Park.
After tea break we passed under the Perth to Dundee railway line before cycling by the grounds of Scone Palace. We continued along undulating roads, climbing very gradually. We then passed by the world's tallest beech hedge at Meikleour before continuing to our lunch stop in Blairgowrie. We also caught glimpses of the mountains ahead of us that we face tomorrow.
After lunch we had a steady 2.25 mile cycle up out of Blairgowrie and then on to our accommodation for the evening at Bridge of Cally.
There's nothing much here, except a fishing book shop, but I'll be having a walk later on.
Cycle Stats
Distance 39.49 miles
Time 2hr 56m 46s
Average Speed 13.4 mph
Ascent 2251 ft.
Tomorrow will be a tough day. 5 climbs including Glenshee. 60 miles, 6000ft of ascent. If that doesn't sound bad enough, we also have a 20+mph headwind forecast!
Edit - wind forecast has now dropped to just 15mph!
LEJOG Day 14 - Kinross to Bridge of Cally
A relatively short ride today up to Bridge of Cally. Moderate side/headwind, sunny but cool.
We headed north out of Kinross, largely following a signposted cycle route to Perth. Most of the route was back roads but there were a couple of cycleways alongside the main road.
No spectacular mountain views yet, just rural landscapes. No real climbs, just a 12% descent. We passed over the Ladybank to Perth railway line then the Perth to Stirling mainline just south of Peth Station. A welcome tea break was had in South Inch(?) Park.
After tea break we passed under the Perth to Dundee railway line before cycling by the grounds of Scone Palace. We continued along undulating roads, climbing very gradually. We then passed by the world's tallest beech hedge at Meikleour before continuing to our lunch stop in Blairgowrie. We also caught glimpses of the mountains ahead of us that we face tomorrow.
After lunch we had a steady 2.25 mile cycle up out of Blairgowrie and then on to our accommodation for the evening at Bridge of Cally.
There's nothing much here, except a fishing book shop, but I'll be having a walk later on.
Cycle Stats
Distance 39.49 miles
Time 2hr 56m 46s
Average Speed 13.4 mph
Ascent 2251 ft.
Tomorrow will be a tough day. 5 climbs including Glenshee. 60 miles, 6000ft of ascent. If that doesn't sound bad enough, we also have a 20+mph headwind forecast!
Edit - wind forecast has now dropped to just 15mph!
Attachments
Last edited:
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Glad to hear the wind forecast has lowered, here's hoping it won't affect you too much. Good luck for the big day!
Snapper37
Member
Well over half way, keep going!
TheBigD
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Monday 26th September 2022
LEJOG Day 15 - Bridge of Cally to Tomintoul
Weather as forecast today. Cool, cloudy, and a 15mph headwind for our tough climb over Glenshee.
At breakfast we were I formed that the road was closed after all (@Bald Rick mentioned it up thread) and an alternative for the afternoon was being planned.
We set off from Bridge of Cally climbing about 1000ft in the 13 miles to Spittal of Glenshee where we regrouped.
After regrouping, we started the climb up Glenshee. Another approx 1100ft in the next 5.25 miles, the last 1.5 miles being a slow slog in the granny gear, with the gradient rising to maximum of 13%. After breaching the summit we were hit by 35+mph gusts which pretty much stopped me in my tracks! I managed to get a photo at the summit and then headed off to the cafe for a well deserved hot chocolate.
After tea break we then headed downhill to Braemar, the very strong sidewind making progress quite tricky on occasions. It also started raining along this section. The ride itself has great scenery but my mind was firmly on the bike handling!
After a very quick lunch stop at Braemar we cycled through the forests and followed the River Dee by Balmoral before transferring to a minibus at Craithie due to the bridge closure. The minibus then took us via 45 minute detour, and when we rejoined our bikes and route, we had losr around 10 miles off our original route.
We rejoined in the wind and rain a few miles east of Corgarff. We set off once more and after about 2.5 miles we encountered the "joys" of the 20% incline up Corgarff hill. A very tough ride up to the top in the wind and rain. The 20% is the maximum and only for a short bit of the really tough section of 0.7 miles and 495ft ascent. The whole of the ascent is around 2.5 miles and 800ft of ascent.
Again at the summit the wind was really gusting and the descent was once again tricky for the first couple of miles. We continued down the valley to Tomintoul where I was glad to get to the guesthouse!
Today wasn't a fun day!
Cycle Stats (Part 1)
Distance 36.96 miles
Time 3hr 20m 17s
Average Speed 11.1mph
Ascent 2671ft
Cycle Stats (Part 2)
Distance 11.96 miles
Time 1hr 14m 05s
Average Speed 9.7mph
Ascent 1253ft
Tomorrow we cycled the 51 miles from Tomintoul to Inverness.
LEJOG Day 15 - Bridge of Cally to Tomintoul
Weather as forecast today. Cool, cloudy, and a 15mph headwind for our tough climb over Glenshee.
At breakfast we were I formed that the road was closed after all (@Bald Rick mentioned it up thread) and an alternative for the afternoon was being planned.
We set off from Bridge of Cally climbing about 1000ft in the 13 miles to Spittal of Glenshee where we regrouped.
After regrouping, we started the climb up Glenshee. Another approx 1100ft in the next 5.25 miles, the last 1.5 miles being a slow slog in the granny gear, with the gradient rising to maximum of 13%. After breaching the summit we were hit by 35+mph gusts which pretty much stopped me in my tracks! I managed to get a photo at the summit and then headed off to the cafe for a well deserved hot chocolate.
After tea break we then headed downhill to Braemar, the very strong sidewind making progress quite tricky on occasions. It also started raining along this section. The ride itself has great scenery but my mind was firmly on the bike handling!
After a very quick lunch stop at Braemar we cycled through the forests and followed the River Dee by Balmoral before transferring to a minibus at Craithie due to the bridge closure. The minibus then took us via 45 minute detour, and when we rejoined our bikes and route, we had losr around 10 miles off our original route.
We rejoined in the wind and rain a few miles east of Corgarff. We set off once more and after about 2.5 miles we encountered the "joys" of the 20% incline up Corgarff hill. A very tough ride up to the top in the wind and rain. The 20% is the maximum and only for a short bit of the really tough section of 0.7 miles and 495ft ascent. The whole of the ascent is around 2.5 miles and 800ft of ascent.
Again at the summit the wind was really gusting and the descent was once again tricky for the first couple of miles. We continued down the valley to Tomintoul where I was glad to get to the guesthouse!
Today wasn't a fun day!
Cycle Stats (Part 1)
Distance 36.96 miles
Time 3hr 20m 17s
Average Speed 11.1mph
Ascent 2671ft
Cycle Stats (Part 2)
Distance 11.96 miles
Time 1hr 14m 05s
Average Speed 9.7mph
Ascent 1253ft
Tomorrow we cycled the 51 miles from Tomintoul to Inverness.
Attachments
Last edited:
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Ah that explains why you had some monster climbs, going through the Cairngorms! Incredibly brave that fair play, and the 20% climb made me both wince and remember a similar challenge I had last year in West Yorkshire, not too far east of Keighley.
Glad to hear you made it safe and sound, that would be a day that would put me off cycling for a long time!
Glad to hear you made it safe and sound, that would be a day that would put me off cycling for a long time!
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