LE JOG TO THOSE IN THE KNOW …
Land’s End to John O’Groats , or TR19 7AA to KW1 4YR
A trip that so many of us want to do but have never done.
If you just want to say you have driven this route, you can do it in one day, it’s about a 15hr drive covering 840 miles. But that’s just a box ticking exercise, if you are going to see this route you will obviously need to plan what you would like to include, the stops you want to make, where you will stay overnight etc.
There are many routes to get from Le to Jog, routes where you could cut across country and visit various towns and villages including Oxford, York and Newcastle etc. How you get from Land’s End to John O’Groats is personal choice, however the most direct route if you are not a bird is below:
A30 – Land’s End to Exeter
approx 120 miles
Start on the A30 as it winds its way up to Exeter. You’re treated to a delicate path through the charming village of Sennen – before the road widens further north, allowing unparalleled views of the Exe Valley.
M5 – Exeter to Birmingham
approx 175 miles
Despite being a motorway-heavy leg, the M5 south of Bristol is also a genuine highlight with its lush greenery and varied landscapes – before the run up to the M6 in the West Midlands.
M6 – Birmingham to Gretna Green
approx 205 miles
As the M6 leads you past Manchester and towards the Lakes, the journey once again picks up in terms of its stunning surroundings.
A74 (M) – Gretna Green to Abington
approx 50 miles
This is a straightforward stretch of road that takes you through Lockerbie and past Auchen Castle
M74 – Abington to Glasgow
approx 40 miles
From the Scottish border, the A74 (M) through Annandale all the way to Glasgow is also a sight to behold – just don’t expect too much in the way of radio signal in amongst this awesome, mountainous terrain.
M73 – Glasgow to Mollinsburn
approx 10 miles
This route bypasses Glasgow city so you are avoiding the worst of the traffic but keen your eyes open for signage and M74 changing to M73 but also note you are going over the River Clyde just south east of Glasgow
M80 – Mollinsburn to Nr. Bannockburn
approx 17 miles
Pay attention through the A80, M80, and M9 to the A9, with a flurry of relatively fast-paced road changes. That said, it’s a wonderful driving road, with some of Britain’s best landscapes, through the Cairngorms and Speyside
M9 – Nr. Bannockburn to Nr. Dunblane
approx 10 miles
This section takes you past Stirling Castle and over the River Forth
A9 – Nr. Dunblane to Latheron
approx 222 miles
This has to be one of the most stunning scenic routes you will have taken. Through the Cairngorms National Park and ski mountains, along the rugged and harsh coastline, alongside and over bridges, rivers, burns and lochs. Past castles and fishing villages. Once you’ve traversed Inverness and the Black Isle, the A9 follows the east shore to Wick where you’ll pick up with the coast-clinging A99 – surely one of the most picturesque trails in the UK, taking you all the way to John O’Groats.
A99 – Latheron to John o’Groats
approx 33 miles .. last leg, almost there
You have arrived – to your choice of refreshment; the brewery, tea rooms or coffee shop … after that drive, the world really is your oyster.
So you have done the ultimate British road trip! Congrats!!
This route takes you past many other towns and cities of interest including Bristol, Birmingham, Stoke on Trent, Liverpool, Manchester, the Lake District, Glasgow, Sterling Perth to name but a few – all fantastic places for a stop-off if you’re keen to get the most out of your tour. Read our other blog for a more detail Le Jog tour.
This end to end trip has claimed many ‘firsts’ and world records including the oldest and youngest cyclist, on a lawnmower, in a bathtub, on a uni cycle, on buses, hitting golf balls all the way, hitch hiking .. you name it, someone has probably had a go.
