Mike Newton cycles from Land’s End to John o’Groats in September 2023 (new version with MAPS)

Mike Newton cycles from Land’s End to John o’Groats in September 2023. Joined by Jeff King in the first weekend Bill & Sally Chaplain in the second week. He cycled alone in the third week going through Scotland. Each day can be seen as a micro-adventure.
Jeff King and I set off on August 31st and caught two trains to get to Penzance, (1) Grand Central train from Eaglescliffe to London Kings Cross, (2) GWR train from London Paddington to Penzance. We were on the trains for a total of 9 hours. We were lucky with transporting our e-bikes, with my e-bike having large tyres. GC guards hung up our bikes. GWR guards did not mind our e-bikes being stuck out in the corridor.
Jeff cycled with me for 6 days and left at Radstock. I continued by myself for 2 days to Kidderminster. Bill & Sally Chaplain joined me at Kidderminster with Sally acting as backup in their car. Bill cycled with me for 7 days to Arrochar. I continued by myself for the last 6 days ending up in John o’Groats.
I had worked out an abnormal route to return home. I caught the ferry to the Orkneys, cycled across to Kirkwall then caught the 11:45pm ferry down to Aberdeen. From here I caught a LNER Asuma train to Edinburgh then another one to Darlington. There were issues as a storm in John o’Groats convinced me that the ferry that I had booked might not run. Fortunately, Norman McLennan proposed that I switch to his larger car-transport ferry,. We put my bike in his car and he drove very fast to the ferry port 3 miles away.
My main concerns were (1 cycling along the A82 – would I love? I did, (2) would the e-bikes fit on the trains – they did just, (3) would my bike chain slip as I had been advised that I needed a new chainring – it didn’t.
I have used music by Sky – quite upbeat.
My aim was to raise money for Teesside Charity. I have now raised £1,305 – any more donations would be very welcome.
@chael-newton-1690470204373

Music from the album ‘Best of Sky’ by Sky.