Cycling JOGLE 101: Everything You Need To Know Before Cycling The U.K.
Cycling JOGLE is so good we’ve done it twice. And we’d do it again, too. In this article, I’ve focused on cycling John O’ Groats to Land’s End, but if you’re cycling LEJOG this article will be helpful for you, too.
The only reason Stew and I cycled JOGLE rather than LEJOG was logistics. We’re from Shropshire so it was easier for us to travel to John O’Groats on public transport and have someone collect us from Land’s End when we were done.
In this article, we’re sharing everything you need to think about before you set off to cycle the length of Britain. The article talks mostly about our JOGLE that we did together, but Stew also did a self-supported/camping JOGLE tour of the West Coast.
In this article
- Can anyone cycle JOGLE?
- Planning LEJOG or JOGLE Cycle
- Training for JOGLE cycle
- Bikes suitable to cycle JOGLE
- Why is the John o’Groats to Land’s End bike ride so popular?
- Practical tips to cycling JOGLE
- Facts about the JOGLE cycle adventure
- Your cycling JOGLE questions answered
Can anyone cycle JOGLE?
YES!
I really wanted to start this article by saying anyone can cycle JOGLE. It does not matter if you are a new cyclist or a seasoned pro! It does not matter how fit you are or how old you are.
Anyone can cycle JOGLE.
The thing is, cycling long distances isn’t really limited by many physical attributes like fitness. The limitations are:
- Time
- Money
So, as an aspiring JOGLE-er you need to do what you need to do so that you can complete the ride fast enough that you can afford to take the time off work and save enough to make it possible.
Now that’s doable.
When I cycled JOGLE, I did not:
- have a fancy bike
- carry a lot of luggage
- take a lot of money
- do a lot of training
Instead I:
- took my hybrid bike that I already owned, it cost me like £600
- carried one saddle bag
- stayed in cheap AirBnBs and hostels
- rode my bike a little more than normal
If you don’t cycle much you will of course need to train a bit, but we’ll get to that, later.
Planning LEJOG or JOGLE Cycle
When you plan to cycle JOGLE, there are a few practical things you need to think about. You’ll want to think about doing some training, the type of tour you want to do and what you’ll carry. In the section below I’ve outlined all of these thoughts plus insights into how we chose to cycle JOGLE.
Training for JOGLE
When Stew and I cycled JOGLE we did cycle quite a lot already. We used to get up most mornings and cycle 10 miles before work. That was what we loved to do.
When we were training to JOGLE we started adding another bike ride after work of around 15 miles, so, in total, we were cycling 10 – 30 miles per day. This was pretty nice as the sun was shining and we were very happy doing it. From memory the second bike ride did get a bit much some days.
On the weekends we’d for a long ride of 50 miles plus.
We didn’t do any overnight stays or practice touring. JOGLE was my first cycle tour.
If you’re going for a record, then sure, you’re going to need to train, but our JOGLE was a leisurely ride, a bit of a holiday really!
Supported or Independent?
Cycling JOGLE can be done supported or independently. Supported would mean that you have a support vehicle following you. A support vehicle might carry snacks and all your kit so you can ride without weight. Supported rides are great for those who want to ride as quickly as possible.
An independent JOGLE will mean carrying a bit more kit. At minimum you’d want to carry some tools, a change of clothes, hygiene products and maybe a tent depending on how you choose to sleep.
How we cycled JOGLE: we chose to cycle JOGLE independently, meaning that we carried what we needed on our bikes. There was no support vehicle or support while we completed the adventure.
Credit card cycle tour or camping?
A credit card tour is a term used to describe a tour where you rock up to hotels or AirBnBs and pay to stay.
A camping tour is as it sounds, a tour where you camp each night. If you choose to camp you’ll need to carry a tent (or have your support vehicle carry it). You’ll also need to think about carrying a stove/kitchen to cook, or opt to eat on the road in cafes.
How we cycled JOGLE: we basically did a credit card tour and it was great! We stayed in AirBnBs and cheap hotels or hostels. We carried lunch on us (peanut butter sandwiches) and took the necessary tools. We ate our occasionally. We kept the luggage pretty light.
What will you take?
We’ve created a JOGLE Kit List complete with all the items we take on tours. It’s usefully categorised into the following:
- Camping & Cooking
- Bags & Luggage
- Clothing
- Electronics
- Tools & Spares
You can choose which kit you need to consider. If you’re not camping you don’t need camping and cooking. If you’ve got a support vehicle you don’t really need bags & Luggage.
The way you choose to cycle JOGLE will depend entirely on your adventure. It’s up to you to make your JOGLE yours.
How we cycled JOGLE: we took a saddle bag, two panniers, and some tools and spares.
Which route will you take?
There’s not actually an official JOGLE or LEJOG route. And it goes without say: a JOGLE route can be reversed to be LEJOG and visa versa.
Cyclists who want to ride from one end of the country to the other will want the most direct route. These routes tend to be less scenic.
How we cycled JOGLE: Stew and I opted to cycle the scenic route both times we did it. Stew solo cycled a whopping 2,500 mile JOGLE along the west coast before he met me. If you want scenic-scenic check out the JOGLE coastal route. That guy is not for the faint-hearted! Prepare to cycle some of Britain’s hilliest hills!
For a more…ahem…normal JOGLE, take a look at this JOGLE route. Stew mapped this starting with the 9-day Ride Across Britain route. We adapted it to be more like a 14-day JOGLE and it was lovely. We took a day off in Kendal, some days were super short at 40 miles. There was time to enjoy the scenes. It was fab.
Charity
JOGLE is a pretty big adventure! You can do it for charity if you want to. We cycled for charity a few times so here are some tips to raising money:
- Share the trip on social media and tag in the charity you’re riding for. They’ll share you.
- Share your adventure in the charity Facebook groups.
- Tell your local newspapers, they might cover the story.
- Tell your local radio they might cover the story, too!
- Team up with local business. By doing this you can:
- Get larger donations in the form of sponsorship
- Wear a t-shirt with the supporting company’s logo
- Increasing sharing and marketing through their channels
- Offer something through the business for those who sponsor (eg. 10% off)
How we cycled JOGLE: We’ve cycled for charity both times. Stew cycled solo for Multiple Sclerosis Trust and when we cycled together we cycled for Shropshire Mind.
Bikes suitable to cycle JOGLE
The honest answer here is any bike as long as you are comfortable.
You don’t need a fancypants bike, unless of course, you want to ride in a super fancy bike!
The point here is : don’t let your bike stop you from doing cool stuff.
For those who want to ride a faster JOGLE you might want to ride a carbon frame or a road bike since being lightweight is key. For the average cycle tourist, anything you’re comfortable on will do.
How we cycled JOGLE: I cycled on an Islabike Beinn 29. I did not have cleats. I didn’t even have a pannier rack back then. The Beinn 29 isn’t listed anymore. I bought it at least ten years ago. It was a lovely hybrid bike and back then cost maybe £600. Stew cycled both his JOGLEs on a Fahrradmanufaktur touring bike. It was his first touring bike. It cost about £1,000.
Training for JOGLE cycle
The best way to train for JOGLE is by cycling. You need bums on saddles, legs turning and some long-distance cycling.
Don’t overcomplicate it. As long as you’re not going for speed, you’ll be fine. The thing to remember is that when you’re cycling JOGLE, say you’re doing it over two weeks you’re doing 40 – 80 miles per day max. And, unlike your training rides your JOGLE will be your sole focus in life for those two weeks. You’re not cramming rides in before and after work, you’ve got THE DAY.
One entire day to do 40 – 80 miles. You can do it.
You can set yourself up a simple training plan that involves some short weekly rides before and after work and build up the distance over time.
On the weekends get yourself out on a long ride and consider joining a cycling club or local group rides to keep up the motivation and get some tips from more seasoned riders if you need it.
Why is the John o’Groats to Land’s End bike ride so popular?
Having cycled JOGLE over two weeks I can totally see the appeal. I’ve done plenty of adventures that I wouldn’t repeat if you paid me, but by the time JOGLE ended I could’ve sat back on my bike and moved straight into a LEJOG. It was blimmin’ fantastic for fourteen days straight.
If it wasn’t for this world cycling tour I’d do it again tomorrow.
Practical tips to cycling JOGLE
- You’re in the UK, it’s going to rain. Take kit suitable for all weather conditions. We actually didn’t see rain until the middle of England which is pure luxury – Scotland under the sun – I know! It’s unlikely you’ll get across the entire UK without some rain.
- Plan ahead for accommodation, food stops, and other amenities during your journey. This is especially important in Scotland as it does get very busy, particularly in The Highlands. I would book your accommodation in advance there, but you can relax a little more in the middle of England. southern England (Devonshire) get’s busy during summer periods, so book ahead.
- Ride and wear what is comfortable to you. We don’t recommend making drastic changes to kit before JOGLE. If you are changing anything, give yourself ample time to train in it and make sure you’re happy.
Facts about the JOGLE cycle adventure
- John o’Groat’s to Lands End (JOGLE) is a classic cycling route that has been around since the late 1800s and is still popular today.
- The 874-mile bike ride takes you from Scotland’s northernmost point at John o’Groats all the way down to England’s southernmost tip at Land’s End
- The scenic routes are challenging yet rewarding, with spectacular views of the Scottish Highlands and English countryside as well as a bit of city life along the way.
- JOGLE passes through some of Britain’s finest landscapes.
- You’re going to have a blimmin’ wonderful time.
Your cycling JOGLE questions answered
JOGLE can take anything from a days to several months depending on how much time you want to spend exploring along the way. For the average cyclist I think 14 days is a nice time frame, but you can do it quicker if work holidays are a little short.
All you need to do, to determine how much time you need, is work out how many miles per day you can/want to ride then schedule in a break or two. We planned one day off, but ended up taking two.
Let me put it this way: you start at sea level and end at sea level, so you do the maths.
We haven’t cycled LEJOG due to the logistics of getting home from John O’ Groats, but my opinion is that when anyone says one way is easier than another I call BS and that goes for every human-powered adventure out there. They’re all equal parts tough and wonderful, so pick your route and go with it.
Supposedly, it’s easier to ride LEJOG due to prevailing winds, you’re supposedly more likely to get a tailwind, but as I said, I call BS.
You can ride JOGLE on any route you like. You can take a more scenic route, like Stew did, along the coast, go direct through the middle and on busier roads (good for speed) or you can make it up!
The whole point of JOGLE/LEJOG is to travel from the most northerly point of the mainland UK to the most southernly or vice versa.
Our 2-week JOGLE totaled 1022 miles, but you can do it in much less, closer to 800.
Stew completed a JOGLE that was 2,500 miles long.
Within reason, JOGLE can be as many (or as few) miles as you like.
Post written by: Zoe Ashbridge
Comments
Ask a question or join the discussion below.
I just came across your blog & want to say thank you so much for including such positive words & views re: not needing to be super fit to cycle a long way!
My partner & I are planning JOGLE in 6 weeks time, over 4-5 weeks, and everyone has told me I’m utterly insane as, realistically, I can cycle a bike but I’m not an avid cyclist, I just really, really want to do it! Your blog has made me feel it is possible to do as building fitness on the road (my plan!) is possible & we won’t be in a hurry to get there!
Typically my knee has started playing up just as I booked the train tickets up, so I’m unable to train at all right now but I’m hoping it is going to repair enough to get me on a bike in the next week!!
Anyway, thank you.
Hello, Lily!
I’m so glad you found that particular point helpful! It’s so important to me because I also felt like I couldn’t do something as amazing as JOGLE because I thought you needed to be super fit, riding ultra light carbon bikes, etc., and you just don’t need to.
Your time frame of 4-5 weeks is going to be absolutely beautiful. Based on 1,000 miles in four weeks that’s 35 miles/day; very manageable!
Will you come back and let us know how you found it? Would love to hear about your adventure.
Hi Zoe and everyone else,
You call BS about the wind, in my experience I say it’s real, do LEJOG if you want an easier ride.
I did JOGLE because of pick up logistics and the wind was really hard in my face from the moment I turned the bike around and set off from JOG. I remember having to cycle down the hill at Berriedale on that first day! It got better, but always the wind.
Don’t let that put you off doing it, I have fantastic memories that I think about even now 25 years later.
I came to this website after a friend said he is planning to do it and I wondered where everyone else stayed. Me,
Dornoch (B&B)
Aviemore (YHA)
Perth (YHA)
Moffat (B&B)
Kendal (YHA)
Whitchurch (B&B)
Bristol (YHA)
Okehampton (YHA)
Cheers, Keith.
What do you base your thoughts about the wind on, Keith? We’re in agreement about the wind, either way, don’t let it stop you.
Love the list of accommodation along your JOGLE, thank you! 🙂
I’m organising JOGLE for 11 riders from work in June 25. Hopefully having 11 rides will help with the head wind south.
My question is did you train in Watts rather than training for speed? I’m not sure how to pace ourselves so we can complete the ride in 10 days.
Also how did you keep up with nutrition during the day?
Thanks
Paul
Hello, Paul!
We’re probably the wrong people to ask about training in this way for JOGLE because ours was more of a holiday, and we had 14 days to do it. We didn’t really do any special training, just rode the bike plenty leading up to it, but we did that anyway.
On nutrition, we had the odd pub lunch and a lot of peanut butter sandwiches.
Hope that helps a bit!
Zoe & Stew
I had JOGLE all planned for the first 2 weeks this June. Myself and a mate had it pretty much sorted. Unfortunately he suffered a crash in Mallorca only last week resulting in a fractured neck 😫…
I’m contemplating going solo, but bike security has me worried. As well as keeping myself motivated to turn through the miles each day.
Having someone to ride with, experiencing the adventure and events somehow feels like it would be more relaxing and enjoyable.
Hey Dan!
We’re so sorry to hear about your friend! A fractured neck! Blimey, wishing him a fast recovery.
Stew did a solo JOGLE and he said bike security is a bit more unnerving, but you just don’t leave your bike alone in cities, etc. Stew used to lock the bike when he went into a shop or whatever. This
Kryptonite Evolution Lock is perfect for one bike and the lock Stew took on 1 month long, 2,500 mile JOGLE along the west coast.
I asked Stew if he thought a solo ride would be less enjoyable, but he doesn’t think so, though Stew has questioned how he’d find riding with a friend versus me, his wife. Basically, Stew thinks it would be more enjoyable to ride solo than with a friend, but this is really down to personal preference.
One final thought, where are you planning to stay? Perhaps Warmshowers could be good so you’d get to share bike adventured with like-minded people? We’ve got a complete guide to Warmshowers incase you haven’t used it before.
I hope this helps!
Zoe & Stew
Hi Zoe,
Thanks for your quick reply and comments. I currently have Premier Inns and the odd cheap hotel booked. So should be good on that front.
I’m planning in using my light weight carbon road bike for the trip, as I have family meeting up on day 6 if I go solo to switch kit. Lugging a heavy lock was what I was hoping to avoid, though I guess that’s what I’ll need to do.
Thanks again
Dan
We think you’ll have a great time! If the hotels are booked and family are coming on day 6, you might aswell go for it!
To be fair, solo cycling JOGLE will get some attention and interest. Stew was doing his 2,500 mile JOGLE for charity but ended up with free stays in BnBs and new connections made.
Lugging that lock is a lot. What about a cable lock? If you’re only popping in and out of shops it might be fine. See how you feel. If you were on a loaded touring bike I’d perhaps say you could get away without it because the bike is a lot to move and I think the average bike thief wouldn’t last a minute haha!
Either way, come back and let us know how you go! Would love to hear about your adventure.
I’m planning JOGLE right now for July this year – SO exciting. I’m retired and will be taking an ebike AND my sprollie dog (who is in her prime and super fit). Because I’m in no hurry, and have to consider that Mabs will be running the entire way, I’m going to take TWICE as long as everyone else and aim to do it in five or six weeks. Great tips on your site – I shall have an enjoyable few hours reading your blog. You’ve already made me reconsider my route along the Welsh/English borders and perhaps move it West… as it was, I was going to follow Royston Wood’s ‘Safer Way’ – and stick to cycle lanes and back roads as far as poss. Will be taking all my gear (including tent/hammock) on the bike.
I’m so pleased you found out site helpful.
When we did our JOGLE in 2018 there was a couple doing it with their dog. We’ve never forgotten them because they posted on their Instagram with the hashtag #joglewithadogle I don’t think they’re active on Insta anymore, but here they are if you want to check them out: https://www.instagram.com/joglewithadogle/
We will be rooting for Mabs!
Thanks so much for your info. Much appreciated
Andy
I enjoy the read. Some great tips in your article.
My Pal and i are doing JOGLE in early Sept this year and planning the logistics right now, the way things are its likely without support. We plan to do this in circa 9 days, i’m looking for the GPX files so i can download onto my Garmin. The more scenic and safer option to start appears to go across the north coast and turn at Bettyhill down through Sutherland.
It’s looking like we will need to pre-book accommodation for each 100mile leg. This is something i’m looking at now, some reasonable prices for B&B and lock up for the bikes. Is there any stretches on the route you would avoid for safety reasons?
Thanks, any feedback appreciated
Andy Mackay
Hello, Andrew!
Great to hear you enjoyed the article, and that you’re thinking about your very own JOGLE! It’s fantastic. Stew has done it twice, me once, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
We’ve got both routes available as a downloadable file, but I think it’s kml, is it any good?
This is the route you’d want as it’s around 1,000 miles rather than Stew’s solo 2,500 along the west coast. The link will take you to the blog and you’ll see a download. I would definitely describe the route as scenic and safer. That’s pretty much how we roll on any tour. It took us 15 days with one day off, but I’m a bit slow and steady.
To be honest, it’s hard to say where we’d avoid because there is no set route, but the route we planned (linked above) is what we deemed safest for us.
Finally, if it’s helpful, here’s our JOGLE accommodation recommendations and guide.
Any more questions, just let us know.