The Route

So how did I decide which way to go?

I pretty much wanted to go the shortest way avoiding the main roads. I chatted to Ed Jones about which way he went and also took advice from 'the Land's End To John O'Groats walk' by Andrew McCloy.

It is mainly country lanes and footpaths, a few main roads where I have to and also a few canal towpaths.


This is the first bit, from Cornwall to Home.....


My first thought was to walk part of the Cornish Coastal Footpath which would be lovely, but realistically would add time....the other constraint that I had was to complete in 6 weeks.

I am starting at Lands End and have a very very nice sister (Izy) who is going to ferry me around for a couple of days.
Izy lives in Callestick, near Truro. My first two days are to Godolphin Cross and then St Erme, on both these nights I will be staying at Izy's.

Days 3, 4 and 5 are to Cardinham, Gunnislake and Moretonhampstead. I am missing out on Bodmin Moor but have Dartmoor to look forward to.

Day 6 takes me to Tiverton and then Day 7 is a nice one along the canal to Taunton.

Days 8, 9 and 10 are to Glastonbury, Bath and then Tetbury. Sue is driving down to stop the night with me in Tetbury which is great.

It's then just 4 days to my own bed...Cheltenham, Flyford Flavell, Birmingham and Home.

Sent from my iPhone

The time has finally come for me to 'walk the walk'. The route has been plotted, the B and B's booked........the big adventure lies ahead.

The idea of walking from Lands End to John O Groats has been with me for many years. My good friend Ed Jones (fire service days) completed the walk in 2010 and that rekindled the interest. This year sees a 'significant' birthday which was the final push. I feel grateful that I am fit enough (hopefully!) and have the opportunity.

I am starting on Sunday 23rd of March and will take 6 weeks. The distance will be around about 1000 miles.

Incredibly the record for the fastest walk was done by Malcolm Barnish of the Royal Artillery in June 1986 who took just 12 days, 3 hours and 45 minutes. For you cyclists the record is 1 day and 21 hours.