Lands End to John O’Groats

Day 1 Home to Lands End

I wasn’t going to do it but I couldn’t help myself. The events of today require another blog post.

The start of a three week coast to coast jaunt from Lands End to John O’Groats. On this occasion without Alison as she has done the ride previously. It doesn’t feel quite the same. Who will make my early morning cup of tea?

Instead I have my companions of John (JR), John (JP), Jackie plus five others on the trip. No one has brought a water heater with them.

A guided and portered trip staying in hotels. All organised so looking forward to a trip without a hitch.

Woke at 6.00am to a message from Trainline informing me that my 10.04 train to Penzance had been cancelled. Left home in time to catch the 11.04 to learn the 10.04 had been reinstated. Too late to catch the original train so bought a ticket for the later one.

And so did everyone else who was due to travel on the earlier train. JR caught the 10.04 and had 6 seats to himself. The 11.04 was full to bursting with passengers from the cancelled/reinstated train. Very unhappy passengers. Arguments ensued as to who needs a seat most – young children or pensioners? Now that is a conundrum.

Departure delayed and train held up on route so arrived in Penzance almost two hours later than originally planned. Met by Radu our guide and transported in the van to the Lands End hotel.

Bikes sorted, introductions made, trip briefing completed followed by dinner with the group.

The adventure begins.