The Route

The End to End walk– Land’s End to John O’Groats Land’s End and John O’Groats are at opposite ends of the island of Great Britain – the two points that are farthest apart from each other. As the crow flies these places are approximately 970 km apart. Linking the two towns in a long, largely off road walk, is a magnificent expedition by foot of twice that distance – a walk that takes you through an amazing variety and the best of British countryside.

Our aim is to enjoy the extensive footpath system and the traditional “right to roam” in many areas, walking unencumbered over hills and mountains, beside rivers and lakes, through valleys and across moors. We hope to meet lots of interesting people, both locals and visitors, and the slow pace means it will be easier to learn about British history and the country we are passing through and not just skim the surface. Our journey will commence with a spectacular walk along the north coast of Cornwall and Devon along the popular South West Coast Pathway. We will then travel north on the Offa’s Dyke Path largely following the border between Wales and England from the Severn estuary to the beautiful Wye valley. The path is named after Britain’s longest architectural monument – Offa’s Dyke which was built by King Offa in the 8th century to keep the Welsh on their side of the border. Walking north we track through the limestone valleys and moorlands of the Peaks District on the Limestone Way and then link with Britain’s classic trail, the Pennine Way. Part of the journey will follow the route of an old Roman road and Hadrian’s Wall through wild hills and moorlands and passing imposing castles, forts and viaducts. It is then across the Cheviot Hills into Scotland for an overnight stopover at Jedburgh. Our route then follows parts of the Southern Upland Way before arriving in Edinburgh. The next Scottish leg of the journey will involve a walk across the Campsie Fells before again heading north along the shores of Loch Lomond and then onto the West Highland Way to Fort William on the southern end of Loch Lochy. A trek along the shores of Loch Ness will then take us to Inverness. The final part of the “End to End” walk is along the east coast of Scotland on the edge of the Northwest Highlands.

After a brief stopover in the highlands at Watten, the last day will involve a 37 kilometres walk to our final destination – John O’Groats and what we anticipate will be the end of a truly remarkable journey!