Day thirteen and a half 1525km down 0km to go

Started the day as most others, however we knew it wasn't far to go and that the day would be only 60km long. As we approached the sign to john o'Groats we were all very excited and new it wasn't far at all.

As we headed towards the main sign we made like huggies and pulled up.  The sun was still with us and we realised we had only had one day of rain the whole time. After taking the customary end to end photo we decided to not bother cycling anywhere else and to find a b&b in John o'Groats.

We have found a delightful b&b and spent many hours in the shower. We then headed down to sign the end to end book as we did at the beginning, finalising our journey over 953 miles. 

So not only have we have cycled unsupported we have dealt with crashes, a&e visits, punchers, bike breakages, lunatic drivers and  still been able to end a day and half early. None of this would have been possible without all the help before, during and after we received on the trip.

Finally I would like to thank everyone who's supported us through out our adventure, and everyone who has helped make the journey possible, as well as the people who have helped raise a huge amount of money, which made the trip worthwhile. To show our appreciation I would like to leave you all with one final image before we celebrate in the pub. BOTTOMS UP everyone!!!

Day thirteen 1462km down 56km to go

I would like to firstly apologise for the poor internet service in our hostel last night as the blog did not update. The hostel was very nice however and supplied us with a well needed mattress before the next two days of hard slog to John o'Groats.

After eventually leaving Inverness, due to the fact me, Will and Charlotte consumed 1100 calories of McDonalds breakfast each!!!! We headed off towards the black isle which is joined to inverness via a bridge. After crossing the bridge we managed to stumble across a brewery offering free tours and all though we were early, we were taken around by a very nice scottish lady and then allowed to try a few before heading on our way.

To leave the black isles we decided to hop on a wee ferry across to the mainland.

The crossing only takes 15mins and is so popular we almost couldn't fit on.

After disembarking our private ferry we headed off in search of the A9 as we knew it would be a quieter road after leaving all the major cities. The picture below is of a very happy Will and Charlotte as we had just spotted the first sign post for John o'Groats 89miles away (we are now only 34miles away). 

The day has ended on the final bit of road we will use as we will now follow the A99 up to the  top as it follows the coast nearly the whole way. It also offers some   amazing views of the sea as well as some ridiculous hill climbs up hills in and out of towns, which were made worse by the strong head winds most of the day.

We managed to find a lovely clearing in the woods at the side of the road so have made camp for the night out of the wind amongst the trees. Only 1 day left how exciting!!!!! Night.

Day twelve 1410km down 190km to go

Hi its Charlotte writing the blog today for a change. I wrote the blog yesterday as well as Adam had fallen asleep so thought I would own up to this one. We woke up to rain this morning which looked pretty set for most of the day. It had been raining all night so the tent was pretty wet to pack away. Once we had finally gotten ourselves sorted we began the journey along cycle route 7. Little did we realise this would take us on a very scenic if not very long route to Inverness. After climbing on a mixture of on and off road routes we reached 1500ft above sea level we finally reached the scottish highlands  for a customary photo.  

Not only is this trip challenging but it is also educational. We have passed many historical features and even visited a castle and burial mound today.  Its not all fun and games!!

We have also seen lots of cows. This one was also enjoying the view from the castle, although she wasn't meant to be there.

150km later ( yes it was possible to have an even longer day than yesterday) we reached  inverness for some well deserved dinner. We also managed to find a hostel to stay in, in the centre of inverness. Just what we needed to dry out after a long day on wet roads. Sweet dreams all.

Day eleven 1181km down 315km to go

We woke up this morning feeling slightly bruised and battered from the previous  days escapades (myself and Charlotte anyway). But we weren't going to let that stop us getting in a full days ride  to make up time we had lost. After setting off from our campsite which was kindly provided by an old gentleman "who doesn't  normally do this kind of thing", but very kindly let us camp there anyway.  We then had to try and find our way out of Dunfermline and on the road to Pitlochry, which was easier said than done. After some cycling round in circles we made our way out of the city and were on our way. The plan was to follow cycle routes and all was going well. Will even treated himself to an ice cream on his "big day out" (see below).   

Then things being how they are on this journey took a down turn. It started raining for the first time in 11 days. So we kitted up in wet weather gear for the rest of the journey. Which took a little longer than expected due to Charlotte's poor map reading skills (her words not mine) which meant a short day turned  into a 130km day. Although we did get to see some amazing scottish scenery, even if it was half hidden in cloud. 

When we finally arrived at camp 7 mile outside Pitlochry we were all in need of a hot shower and a warm bed. So on that note and with the pitter patter of rain on the tent. Goodnight. 

Day ten 1046km down 417km to go

Another beautiful morning with the use of the excellent facility's at slatebarns campsite in Roslyn allowed us to be set up for the day. As we headed for Edinburgh we entered via one of the main-ish roads which gave us a quick glimpse of the castle before descending into the city.

As we descended Charlotte and I had a little fight with a man hole cover and a pothole and lost. We ended up on the floor slightly cut and bruised but managed to miss the cars and safely get everything on to the pavement, After a loverly lady helped us retrieve all our gear. We decided that Charlotte and I would spend the morning in A&E where after a clean up and a X-ray (which showed no problems) we were sent on our way. Will meanwhile was having a loverly time in coffee shops around Edinburgh and just having a generally lazy time.... Ok maybe not, the result of the crash meant the tandem was broken so Will spent all morning traipsing around every bike shop and eventually found somewhere that could help. Below is how a normally straight pair of forks looks after a crash. The words wibbly wobbly spring to mind 

After the mornings kafuffle we managed to fix the bike with some spare forks and a new pannier rack as it snapped in the crash. Will had stored all our kit in a very helpful mans drive so we got everything back on the bike and set off. After cycling a short way we found a pub serving haggis, neeps and tatties which was so deserved  along with a pint. 

The picture below from the pub is  of the forth bridge.

The day however had a better turn when after cycling 42km we found a farmer who let us sleep in his field, so we've set up our camp and are heading to sleep. Hope were not to bruised and achey in the morning. Night night.

Day nine 1005km down 595km to go

Awoken once again by the sounds of the birds and our fisherman neighbours packing away we headed north. After not   having enough water for porridge we were forced to find a cafe in Moffat and have a  really nice haggis breakfast what a shame. We would like to say thank you to Barbra and Don who enabled us to purchase this breakfast. After breakfast Will and I thought we should become natives, so purchased some wee hats. Below is us in our tartan hats which are actually very practical and not just a fashion statement. 

After we left Moffat we decided to head to Edinburgh over the scenic road instead of the planned Glasgow route, this meant we could see a lot more history and stunning views as we climbed into the hills. 

A day of tandem cycling wouldn't be complete without something braking.This  time it was a spoke however the bike shop we had last visited had tightened the cassette (cog bit for the chain) so tight we needed the help of some stronger tools. We eventually found a house who had all the tools we could ever need and we got back on the road. Nearing the end of our day we passed the 1000km mark of the trip.

As the wheel cassette (cog bit for the chain) was so tight we feel that we may need to get it sorted before we head too far north. The plan is to stop  in the morning at a bike shop in Edinburgh. As we have changed route we left our selfs with no plan for somewhere to stay, although we managed to stumble upon an excellent campsite in Roslin where the owner was kind enough to let us stay for free and enjoy the excellent facilities. Good night all!!

Day eight 893km down 707km to go

Once again waking up to the sound of the birds and bright sunshine. We began the day with the thoughts of the hill we had to climb, and we weren't given much hope by the sign stating it was 15 miles to village that was at the altitude of 1400ft. However by the time we got to the top we realised it was all worth it just for the views. And I believe we are all getting fitter because Charlotte summed the hill up as a "piece of cake" either that or she'd stopped peddling.

As we reached the top and began descending Will noticed things had got a lot  brighter, and as he heard the unmistakable  sound of plastic hitting the road he realised his sunglasses had fallen off his bike. Once he had found them several cars had passed and below is a picture of how he found his glasses in several pieces.

However with a bit of duck-tape his glasses were as good as new and he could ride in the sun once more. As they say - if you can't DUCK IT, CHUCK IT

After the big hills and Wills drama we headed into Penrith for a cheeky KFC. After KFC we realised a spoke had broken on the tandems rear wheel as this was the replacement wheel from the first day and isn't quite strong enough. Luckily there was a bike shop and they new a bit about tandems so we went there and had the spokes replaced and a bit of TLC given to the wheel. 

After a spot of waiting around at the bike shop we fitted the wheel and headed to Scotland. Below is a wee picture of us in gretna!!

As we neared the end of the day we began looking for a potential camp and rode into a giant village celebration with bag pipes marching around and everything. Deciding we would head out of town we asked a police women where she recommended. As it is legal to wild camp in scotland and the fact a police women told us to, we have settled down opposite some fisherman by a Loch for the night.

Day seven 778km down 822km to go

In our loverly camp site we woke up to another glorious sunny morning, and some of Wills best porridge yet, we were set for the day and ready to get to Kendal a whole day ahead of schedule. 

The day consisted of cycling through both Preston and Lancaster and this wasn't  really a problem as there are bike lanes on nearly all of the roads, however it has come to our attention that cars in these cities are not wide enough for a standard lane so think its ok to borrow a bit of cycle path. Luckily we worked this out early on so were able to slowly work our way out of the cities safe and sound.

After leaving Lancaster we had nothing but open roads and epic scenery, so made excellent time to Kendal and found a very reasonably priced campsite at the bottom of what we are told is a maahhhuusive hill! 

Once again we were able to shower and eat well before bedding down for the night. (Although Will still smells a bit hence why we camped so far apart) Night night everyone.

Day six 663km down 937km to go

So after yesterdays bike problems we started the day hoping for a trouble free day, and for once the tandem had no problems, apart from 1 little puncher but that doesn't  count. 

We set off from the campsite and it was freeeeezing, so well charlotte put on her wool insulated socks and 28 layers of clothing, Will and I manned up and headed for Shrewsbury. Just after Shrewsbury we stopped for one of touring cycling's greatest perks the second breakfast or a cheeky sneaky breakfast as it known in the trade. The breakfast consisted of a double decker B.L.T with added melted cheese and mushrooms. yuuuuummm. 

Once past Shrewsbury the weather changed back to glorious sunshine and we all started topping up our tans whilst eating lunch. 

Once again being ahead of schedule we needed a new place to camp for the night so decided on somewhere near Warrington. 

After ringing the campsite on our route we were offered free accommodation at Laylands farm campsite, and were greeted by a loverly campsite owner and excellent facilities. We then found a free pitch and cooked our dinner, before being met by my parents again for a restock of cereal bars and fruit.

Had an awesome shower and now once again off for an early night, so that were ready for a good ride to kendal tomorrow. Night night.

Forth and Fifth day 530km down 1070km to go

Fourth day

Woke up in a loverly room with promise of breakfast, however the already cheap deal became a lot cheaper  when charlotte found a mosquito in her breakfast. Even though Will and I tried to convince her it was extra protein we were given a free breakfast and went on our way.

On route to Bristol we overtook our first fellow LEJOG cyclists and headed down into Avonmouth for a bit of lunch. After lunch we headed to Wales over the second bridge on the route but the older bridge of the two.

As we entered into Wales Will and I became useless and our resident welsh speaker Charlotte took over, as she had been intensivley tutored by Carys and could now quiet confidently ask for a Carrot cake, cheese, and a rainbow. 

After crossing into wales we set off out of chepstow towards monmouth, our final destination of the day. On route we met mum and dad and decided they would go ahead and find us a campsite for the night. After a quick wash and unpack at the campsite we met my parents  for a pint in there b&b. At the bar we met Tony and Judith who were staying to play golf, and we would like to say thank you again as they donated money for our charity.

As it is my birthday tomorrow we headed out for a Bday mexican  courtesy of mum and dad and then enjoyed another pint and a generous helping of chocolate cake which was all mine!!!

Day 5

Woke up in the campsite and headed to the b&b for a Bday breakfast. After a loverly breakfast and no mosquitoes we packed up the bikes and headed off. 200 yards later KABOOOM!!! The drive chain cog had bent and rendered the tandem defunct (Will made me put defunct). So heading back to the B&B for a rescue we managed to find a bike shop which was closed   on wednesdays, so Dad drove us twice in the end a few mile down the road road forest bikes where we received    awesome service and a quality bodge to get us to Hereford. We eventually left Monmouth at 12 and made great time to Hereford where we found a full fix for the tandem and ate lunch so that we could make up for lost time.  Below is us entering Shropshire.

Panicking slightly as we thought we could be stranded between Ludlow and Shrewsbury we phoned ahead to a campsite and were given a free night with showers. Whilst setting up camp we chatted to our neighbours and discovered they lived in Andover and about 200 meters from my house, and new Charlotte from around the park. All that was left to end my Birthday was to go to the pub and have a beer, a steak, and a big pudding. Night night everyone.