The rise in popularity of electric bikes has opened up the world of cycling – helping people ride further distances and explore more of the places they’re visiting. For anyone that’s ever dreamed of completing the iconic Land’s End to O’Groats (LEJOG) cycle ride, but have been put off at the thought of tackling the 1,000-plus mile journey on a traditional bike, cycling holiday company Saddle Skedaddle has the answer.
The Newcastle-based independent company has launched a new hybrid e-bike version of its 22-day Land’s End to John O’Groats cycling holiday. The new e-bike trips in 2025 provide some added power behind each pedal, meaning more people can enjoy the epic ride from the Cornish coast to the Scottish Highlands. Despite the extra boost provided by the e-bikes, this is still a challenging ride and most suited to regular cyclists with a good level of fitness.
With three quarters of the LEJOG route using the National Cycle Network, cyclists joining Saddle Skedaddle will be supporting the future of cycling in the UK thanks to the company’s commitment to make a donation to Sustrans – custodians of the National Cycle Network – for every mile one of its customers completes on its routes.
The route
Following the traditional route from south to north, Saddle Skedaddle’s 22-day, guided electric bike holiday from Land’s End to John O’Groats begins at the UK’s most south-westerly point, and takes advantage of the prevailing winds to travel along the Cornish coast. The e-bikes come in handy for some of the hillier rides through the countryside of south west England.
Glastonbury Tor marks the beginning of the journey north as the route passes Cheddar Gorge, the city of Bristol, and up the Wye Valley on the border between England and Wales.
Following the River Severn north, riders pass through the “birthplace of the industrial revolution”, Ironbridge, before reaching more urban and industrial areas of England. Slaidburn and Ingleton mark the halfway point of the LEJOG, and also the section of riding through the Yorkshire Dales and Cumbria. The 76-mile ride from Talkin to Cardrona in the Scottish Borders provides one of the best days in the saddle thanks to the many ascents and downhill sections through hills, valleys and forests.
After a well-earned rest day, it’s back in the saddle for a ride through the country borders and on to Edinburgh. The journey through the Scottish Highlands crosses the Cairngorms – complete with a glimpse of Balmoral Castle – and into Inverness, before following mountain scenery and open moorlands towards the north coast.
The final ride of the trip follows the ancient coastline to Thurso and then onto John O’Groats. To really make the most of the e-bikes, there’s the option to cycle further on to Dunnet Head – the most northerly point of mainland Britain.
Highlights
- Three countries in 19 days of riding
- 1,000 miles of Britain at its best – riding an e-bike the length of Britain from toe to tip and declaring yourself an ‘End to Ender’
- Cornish pasties to haggis and everything in between
- Experiencing the regional changes in tradition, culture and accents as you progress from county to county
- Enjoying spectacular scenery from Cheddar Gorge to the Cairngorms
Trip details and how to book
- Name: Land’s End to John O’Groats Explorer – guided electric bike holiday
- When: 19 April to 10 May 2025 | 21 June to 12 July 2025
- Price: From £4,845pp. Price includes accommodation (bed and breakfast – with some lunches provided), full support service (including support vehicle/luggage transfer) and selected train/airport transfers. E-bike hire not included, from £600pp.
- How to book: skedaddle.com
Image: Saddle Skedaddle