Lands End to John O’Groats is often abbreviated to LEJOG and is a classic long-distance challenge in the UK. Traversing the length of mainland Britain from its south-westernmost point to its north-easternmost point. It’s a popular route for cyclists and walkers, offering diverse scenery and a significant test of endurance for some.
The distance between Lands End and John O’Groats varies depending on the route chosen, but is generally around 874 miles (1,407 km) for cycling and 837 miles (1,347 km) by car according to cycling sites and RAC. The straight-line distance is roughly 603 miles (970 km).
While there is no single definitive route, the journey typically involves utilising existing trails like the South West Coast Path, Offa’s Dyke Path, the Pennine Way, and the West Highland Way. For cyclists, the National Cycle Network is often followed.
The journey can be significant physical and mental challenge, requiring planning, preparation, and endurance. The route passes through a wide range of landscapes, including rugged coastlines, moors, rolling hills, and mountains.
LEJOG is a popular challenge for individuals and groups, often undertaken for charity or personal achievement. Here are a few of our guests who have completed the Lands End to John O’Groats journey.
Jonathan Kemp’s 4,200km Charity Walk over 10 Months
Names: Jonathan Kemp
Date: January 2026
Mode of Transport: Walking
Duration: 10 Months
Distance: 4,200km
Reason: Raising Money for Mental Health Charities
Target Amount: £80,000
Amount Raised: £ TBC
Jonathan Kemp goes one step further than the usual John O’Groats to Lands End journey. Starting in the Shetland Islands on January 1st 2026, Jonathan will begin a 10 month, 296 day, 4,200km journey through Scotland, calling in at the Orkney Islands, Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee, Perth, Dunfermline, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Glasgow, Kilmarnock and Dumfries. He will then move on to England, Wales, Northern Island and the Republic of Ireland, ending in Galway in October 2026. Along the way, Jonathan will give talks in workshops, schools, universities and community groups on his own powerful story of living with bipolar disorder, depression, addiction and dyslexia. You can follow Jonathan Kemp’s journey on PolarSteps.
Lands End to John O’Groats in a Vintage Car
Names: Rod, Steve and Tracey
Date: July 2025
Mode of Transport: Vintage Car
Duration: 7 days
Reason: Why not!
Rod, Steve and Tracey set off from Cambridge, travelled down to Lands End and then made their way up to John O’Groats over a 7 day period in this beautiful vintage car. The immaculate fully restored Lancaster LA14-2 Roadrider Deluxe was one of 1,840 originally made in 1938 and she purred like a kitten!
Alan’s Bike Ride from Lands End to John O’Groats
Name: Alan Christie
Date: July 2025
Mode of Transport: Bicycle
Duration: 22 days
Reason: Raising money for Dementia Scotland
Amount Raised: £1,503
Alan said: ”It’s been a personal goal to complete the Lands End to John O’Groats cycle route for some time now. Finally getting round to it when I’m 60! Total distance will be somewhat in excess of 1,100miles when done.
I thought I should use the opportunity to try to raise a few quid for a cause that is important to me. So any sponsorship money donated will support Dementia Scotland in their efforts to support those dealing with that dreadful condition and their families.
I’m planning to take about 3 weeks to complete, finishing on the 24th July. Between Chester and Inverness I will be accompanied and supported by my friend Julian Eyre.
David’s Walked from Lands End to John O’Groats
Name: David Cressey
Date: June 2025
Mode of Transport: Walking
Duration: 80 days
Reason: Raising money for Cancer Research
Amount Raised: £4,467
David was assisted every step of the way by his lovely wife Anna who patiently followed behind in their car. They obviously made a great team and completed the 1,200 mile journey in 80 days.
David said ”We always think cancer affects other families and not us, yet I found out that cancer can affect my family too. It sucks, it really does, yet I also found out that we don’t have to let it win. We can overcome it and come out the other side victorious!!
We have an amazing NHS that provides brilliant care, but they need the tools to fight this horrible disease. This is why I’m fundraising for Cancer Research UK. If we can fund research that leads to developing the tools to find treatments, and yes cures too, then we will save thousands of lives, as well as the awful heartache a diagnosis brings.
What greater gift could you give than the gift of life?”
Linzi Walked 6,136 miles around the Coastline of Britain
Name: Linzi Bell
Date: 2024
Mode of Transport: Walking
Duration: 298 days
Reason: Raising money for MIND & NTUK
Amount Raised: £14,850
Linzi did a bit more than the traditional Lands End to John O’Groats route. She began continuously walking clockwise around the coastline of Great Britain in March 2024, trekking through some of the most remote and breathtaking places in Britain, covering 6,136 miles over 298 days. Linzi reached John O’Groats in October 2024.
