We all love the feeling of riding over long rolling hills and down quiet country roads, legs pumping and the worries of the world falling by the wayside.  The aim of the Biggest Journey is to promote that feeling and the mental health benefits that come from cycling.

In 2012, one man started the Biggest Journey by riding solo from Edinburgh to London in 3 days. Riding in alone is good, but riding with friends is better. 

Join us as we take the Devolution Revolution from Cardiff to Edinburgh in 5 days, 450(ish) miles through some of the most beautiful and testing terrain in the British Isles. 

We'll go through the Brecon Beacons, Lake District and Scotish Borders on a route full of stunning sights and surprises.

Basic route will be as follows:
Day 1: Cardiff to Llandrindod Wells... specifically, finishing at the Nation Cycle collection in Llandrindon Wells, where some surprises will great us. The first day starts with a bit of a climb out of Cardiff, but it eases off toward the end and it's under 80mile, so isn't too harsh a start. What's really nice is that we'll be staying at the Metropole health spa on the first night, with lovely food and full use of the facilities. Don't get used to this luxury, but it is a nice way to break you all in ;-)

Day 2: Llandrindon Wells to Cheshire... 100 miles. Starts off pretty hilly as we exit Wales, but then calms down to the flat pastures of Cheshire, with some lovely quiet lanes, and passing by a couple of local landmarks, such as Beaston Castle. No luxury on night 2, but nice functional accommodation all the same.

Day 3: Cheshire to Kendal... 100 miles. There were a couple of choices here, in route terms, and I have chosen to avoid the busyness of big Cheshire towns like Warrington and then Preston. Instead, we'll head east of the M6 and skirt the edge of the Yorkshire dales. No, it's not flat... but this is some prime country riding and after a nice easy start through north cheshire, I think we'll be glad of some challenging climbing and interesting descents.

Day 4: Kendal to Eskdalemuir... 90 miles. So, there's a few choices in how to head north... but how can we ignore the beauty of the Lakes. So, it's off over the Kirkstone pass we go, for a big wake up call, before descending down to track the edge of Ulswater before hitting slightly more gentle, rolling country in the northern lake district before crossing the Scottish border. I'll not spoil the surprise on our accommodation for last night just yet - but there will be plenty of time for contemplation and reflection on what we've all been through on the first 4 days of the trip. The calm before the storm if you like.

Day 5: Eskdalemuir to Edinburgh... Don't worry, the storm isn't in the form of a mammoth mountainous route, but more the emotional sledgehammer the will hit you when you complete the ride. Before that though, we've roughly 60 beautiful scenic miles through glorious Scottish borders and into Edinburgh from the south. This is my country - I know these roads like the back of my hand and there some of my favourite in the country. It'll seem quite fitting some share them with you.

So - hopefully, I had you at 'Metropole Health Spa' and you're still dreaming of the whirlpool bath and 3 course meal? 

All Accommodation (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday nights), food and transfer of your kit between stops will be covered. There will be full support, including a mechanic and sports nutrition (Courtesy of Sponser UK). You'll need to get yourself to Cardiff, ready for start on Tuesday morning, and get home from Edinburgh after a big celebration on the Saturday evening.... oh, and if you haven't already, get some training in!

Costs

The event costs £450 per person. £100 of this is due at the time of registration with the remainder being due by 18 May (1 month before we set off)

This is a charity event so we would like you to raise sponsorship. Whilst this is not mandatory, anyone raising more than £1000 will get their event costs refunded/paid for them. 

Info for Riders

5 days – 450 miles – Cardiff to Edinburgh. Promoting the benefits of exercise to mental health. £450 total cost including accommodation (£100 deposit, £350 1 month before event start) Free if you raise £1000 for our supported charities.