9 day LEJOG - HELP!

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ValentinoGod
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9 day LEJOG - HELP!

Post by ValentinoGod »

Hi all,

Firstly I just want to say I've been browsing these forums for a couple of months and the help and support everyone gives is fantastic.

On that note, I would much appreciate any help people have! I'm doing a 9 day solo LEJOG for charity, starting on the 20th July.
The only thing I have booked thus far is the train to penzance and the train home, so still very much in the planning stage - but need to get a move on! I'd obviously like to go the more scenic routes where possible, but appreciate that 9 days won't be a walk in the park so will have to get a move on in places.

I have done a bit of reading, and based on routes people have suggested I've plumped for this route (I didn't create it) :
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/21201709
Any thoughts?

I'm not sure what are the best places to stop on this route, I've gone for these places purely based on distance (haven't checked if they have b&b's yet), but i will probably deviate quite a lot, so suggestions would be very welcome!

My only requisite is that I don't want to go LE to Okehampton first day, would rather ease myself in and make up distance on the later, flatter days. Day 5 and 6 do seem too far though!

Day 1: LE to Launceston (160)
Day 2: Launceston (160) to Wedmore (315)
Day 3: Wedmore (315) to Bedstone (500)
Day 4: Bedstone (500) to Ashton in Makerfield (680)
Day 5: Ashton in Makerfield (680) to Carlisle (900)
Day 6: Carlisle (900) to Dumbarton (1150)
Day 7: Dumbarton (1150) to Fort William (1292)
Day 8: Fort William (1292) to Alness (1425)
Day 9: Alness (1425) to JOG (1585)

Thanks
Greg

EDIT 02/06:

I've completely rewritten my route based on suggestions.

DAY 1
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/21389814

DAY 2
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/21390746

DAY 3
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/21480748

DAY 4
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/21670017

DAY 5
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/21670249

DAY 6
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/21671206

DAY 7
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/21671405

DAY 8
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/21671463

DAY 9
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/21671546
Last edited by ValentinoGod on 2 Jun 2017, 12:17pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Paulatic
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Re: 9 day LEJOG - HELP!

Post by Paulatic »

I've had a look at the area I commonly cycle in which is Lancaster to Sth of Glasgow.
The route, to me, seems a little odd for someone who wants to 'get on'.
My comments are:
In Lancaster, don't follow that track as whoever made it must have got lost. Just follow the A6. Personally I'd dive down Damside street and cross the millennium bridge.

Later in Cumbria, nice as it is going along the side of Bassenthwaite I wouldn't want to end up on the A595. For scenery Threlkeld Mungrisdale Hesketh Newmarket and head for Dalston would be my preference. For 'getting on' I'd just go straight up the A6 to Penrith.

As mentioned in a very recent thread no one goes via Longtown anymore. That's an old route before the Mway opened.

Once again whoever made that track got lost in Dumfries or needed shopping. Where the route meets the A701 I'd turn right there and then left head for Kirkton, Dalswinton, Auldgirth. After Auldgirth cross the A75 and across the river then pick up a lovely wee lane runs on the left of river Nith and then joins your original route. If I were in a hurry though the route74 while it can have a rough surface in places is far easier navigation and more directly North.
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Mick F
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Re: 9 day LEJOG - HELP!

Post by Mick F »

Good on yer!
Well done, and I wish you well and good weather too. :D

Paulatic wrote:I've had a look at the area I commonly cycle ................
The route, to me, seems a little odd for someone who wants to 'get on'.
Utterly agree.

From LE ........ if you want to 'get on' .............

LE/Hayle/Connor Downs/Camborne/Redruth/Blackwater/A30/Zelah/A30/St Newlyn East/White Cross/St Columb Major/A39/Wadebridge/Camelford/A395/Egloskerry/St Stephens/A388/Old A30/Sourton/Okehampton/Crediton/Tiverton/A38/Bristol/A38/Gloucester/Ledbury/A49/Leominster/Ludlow/Church Stretton/Shrewsbury/Whitchurch .......... and on and on.

........... Carlisle/Lanark/Bathgate/Forth Road Bridge/Old A90/Perth/A9/Inverness/Latheron/A99/JOG
or Carlisle/Edinburgh/FRB/Old A90 etc.
Mick F. Cornwall
irc
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Re: 9 day LEJOG - HELP!

Post by irc »

I don't think the Carlisle - Dumbarton day is good. For a fast flatter day with quieter roads stick with the old A74 (B7076) north from Gretna - Larkhall then Hamilton - Bothwell - A74 into Glasgow (low traffic as through traffic on M8). Then A814 (not A82!) to Bowling to rejoin your route.

But Mick's eastern route may be better. The A82 from Crianlarich to Glen Coe is scenic but busy. Needs a tolerance for 70mph traffic overtaking closely.
irc
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Re: 9 day LEJOG - HELP!

Post by irc »

irc wrote:I don't think the Carlisle - Dumbarton day is good. For a fast flatter day with quieter roads stick with the old A74 (B7076) north from Gretna - Larkhall then Hamilton - Bothwell - A74 into Glasgow (low traffic as through traffic on M8). Then A814 (not A82!) to Bowling to rejoin your route.

But Mick's eastern route may be better. The A82 from Crianlarich to Glen Coe is scenic but busy. Needs a tolerance for 70mph traffic overtaking closely.


Edit and there is a more direct route to Gretna just east of the M6/M74. No need for the dog leg to the east as per your map.
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ferrit worrier
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Re: 9 day LEJOG - HELP!

Post by ferrit worrier »

irc wrote:
irc wrote:I don't think the Carlisle - Dumbarton day is good. For a fast flatter day with quieter roads stick with the old A74 (B7076) north from Gretna - Larkhall then Hamilton - Bothwell - A74 into Glasgow (low traffic as through traffic on M8). Then A814 (not A82!) to Bowling to rejoin your route.

But Mick's eastern route may be better. The A82 from Crianlarich to Glen Coe is scenic but busy. Needs a tolerance for 70mph traffic overtaking closely.


Edit and there is a more direct route to Gretna just east of the M6/M74. No need for the dog leg to the east as per your map.


Spot on, head out of Carlisle towards the M6/M74 as you approach the motorway there is a shopping /industrial complex on your left, you'll need to feed your way through it to get onto the rout irc is proposing. I've used it three times and each time the way through the complex has changed so I cant guide you on that bit. It's a good route and reasonably quiet and will take you to Gretna. look for a small shopping complex on your right at the roundabout go between the complex and a large pub, look for the signs for the B7076 (right turn) under the railway up to the Gretna green wedding venue "thingummy" from memory that should be a "T" junction turn left and head north :lol: head up to Moffat onto the A701 then pick up the B7078 at Abington that takes you right into Glasgow the A82 out of Glasgow is a busy road but I've found it gets quieter the further you get out from the city. turn right at Tarbet. there is a rock wall on your left for a few miles but there are places to "get out of the way " if you get traffic behind you. that in my opinion is the worst bit and I didn't find it all that bad. but I'm used to commuting in traffic.

see Mick F's suggestion for the A30 avoidance it's well worth it and if you can get to Okehampton you'll get a good nights rest at Betty Cottles well worth it. ( watch out for the cider at the bar it's potent :oops: )

Good luck
Malc
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Paulatic
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Re: 9 day LEJOG - HELP!

Post by Paulatic »

ferrit worrier wrote:
irc wrote:
irc wrote:I don't think the Carlisle - Dumbarton day is good. For a fast flatter day with quieter roads stick with the old A74 (B7076) north from Gretna - Larkhall then Hamilton - Bothwell - A74 into Glasgow (low traffic as through traffic on M8). Then A814 (not A82!) to Bowling to rejoin your route.

But Mick's eastern route may be better. The A82 from Crianlarich to Glen Coe is scenic but busy. Needs a tolerance for 70mph traffic overtaking closely.


Edit and there is a more direct route to Gretna just east of the M6/M74. No need for the dog leg to the east as per your map.


Spot on, head out of Carlisle towards the M6/M74 as you approach the motorway there is a shopping /industrial complex on your left, you'll need to feed your way through it to get onto the rout irc is proposing. I've used it three times and each time the way through the complex has changed so I cant guide you on that bit. It's a good route and reasonably quiet and will take you to Gretna. look for a small shopping complex on your right at the roundabout go between the complex and a large pub, look for the signs for the B7076 (right turn) under the railway up to the Gretna green wedding venue "thingummy" from memory that should be a "T" junction turn left and head north :lol: head up to Moffat onto the A701 then pick up the B7078 at Abington that takes you right into Glasgow the A82 out of Glasgow is a busy road but I've found it gets quieter the further you get out from the city. turn right at Tarbet. there is a rock wall on your left for a few miles but there are places to "get out of the way " if you get traffic behind you. that in my opinion is the worst bit and I didn't find it all that bad. but I'm used to commuting in traffic.

see Mick F's suggestion for the A30 avoidance it's well worth it and if you can get to Okehampton you'll get a good nights rest at Betty Cottles well worth it. ( watch out for the cider at the bar it's potent :oops: )

Good luck
Malc

Unless you want to go to Moffat there is no need to go on the A701. For the half a mile of it passing Beattock there is an adequate cycleway on the left.
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ValentinoGod
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Re: 9 day LEJOG - HELP!

Post by ValentinoGod »

Thanks for all the help! It's taken me 2 weeks to go through it all!
I've completely rewritten my route based on your suggestions.

I've written my comments after each day

DAY 1
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/21389814
LE/Hayle/Zelah/Wadebridge/Camelford/Lanceston/Okehampton

Mike's route so should be good!

DAY 2
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/21390746
Okehampton/Tiverton/Bridgewater/Bristol

Once again Mike's route (I think!)

DAY 3
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/21480748
Bristol/Gloucester/Staunton/Ludlow/Shrewsbury

I think this is standard?

DAY 4
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/21670017
Shrewsbury/A49/Warrington/Wigan/Preston/Catterall

Not completely happy with Day 4, A49 doesn't seem right but I can't see another alternative?

DAY 5
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/21670249
Catterall/Lancaster/Kendal/Threlkeld/Hesket Newmarket/Carlisle/Gretna Green

Day 5 I wanted a scenic route, but i'll go down the A6 depending on how I feel

DAY 6
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/21671206
Gretna Green/Moffat/Crawford/Larkhall/Glasgow

Thanks for the B7076 and A701 advice!

DAY 7
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/21671405
Glasgow/Dumbarton/Loch Lomond/Crianlarich/Glencoe

A82 looks unavoidable past Arden, but it looks scenic!

DAY 8
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/21671463
Glencoe/Ford William/Inverness/Dingwall

A82 again but fairly standard?

DAY 9
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/21671546

Dingwall/Glen Morangie (avoiding A9)/Latheron/JOG

A9 and A99 look unavoidable
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Mick F
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Re: 9 day LEJOG - HELP!

Post by Mick F »

Day One:
Just a quickie, and not dictating what you should do.

From St Newlyn East, you can cut across to White Cross and St Columb Major onto the A39.

Also, you really don't need to be on the A30 from Lifton Down. You can stay on as the Old A30 via Lifton and Lewdown to Sourton. Just as quick, but much nicer. Keep going to the end.

Turn left at the end of the road, under the A30, and follow the A386 past the service area and the Little Chef etc, and then find a small cross-roads about a mile later, and turn right down the hill and follow the lane back onto the Old A30 for Okehampton town centre.
Tavistock Rd on your map.

Day Two:
Do not forget about Rob's Passage. :D
Instead of going over the Cadbury Hills from Crediton to Bickleigh, turn off right onto The Passage to come out onto the A396 for Bickleigh.
Search this forum for Rob's Passage.

Perhaps I can oblige? :wink:
viewtopic.php?f=22&t=108933&hilit=rob%27s+passage
Mick F. Cornwall
ValentinoGod
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Re: 9 day LEJOG - HELP!

Post by ValentinoGod »

Thank you! - I have updated day 1 and 2. Please dictate away! I'd rather use your local knowledge than pluck routes out of thin air!

On day 6 since I've cut out Dumfries I assume it's best to avoid Kirkton/Auldgirth because that seems out of the way, so easier to stick on the B7076?

Any other comments on any other days?
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Paulatic
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Re: 9 day LEJOG - HELP!

Post by Paulatic »

ValentinoGod wrote:Thank you! - I have updated day 1 and 2. Please dictate away! I'd rather use your local knowledge than pluck routes out of thin air!

On day 6 since I've cut out Dumfries I assume it's best to avoid Kirkton/Auldgirth because that seems out of the way, so easier to stick on the B7076?

Any other comments on any other days?


Navigation wise it's a lot easier sticking to B7076. Kirkton, Auldgirth are only relevant if going up further West.
A little tip I often offer people if you are getting tired by time you reach Crawford it's a few hundred yards longer to go through the village. It gives an opportunity for a shop, and cuts out an unescessary wee hill on the 7076.
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irc
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Re: 9 day LEJOG - HELP!

Post by irc »

Day 7 minor amendment. The A814 for about 2 miles west from the Scottish Exhibition Centre is an expressway. Not cycle friendly. Not sure if bikes allowed. There is a service road between the SEC and the A814 which takes you to the Transport Museum. From there - South St until it ends then A814 is good all the way to Bowling.

At the far end of Bowling 20yds before the roundabout a tarmac surface cycle track takes you to Dumbarton. An option though the A82 there isn't too bad. between Bolwing and Dumbarton its mostly a 40mph limit.
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Re: 9 day LEJOG - HELP!

Post by rareposter »

Day 5.
Between km 50 and km 64 I'd avoid the A591 and go directly north up via Levens, Brigsteer, Underbarrow, Crook. Little lumpy in places but vastly more pleasant than the A591 which is essentially a motorway at that point.
When you get to Wythburn (about km 97 or so) turn left and go round the back of Thirlmere (western side). Much quieter, much more pleasant than the main road which is narrow and very busy with tourist traffic.
You come out at High Bridge End Farm, cross the A591 and rejoin your route at km 104.

Threlkeld has a nice little cafe - be aware that there is nothing once you leave Grasmere until you reach Threlkeld.
From km 112 to 113 there is actually a parallel cycle route just to the left of the A66 - do use it cos it's actually pretty good and far more pleasant than being passed by lorries doing 60mph.

Hope that helps. Nice route otherwise.
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Re: 9 day LEJOG - HELP!

Post by tim_f »

Re Day 5

Might want to use the Preston wheel cycle way rathe rthan going through centre of Preston http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/cycling/guild-wheel.aspx

I would go over Shap summit to Penrith from Kendal via A6 rther going through the lakes. Still I a great ride but much quicker than going by the Lakes and the A6 to Shap is an easy climb. At Pernrith come off the A6 and follow NCN to Carlisle to the east side of M6.

If you go that way best to approach Kendal via the lanes through Sedgewick and Natland rather than follow the A roads.

Much better to use the cycle path alongside the new A689 Carlisle eastern Bypass than go through the centre of Carlisle.
Last edited by tim_f on 1 Jun 2017, 2:58pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Mick F
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Re: 9 day LEJOG - HELP!

Post by Mick F »

Day 5
What's wrong with Kendal direct to Penrith up the A6?

I've enjoyed Shap Summit on more than one occasion. :D
Mick F. Cornwall
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