planning...bike and trailer

[lv2smmt]

Hi,
We are new to this site. We biked Iceland with our bike and trailers. I have not seen any posts with anyone using trailers. We plan to do the same here via Stratford upon Avon. We fly in to Heathrow on the 5th, need to put bikes together and get to Land's End. I am trying to figure out the least complicated option. (We must be in SUA on the 11th for a meeting until the 18th). It seems the train may get us to Penzance?? then bike to Land's End? There must be camping at LE? Yes, we plan to camp most of the route with a few B&Bs when we feel like it.
And then to get from John O'Groats to Heathrow?? Train?? We fly out on the 4th. I would assume need two days to get back, bike packed and fly.
We do have a bike Britain Book Cycling LE to JOG. Lots of good info.

Any bit of guidance is appreciated.
Annie

[Tinnishill]

You might find it useful to read these previous threads;

viewtopic.php?t=107532

viewtopic.php?f=16&t=113936&hilit=bristol+bath

Bikes on trains can become a complicated subject. You can find the national railway policies at "http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/cyclists.aspx". Unless you have a trailer like the Radical Design model ( www.radicaldesign.com/bicycle-trailers/ ... kking.html) which can be disguised as a holdall you are likely to be refused travel.

Anyway, have a good trip.

[tim_f]

https://www.gwr.com/~/media/gwr/pdfs/your-journey/journey-information/on-board/cycling-by-train-new.pdf?la=en Gives policy for trains to Penzance. Says no Trailers. Normal max luggage dimension is 30 x 70 x 90 cm so may get away with it if trailers are inside that dimension - but unlikely.

Probably best option to get to Penzance with two bikes and two trailers would be one way car or van rental.

Probably could drive to Penzance in a day from London.

https://www.enterprise.co.uk/en/home.html May be best to hire vehicle from non airport depot, and wise to rest over night before driving.

Coming back from inverness you could fly from Inverness or do one way car rental from Inverness to London. If your airline has interline arrangement with British Airlines may get inter-continental luggage allowance.

Driving back from inverness to London in a day would be a very long drive. see http://www.theaa.com/route-planner/index.jsp to get an idea.

Yes camping a mile or so from Lands End.http://www.trevedrafarm.co.uk/

Another option might be to send trailers by overnight courier parcel service and take bikes by train, but it adds complications,

[lv2smmt]

wow...you all helped out bunches!! We will rent a minivan at both ends. It costs a lot less and will be more flexible. We are excited. See you on the trail!!

And thank you for the camping info ;o)

Also...how is September weather? We have seen all positive info. Of course, we expect rain. If anyone has the perfect raingear, we would like to know )

thanx again,
Annie & Germar

[honesty]

September in the UK for the last few years has actually been quite mild. Rain is usually a given, though you could get lucky. I had a water proof coat, shoe covers and over shorts on my last trip. I'm thinking on getting a Carradice cape for the next one though.