Time & Distance

It is possible to do this distance in less than two days. Andy Wilkinson holds the records for 41 hours and 5 minutes on a recumbent, 45 hours, 2 minutes and 18 seconds on a 'normal' bike and together with Lynne Taylor the mixed tandem record of 51 hours, 19 minutes and 23 seconds.

Audax randonneur pace gives you 116 hours for the trip.

Time - You will need to balance the amount of time you have available with what you wish to achieve on the tour. If time is not a problem then more sight-seeing may be the best approach for you. The faster you do the tour, the less you will see. Or perhaps it is better put like this, there will be less time for you to explore and enjoy the things you will see.

Most people plan on arriving at their destination between 1530 and 1730 in the afternoon. Setting off at 0830 gives you 7 hours, taking an hour for lunch and two 30 minute stops gives you 5 hours if you're quick and 7 hours if you're a bit slower. 5 hours to do 70 miles is a fairly brisk, but easily achieved on an unloaded cycle, 14 miles an hour average. 7 hours is an average of only 10 miles an hour. You'll have trouble going that slow if you've done the training.

Distance - Doing a longer tour (in time) doesn't necessarily mean lower distances each day, as you can use the extra time to go via nicer places. For example, with some extra time you can completely miss out the overcrowded Edinburgh - Glasgow belt and get to the Highlands via the Isle of Arran. A much nicer but longer way.

Luggage- If you plan to carry more luggage on your bike then you should factor in an extra 1 to 2 hours per day for a reasonable load, see our packing list for what we consider reasonable. You should reckon on even more extra time if you plan to camp.