One of the most important lessons we learnt during the Spring lockdown of 2020 was just how important our green spaces are – not just for our physical health but for our mental health as well.
We discovered new walks, noticed new wildlife – and many of us dusted down the old bike and went for long cycle rides.
That’s why, when Pedal 4 Parks approached us to ask if we would support their 2021 mission to highlight the plight of the UKs national parks, it struck a real chord.
So, what are they doing?
Pedal 4 Parks are a team of four city living, environmentally aware friends, who will set out on a self-supported, bike-packing journey across the UK’s stunning National Parks. Undertaking this journey will help them to understand how human interference is impacting these green spaces and exploring what this means for everyone’s future.
Follow the team as they prepare to take on the adventure of a lifetime – we’re with them every step (pedal) of the way!
It's a world first!
More about the journey
Traditionally JOGLE would mean cycling from John O’Groats the northernmost tip of Scotland to Lands End the southernmost tip of UK. Completing this journey would mean they have cycled the entire length of mainland UK.
But Pedal4Parks are attempting to go even further - across both land and sea, connecting the Orkney Islands to the Scilly Islands.
Their attempt can be split into 4 stages:
1. They start at the northernmost tip of the Orkney Islands a group of islands sitting just north of mainland Scotland and will cycle the length of the Orkney down to its southernmost tip. This will take a single day.
2. Once at the southernmost tip of the Orkney Islands they will change their bikes for water bikes and cycle across the sea (Pentland Firth) reaching John O’Groats the northernmost tip of mainland Scotland. This will take a 2-4hours on a single day and it is essential they attempt the crossing in good weather conditions favourable for the water bikes.
3. They will then change back to their original land bikes bike packing. They will be cycling with all the equipment needed for a self-supported journey of over 950 miles. This part of our journey will begin from the north-eastern tip of Scotland; John o’ Groats - and end at the south-western tip of England; Land’s End. They estimate this stage to take 12 days.
4. The final stage sees them switching their bikes back to water bikes to cycle from Lands End to the Scilly Isles, the southernmost isles of the UK. This is expected to take an entire day and is where they will finish the cycle.
