Walking the End to End Trail : Land's End to John o' Groats on foot

Spanning 1956km (1215 miles) from Cornwall's cliffs to Scotland's northern tip, this extraordinary journey stitches together many of the UK's finest trails into one epic adventure, offering a true test of endurance for experienced long-distance hikers. From the South West Coast Path, the trail passes through Exmoor, the Welsh borders, Shropshire and the Peak District. It continues across the Pennines, Cheviots and Southern Uplands, follows the West Highland Way, and finishes through the wild Northern Highlands to the far north of mainland Scotland. The End to End Trail showcases Britain's extraordinary range of landscapes, from coastline and lowland countryside to remote uplands and mountain regions. This Cicerone guidebook supports you from the first planning stages to your final footsteps at John o' Groats. The route is divided into 61 clearly defined stages, making navigation and planning manageable, whether you aim to complete it in one continuous journey or tackle it in sections. Suggested two- and three-month schedules help experienced hikers choose a realistic approach based on fitness, experience and available time. Packed with practical advice, the guidebook covers everything you need: detailed route descriptions, guidance on choosing and testing equipment, carrying and resupplying food, budgeting for a multi-month journey, and building in contingency time for bad weather or rest days. Comprehensive information on accommodation and services—including campsites, hostels, B&Bs, shops and facilities in towns like Barnstaple, Hebden Bridge and Fort William—helps you decide whether to backpack, mix accommodation types or walk with lighter loads. Enriched with carefully researched historical and local details from expert author Andy Robinson, this guidebook gives you everything needed to turn the idea of walking from Land's End to John o' Groats into an achievable and unforgettable adventure—a once-in-a-lifetime achievement that demands commitment, resilience and preparation, but delivers an unrivalled sense of accomplishment.