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Main Boards => Long Distance Walks => Topic started by: WILDWALKINGUK on 13:22:32, 07/02/19

Title: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: WILDWALKINGUK on 13:22:32, 07/02/19
Hello
I am setting off on my LEJOG next week via Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis camping rough every night if possible and just wondered if anyone had any wisdom they are able to pass on?
I have walked the Cape Wrath Trail, TGO Challenge, Pennine Way etc, so not inexperienced but I have only ever walked for a maximum of 3 weeks camping rough every night before so I am sure those of you who have done LEJOG will have learnt from it.
I am totally prepared or so I think.      ???
Mark
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: Ralph on 14:32:11, 07/02/19
I can't offer any advice but can give you my best wishes and good luck for the walk.
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: richardh1905 on 14:47:41, 07/02/19

Good luck with your walk.


My advice would be to finish at Duncansby Head, a couple of miles to the east of John O'Groats, a much nicer spot and the true 'end' of Scotland. John O'Groats is nothing more than a tourist trap.
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: Slogger on 15:26:03, 07/02/19
You lucky man. All I would say is start slowly and spend the first week getting into it. Take as much advantage of daylight as you can, plan for a shorter day or day off during bad weather and retreat to a B&B every so often. Good luck and safe journey.Dave.
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: Doddy on 14:43:29, 08/02/19
On a long walk to get enough calories you either carry lots of food and fuel or you eat out at least once a day. I do not carry more than three days food (3kg) and resupply often. At resupply outside the shop eat some of the food so you do not have to carry it on your back. Sometimes I will pick my tent pitch before eating then walk back to the café/pub for a meal then even after dark I know where my pitch is.

I did a five section End to End from Cape Wrath to Lands End and have done the National Three peaks in 24hrs.
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: rural roamer on 18:00:36, 08/02/19
You may have done Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis before but if not, having done all three this year at separate times I recommend taking one of the less popular routes up and down. And also avoid weekends if your schedule allows it. Good luck,keep us updated, do you have a blog?
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: WILDWALKINGUK on 17:59:14, 10/02/19
Hello
Yes I do have a blog if anyone wishes to follow my progress. https://wildwalkinguk.com/ I will be trying to camp rough every night so will only be updating the blog every few days or whenever I have enough power. The site is new and we still have a lot to add to it. I am also on twitter: @wildwalkinguk
Thanks for your interest and advice.
Mark
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: richardh1905 on 08:19:08, 11/02/19

Interesting Blog, Mark.


..not that I'm planning to do LEJOG, !
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: astaman on 10:08:32, 11/02/19
A good blog. I look forward to exploring it properly and following your progress on it. LEJOG is on my bucket list - maybe someday. Living in Shetland I'd be inclined to take the footferry across to Orkney walk the south isles and Orkney mainland and then take the ferry to Shetland. I've already walked the length of the Shetland mainland but would happily do it again and finish in the north of Unst. But I don't know if I would if I didn't live here. Good luck with your trip.


Joh
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: Slogger on 20:14:45, 11/02/19
I wish the guy that I bumped into as he approached Carlisle, who walked LEJOG taking all the 3,000ft peaks of England Wales and Scotland on his way, had written a book. I did look out for it in exspectation, it was a bit wierd however how fast his website closed down after he finished. One of the main walking mags was following his progress and he got lots of publicity, starting in February he finished in September.
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: WILDWALKINGUK on 15:35:44, 24/02/19
Thanks for your advice, everyone! Mark is getting on well, currently at Boscastle, but struggling a bit with condensation in the tent. Drying kit is becoming quite a chore, I think. Thanks for all the advice and I'm updating the blog when I get enough information from him! Emma (Mark's wife).
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: richardh1905 on 08:24:21, 01/03/19
Enjoying the blog. That was some breakfast in St Ives!
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: Slogger on 17:12:50, 02/03/19
Me too, enjoying the blog, what a great way to start with your family, has me wondering, will they be there at the end?
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: mananddog on 14:34:38, 03/03/19

Good luck, I did JOGLE with my dog 6 years ago and I really loved it - got  depressed towards the end because I did not want it to finish. My old dog has now died and I have a new boy and after I have got him used to hiking and camping for weeks on end this year we will be doing JOGLE or LEJOG again next year.


There is nothing better than getting up in the morning, packing up your tent and looking forward to a big day in the hills with your best mate.
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: Slogger on 16:13:37, 04/03/19
No blog updates for several days now, I hope everything is going as planned.
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: rural roamer on 08:26:42, 07/03/19
He posted an update yesterday 😀
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: Slogger on 16:31:00, 08/03/19
He posted an update yesterday 😀
Yeah, thanks, says his next walking update is coming soon, so will looks forward to that. Ive been wondering how he's been getting on camping in this wonderful weather!.
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: Warbler on 12:43:39, 09/03/19

 "Ive been wondering how he's been getting on camping in this wonderful weather!."


I was wondering the same thing, especially after seeing how close he was pitched to the cliff edge in his last update. :o
At least we now know he's still on the move.

Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: Ridge on 09:13:12, 11/03/19
I'm really enjoying the blog, I've just caught up with Friday's installment.
Definitely worth a read if you've not looked at it so far.
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: Jac on 10:06:14, 11/03/19
I'm also enjoying the blog, and especially the attitude to walking with (his) children. Those are 4 lucky kids.
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: Warbler on 13:25:19, 17/03/19

Just been reading his latest updates. He made it to Monmouth on the 6th March. Some horrendous weather to come in the following days though, and I believe he's heading for Snowden in the worst of it.


Thoroughly enjoying watching his progress.
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: astaman on 07:51:56, 23/03/19
For those following his progress, I see that Mark Webb has posted a new entry on his Lejog blog. It takes him as far as Llanidloes. Just about to read it - good on you Mark.


Add.  Read it. A good blog Mark. You're having a tough old walk but you seem to be toughing it out. Remember every day is a day further in to Spring.  John
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: WILDWALKINGUK on 19:20:21, 23/03/19
Hello all


Thanks very much for the advice and comments! Mark is getting on pretty well - he's currently near Preston and coping with the weather. The run of consecutive wet days was a problem as he couldn't dry the tent or gear properly. I think he had a few miserable nights! He's also frustrated that yet again the Goretex lining in his boots has failed. 300 miles seems to be the limit.


Other than that, all is well! He has summitted Snowdon (in a blizzard) and that felt like a major milestone. Once he hits the Lake District and Scottish border, I think he will get a major boost to his morale.


Thanks for reading the blog everyone - I am really glad you're enjoying it. Sorry it is sporadic, but I am reliant on Mark sending my his diary pages and photos. I'll try and keep up.


Emma
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: Ridge on 20:00:26, 23/03/19
Thanks for the update Emma, really enjoying the blog.
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: Dread on 21:26:25, 23/03/19
I'm also enjoying the blog a lot. Thanks for making the effort Emma. And Mark of course. It sounds like he's having a tough time. I'm still jealous as hell though!
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: astaman on 09:15:49, 25/03/19
For those following his progress Emma has posted another episode in Mark Webb's epic. He's up to Dolgellau (although he's much further on in reality) and still battling away. Well done both of you and thanks for the blog. John
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: Robbie 85 on 18:38:18, 25/03/19
Really interesting blog, inspiring, and love your approach to life!  The very best of luck for the rest of your trip. Another one to add to the list for when I retire ...!
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: mananddog on 19:24:28, 25/03/19
He's also frustrated that yet again the Goretex lining in his boots has failed. 300 miles seems to be the limit.


Emma



I went through 3 pairs of Gortex lined fabric boots on my JOGLE, it convinced me to never use fabric boots on a big walk again.


Wish him luck from a JOGLE-er. I will be doing it again next year.
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: astaman on 07:30:10, 28/03/19
I see Emma has posted another edition in Mark's epic journey - up to and over Snowden now. Well done Mark, this is a real tough hike. Keep going, think of the satisfaction you'll feel as you walk past Sandwood Bay. Pain is temporary, glory is eternal. Thanks for posting this Emma.
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: Jac on 07:46:04, 29/03/19
Snowdon lived up to its name - enjoying the blog.  O0
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: astaman on 08:42:45, 10/04/19
Excellent report from Mark and Emma Webb this morning. Congratulations on getting Scafell behind you Mark. But the pant intelligence - you say so little yet it's so graphic to those that have had to don wet drawers of a morning. No romance in that. Well done on your progress to date and looking forward to reading more. John
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: Slogger on 18:18:24, 11/04/19
Enjoying following progress and he has now passed Carlisle. After spending the night in Lingy Hut, he posted a photo of 'Lingy Hill' summit, however I recognised it straight away as 'High Pike' summit, on the Cumbria Way route. Last time I was at Lingy Hut, the door was open and by the dropping on the floor it was clear that the sheep had found it comfortable too.
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: Ridge on 19:43:45, 14/04/19
The next instalment is on the blog, he has made it to Scotland.
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: Rob Goes Walking on 20:24:32, 14/04/19
Just read a random chapter of his journey. Quite entertaining. Has he managed to wild camp every night?
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: Ridge on 20:39:06, 14/04/19
From memory I think he has had 2 days B&B when he was waiting for the weather to clear so that he could climb Snowdon and 1 night in a bothy.
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: astaman on 11:45:27, 15/04/19
Another report appeared on Mark's blog site. He's made it to Loch Lomond having crossed Glasgow and successfully wild camped on the margins of the city. Your getting there Mark - interested to see the route your choose after Fort William. Keep going and good luck.
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: hongkongphooey on 02:37:19, 16/04/19
Enjoying reading the updates - thanks for sharing  O0
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: WILDWALKINGUK on 19:34:54, 16/04/19
Hello all - thanks for following Mark's progress! He's had a tough run through Scotland I think with low food and hardly any mobile signal, so I haven't heard from him very often. He has made it to the top of all 3 peaks, and definitely experienced all four seasons! He is still going, and is due to finish by Easter. Emma
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: harland on 19:48:15, 16/04/19
Thanks for keeping us up-to-date.  He will be doing really well to finish by Easter.  Tell him that parts of the John o'Groats trail are pretty hard underfoot and need would some wading through streams so the road option, on occasions, maybe the better/quicker option.  The traffic isn't too bad and there is generally lots of room to get off the road when traffic approaches.
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: astaman on 07:59:06, 18/04/19
I see Mark and Emma have posted two reports. He has got up and down a slippy Ben Nevis and was in Inverness at the end of the second report. Heading up the Jo'G trail next. Well done indeed. John
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: richardh1905 on 08:15:57, 18/04/19
He's certainly cracking on, isn't he?
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: richardh1905 on 08:16:46, 18/04/19
Thanks for keeping us up-to-date.  He will be doing really well to finish by Easter.  Tell him that parts of the John o'Groats trail are pretty hard underfoot and need would some wading through streams so the road option, on occasions, maybe the better/quicker option.  The traffic isn't too bad and there is generally lots of room to get off the road when traffic approaches.




I would absolutely hate walking along the A9.


..but if he does, he'll probably meet William Sichel (http://live.opentracking.co.uk/northcoast500/), who is now approaching Durness on the North Coast 500!
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: fernman on 19:50:36, 25/04/19
No new reports on the blog since 17 April - over a week. I hope everything's alright.
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: karl h on 19:59:42, 25/04/19
Finished last week according to Twitter
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: fernman on 22:07:52, 25/04/19
No new reports on the blog since 17 April - over a week. I hope everything's alright.

Two hours since I posted that, and another chapter has been published  :)
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: astaman on 15:37:21, 28/04/19
I see that Mark has posted his final entry on his Lejog blog. Made it to JoG. Well done Mark a real achievement wild camping all the way and taking in Snowden, Scafell and the Ben and in what has for a large part of your walk been the winter. Enjoyed following your blog. I know it was hard and you did well to keep going through the low points and borderline injuries. Well done again.
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: Dread on 16:21:59, 28/04/19
I've really enjoyed the blog too. Congratulations Mark, a helluva achievement.
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: fernman on 16:34:24, 28/04/19
I've really enjoyed the blog too. Congratulations Mark, a helluva achievement.


My feelings too. Well done!
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: Jac on 17:38:15, 28/04/19
Fantastic achievement.  O0
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: jimbob on 17:51:53, 28/04/19
Well done Mark. A great achievement. Hope you are proud of yourself for completing this feat of mental and physical strength.
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: WILDWALKINGUK on 21:52:49, 28/04/19
Thank you all for your interest and support.... I have been back for a week now and only just recovering. I am still overwhelmed by it all and trying to process what I feel about the walk. The biggest surprise was the amount of great people I met all along the walk, I had so many lovely conversations about walking and gear, and it was probably these people that kept me going to the end. I will add to the blog with my gear report and how I feel about it all shortly.
 

I didn't go from Fort William up past Sandwood Bay to Cape Wrath because I have done the Cape Wrath Trail recently but this is possibly the nicer route. I did enjoy the Great Glen Way as the weather was great and I took the high level route when I could. The walk into Inverness was really nice, the friendliest place I have ever been. The John O'Groats trail is hard going but when more people are walking it I am sure it will become another classic. 


Thanks again. Mark 
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: Ridge on 08:41:44, 29/04/19
Congratulations on the walk, I've enjoyed following your blog.
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: Slogger on 16:34:36, 29/04/19
I enjoyed reading your progress along the way and congratulations on your completion.
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: One F on 12:06:17, 30/04/19
Congratulations on the walk. Really enjoyed the blog, great record to keep as a reminder.  O0
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: Jac on 10:05:03, 02/05/19
Mark has now posted his gear reviews including his lightweight 'boots' - interesting reading
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: rural roamer on 15:02:44, 02/05/19
Well done, enjoyed reading the blog.
Title: Re: Lands End to John O'Groats
Post by: WILDWALKINGUK on 11:03:08, 14/09/19
Hello


I'm now planning my next years big walk, April 2020. The Scottish National Trail.
If you're interested in following it, my blog will be here


   https://wildwalkinguk.com/ (https://wildwalkinguk.com/)  


Thanks
Mark