Land’s End to John O’Groats Walk Route : Hostels and Bunkhouses

What is Land’s End to John O’Groats walking route?

An iconic and highly regarded route and the dream for many long-distance walkers. The Land’s End to John O Groats (LEJOG) walking route begins at Land’s End; the most south-westerly point of the UK. It finishes at John O’Groats; famous for being the most northern extremity of the UK. However, this isn’t strictly accurate as the most northerly part of mainland Britain is nearby Dunnet Head. Why the famous walking route isn’t “Land’s End to Dunnet Head” will always be a mystery. Maybe it is simply because it doesn’t sound as catchy!

Land’s End to John O’Groats walk gives you a little bit of all that the UK’s countryside has to offer, from Cornwall’s magnificent coastline of sparkling beaches, coves, and bays to Scotland’s dramatic wilderness of peaks, fells, and lochs.

Alternatively, walk the route the other way around; John O Groats to Land’s End (JOGLE) and tackle Scotland’s tougher terrain first. That being said, once you have finished the fluctuating terrain of Scotland, the rest of the walk is by no means a stroll in the park. Unless your park is over 1,000 miles long!

What is the distance between Land’s End and John O’Groats?

As the crow flies, the distance between Land’s End and John O’Groats is 603 miles. However, without the ability to fly, making a beeline is near impossible.

The second quickest way to complete the Land’s End to John O Groats journey is to keep to main roads such as the M5. However, walking on motorways is neither pleasant nor legal. Using a variety of smaller roads is popular with walkers who are attempting to break records or are walking this route for charity as a challenge. On average, walking along smaller roads will be a distance of around 874 miles.

The most popular way to walk from Land’s End to John O’Groats or vice versa is by using long-distance footpaths. There is no clearcut path that takes you from one end to the other. So, the solution is to join up a number of long-distance routes. Long distance routes make up a substantial distance of this journey. If you plan the route carefully you can do the vast majority of the route via these paths with only small amounts of walking along roads or between paths. On average, using long-distance footpaths the route will cover around 1200 miles. This is substantially longer than “as the crow flies” or by road but it is far nicer.

Who can do LEJOG?

Anyone can walk from Land’s End to John O’Groats! Due to the sheer length of the journey and diversity of terrain, the route is much better suited to experienced long distance walkers. If you are looking to embark on your first long distance trail, try St Cuthberts Way or Isaacs Tea Trail. These shorter walks would be much better suited to give you a flavour what it takes to achieve a long distance walk.

How long does Land’s End to John O’Groats take to walk?

On average it takes an experienced walker 2 or 3 months to complete the route. This is without considering adverse weather, route changes or injuries. Walking Land’s End to John O’Groats is a massive feat of endurance and really something to be proud of. If this sounds like something you would like to do but you can’t commit to the length of time, why not cycle the route instead?

Or perhaps it is a pipe dream of yours to walk the route. But, it needs to be completed around other engagements such as family or work? In this case, the Land’s End to John O’Groats walking route could be completed over many months or years in smaller sections.

Why walk Lands End to John O Groats?

What are you trying to achieve by walking from Land’s End to John O’Groats? Are you trying to escape the business of everyday life? There are no emails to answer or water cooler gossip to get drawn into while walking through the UK’s wilderness. Just you and the footpath in front of you can be meditative. A good time for healing and being reflective.

Perhaps you want to push yourself and achieve something amazing. This route is highly regarded and revered. The repetition of walking and sleeping and walking again for months at a time requires a lot of stamina, determination, and self-motivation.

Land's End To John O'Groats Walk

Choosing a Land’s End to John O’Groats  (LEJOG) walking route.

Land’s End to the Scottish border

• Starting with the Land’s End Trail or the Mary Michael Pilgrim’s Way walkers can head up the spine of Cornwall, go over or around Dartmoor and head up through Devon and Somerset until they meet the Somerset Way in Glastonbury
• From Bath, the Cotswold Way takes the walker all the way to just east of Gloucester.
• On the west of the city is the Severn Way which can be walked all the way to Coalport near Iron Bridge where it meets the Sebrina Way Long Distance bridle path.
• The Sebrina Way crosses the Trent Valley and heads up into the Southern Peak District.
• At Alstonefield, it comes close to the Limestone Way and walkers can join this 40-mile route which takes them through the heart of the White Peak all the way to Castleton.
• From Castleton, it is not a long walk over Mam Tor to Edale and the start of the Pennine Way.
• This iconic route, the first National Trail, takes the walker 251 miles through the Pennine hills to Kirk Yetholm on the Scottish Border. Here it joins the Scottish National Trail.

Scottish Border to John O’Groats

• The Scottish National Trail takes the walker through the borders, visits Edinburgh and follows the great canals through Falkirk and North of Glasgow.
• Where it meets the West Highland Way. Here the walker can choose to head up the West Highland Way to Fort William and then take the Great Glen Way to Inverness.
• Alternatively stay on the Scottish National Trail as it heads up through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, across to the Cairngorms and meets the Great Glen Way at Kingussie.
• Following the Great Glen past Loch Ness to Inverness, walkers will pass stunning scenery.
• From Inverness the last stage of the LEJOG  route can be followed using the John O’ Groats Trail which skirts the coast all the way to the tip of mainland Britain.
• Finally, you hit the famous John O’Groats landmark sign! Give yourself a pat on the back.

Your very first hostel…

Okay, picture the scene. You are gearing up to begin your incredible journey of walking from Land’s End to John O Groats. You’re filled with a mixture of nerves, anticipation, and the sense of being on the brink of achieving something extraordinary. It is important to find somewhere close by to stay for the night before embarking on this journey of a lifetime. Have you considered Lands End Hostel?

Land’s End Hostel

Situated only half a mile away from the iconic Land’s End signpost, the location couldn’t be any more ideal. At Land’s End Hostel, there are indoor and outdoor dining areas, a self-catering kitchen, a summerhouse, WiFi, TV and USB ports. Bedding and towels are provided which means you can pack even lighter! A continental breakfast is available at a small extra cost. This is perfect to set you up for your very first day of walking.

Now, after making full use of the facilities, having had an amazing night’s sleep, and filling up on a delicious continental breakfast, your Land’s End to John O Groats walking adventure begins!

Your very last hostel…

Now picture this, you are two or three months into your journey. You are close to finishing this momentous achievement. The end is so close you can practically smell it! However, the end of your journey isn’t the only thing that is beginning to smell…! Why not stop off at Helmsdale Hostel, and recuperate and refresh?

Helmsdale Lodge Hostel

Situated a mere few day’s walk from John O’Groats, Helmsdale Lodge Hostel provides everything the weary traveller may need, such as lovely soft beds you will never want to get out of and en suite bathroom facilities in every room. Perfect for freshening up for the last leg of your journey. Don’t forget to make use of the fully equipped kitchen and lounge with a wood-burning stove.

The hostel is very popular with other LEJOGers so perhaps you will bump into fellow walkers, and you can regale stories of your travels.

Have you walked from Lands End to John O Groats?

We would love to hear from you! Have you walked from Lands End to John O Groats? (either LEJOG or JOGLE) Please get in touch as we would love to hear what route you took and where you stayed.