End to End: John O'Groats, Broken Spokes and a Dog called Gretna

by Alistair McGuinness

You’ll smile–you’ll shake your head–and you’ll wonder if the impossible is possible.“Brilliant stuff on a dark, cold evening.”“After many serious reads pursued through lockdown, this was the tonic I needed.” “If you haven’t been cycle touring, beware, this book may get you borrowing a bike and attempting the impossible.”“An inspiring and very funny book. I don’t often say this of books I’ve read, but this could be made into a film - a comedy, of course!” Join three adventurous friends as they set off on a wayward quest to travel the length of Britain, armed with nothing more than an out-of-date map. One cyclist didn't own a bike, but luckily, his brother was working out of town and had one in his garage. Painted racing green, with wide wheels and a robust frame, it was far from perfect for such a trip. But it was free! Along the way, they found themselves drawn to the warm embrace of numerous country pubs, immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of British culture. With each pint, they traded stories with the locals and sought out secret spots close by. Each time they got lost they were helped by a variety of kind and quirky characters. As the wheels of their bicycles turned, they went in search of the remaining Beatles, discovered an ancient hideaway used by Scottish clans, and survived a storm in the Highlands. If you enjoy adventure travel books, you'll be inspired by this humorous tale about three ordinary men, proving that extraordinary things can happen, just when you least expect it. For one of these cyclists, the journey would prove to be more than just an adventure–it would forever change the course of his life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 24, 2016

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure quite what to expect from this book, the only similar books I've read previously were written by a comedian. But I enjoyed this one. I know some of the places travelled through, and although that kind of cycling adventure is completely beyond me, I did feel an urge to go and become an End to Ender... An interesting story, well written and easy to read.

[Lisa Kearns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bogged down in his 30s, unsure what he wants to do with the rest of his life, and still grieving the death of his mother, the author impulsively decides to accompany his two friends as they cycle from one end of England (Land's End) to the farthest tip of Scotland (John O'Groats). Despite not being in the best physical shape and having to borrow a bike, he sets off to be an "End-to-Ender". Part travelogue, part diary, part soul searching, part torturous journey, McGuinness has written a heartfelt book about adventure, testing limits and remembering to look on the bright side even during a pounding Scottish thunderstorm.

I wish their trip had been longer and more leisurely, as they sprinted through England and Scotland in ten days. I longed to hear more about the beautiful countryside, the stark Highlands and historical places they saw. However they way the author had to dig deep for the endurance to cycle 80 miles each day inspired me to dust off my own bike and get out there on the roads. He gained a lot more than a certificate for having completed the trip - he found himself, his focus and his heart again.

As in the author's other books (Half a World Away: Jungle Guides, African Tribes and a Donkey called Angus, and Half a World Away: Living the Dream in a Land Down Under - both excellent reads!), his approach to this cycling trip is humorous, self-deprecating, honest, and always demonstrates his open mind.

This story took place twenty-odd years ago, and his love of new adventures has since taken him all over the world. Surely the truths he discovered on this cycling trip were the beginnings of a life of adventure and exploration. For anyone who enjoys travelogues, books about finding one's true self, or books about embracing the wonders of this world, you will enjoy End To End.

I received a copy of this book directly from the author, for review purposes. I wasn't asked to leave a positive review, but with books like this one that transport me elsewhere and make me itch to travel, I'm happy to award it five stars.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book quite by mistake this morning as I was looking up the name of the author of a book I recently read with the same title (it’s Paul Jones for the curious) and decided to read this cover to cover as I lie in bed on holiday with a mild case of COVID. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable this account of a 20 year old LEJOG journey is. By his own account, McGuinness was not and has not since become much of an athlete, but that may be part of the charm when three young men decided on a whim to cross Britain on bikes as a way to spend their two-week holiday from factory work on summer in the late 90’s.

Perhaps because I am the same age as the author, quite a bit of the cultural references resonated with my own experience, despite the fact that I was a young married parent raising an infant child in New York at the time of his adventure. Since then, though, I’ve become an avid cyclist who has twice participated in the London-Edinburgh-London endurance cycling challenge and plan to complete LEJOG in the summer of 2024. I will certainly take some of the images and stories from this account with me on that journey.

[Dr Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read

I thoroughly joyed reading this book, A full and detailed story of the ride from lands end to John O’Groats with interesting history of the towns and areas that he passed through. I particularly enjoyed the final chapters through Scotland and brief history that he gave afterwards about the post ride outcome for him and his fellow travellers. I am inspired to read some of his other books.

[Ryan Mazure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alistair gifted my wife and I this book before we set off on our travels at the start of 2020. Here I am over half way through the year with world wide travel banned and my only escape through books like Alistairs. Alistairs style is very much similar to that of Bill Brysons 'A walk in the woods'. I enjoyed this book so much that I read it in one afternoon!

[Roisin · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read that the events of this book occurred 20 years ago, I was immediately concerned that it would be vague and repetitive.

However, Alistair clearly kept a decent journal as the story was told very well with just the right amount of depth.

A great book for anyone who loves cycling and adventure.

[M P Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

A needed tonic

After many serious reads pursued through / post lockdown this was the tonic needed. Cheered me up a lot.
Brilliant stuff on a dark, cold evening.

[S Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written and entertaining read if you are into your cycling adventures. I really enjoyed and and was sad to finish it....always a sign of a good book!

[Pers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Alistair's tale of going of his LEJOG End to End trip.

[Ben Twoonezero · Rating 4 out of 5]

A enjoyable book, but not a page turner.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a quick read, enjoyable, good to know someone else went into End-to End totally unprepared and still managed to complete the ride!

[Robert HARRIS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memories

Brought back lots of memories f End to
End both ways will be reading more of your books

Thank you
Regards
Robert

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

A commendable book, although one that's riddled with a few errors that may make you doubt its veracity – since when has Southport been on the east coast? It’s also strange, however justified, to read a newly-written travel book that concerns events of twenty years ago. But all the same, it's an appealing read. It's not overly long, and the author manages what fails so many people in his genre, namely hitting the right balance of himself, his locations and his travel. So we see him and two mates cycling the 800-odd miles from SW England to NE Scotland, for very personal reasons, and all it entails – too many evenings in bars, struggling at times to find a decent bed, and, er, newly-found love. What little there was, however, of looking beyond the handlebars and letting us see the scenery came across very well, and all in all it's quite an inspiring read.

[Rachel Stansel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love stories like this, that follow an epic journey on foot or in this case by bike. The aurhor, back in the 1980s, set out with very little training, to bike 890 miles across Britain from Land’s End, towards the remote Scottish town of John O’Groats. He shares equal amounts personal reflection, mostly on his choices and the death of his mom, details of the the things they saw and experienced on the bikes and a look into the small towns, inns and pubs they stayed at during their 13 days.

The story is an enjoyable read from someone who has never seen these places and made me yearn to see them.

Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Eileen Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great easy to read part travelogue part road trip experience. 3 mates who work in a car factory in Luton, embark on on a fortnight of bike riding from Land's End to John O'Groats.
The descriptions of their adventures are laugh out loud.
Ideal holiday reading as it is not too taxing, but you do engage with the characters all the way.
Highly recommended.
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Half a World Away via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.

[Derek Knight · Rating 1 out of 5]

I still started off interested in this book, but had to give up about half way through so confounded was on by the factual errors. How could somebody who is apparently English get basic geographical facts so wrong? Liverpool is not on the East Coast.

[mr james e missin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

I enjoyed this book and found it funny in places and inspiring, worth a read if you feel your life is dull and you want inspiring to do a long cycle trip.