All Downhill From Here: Our John o' Groats to Land's End Cycling Adventure, and How You Can Do It Too

by Paul Waters

Paul and Simon hardly know each other. In fact, Simon thinks Paul is a bit of a ‘*@&%’. So, they’re both surprised when, after a few drinks in the pub one evening, they agree to take on Britain’s most famous cycling challenge together – 900 miles from Land’s End to John o’ Groats. Especially since they are both novice cyclists. Somehow, they persuade their partners, Bek and Kirsty, to give up their summer holidays to drive the length of Britain twice in the role of support crew. But, when the car breaks down driving to the start-line, the omens don’t look good for a smooth ride. What follows is a hilarious but life-affirming adventure full of mishaps, arguments, and a bit too much alcohol on Simon’s part, as they journey up and down, through the best and worst that Britain has to offer – headwinds against them all the way. All Downhill From Here tells the story of their journey, how it sowed the seeds for a lifelong friendship, and many more big adventures. Based on these experiences, Paul has included a section full of useful advice and insights for anyone new to long-distance cycling and wanting to conquer the famous Land’s End to John o’ Groats bike ride, or other similar challenges.

188 pages, Paperback

Published April 16, 2021

About the author

Paul Waters was born and schooled in England, but says his real education did not begin until he was seventeen, when he ran away to sea.

He spent the next two years travelling the world on a tramp steamer. It was during this time, somewhere in the Indian Ocean, that he picked up a copy of Herodotus, and began a love affair with the classical world of Greece and Rome.

Later he returned to England and studied Classics at University College London. Since then he has lived and worked in France, Greece, America and southern Africa. He now lives in Cambridge, England.