Peter Langford, oldest person to cycle Land's End to John O'Groats at 90

Peter started the day rather unusually – by being interviewed on BBC Breakfast! He did a fantastic job and it was very heartening to see hundreds of new donations roll in during and after. I expect sales of cheese scones also took a rise! (sorry, irresistible pun)

He then set off for the final day of cycling in Northernmost Scotland – more or less following the coast. He was accompanied by daughter Maggi, granddaughter Lily and grandson-in-law Andrew taking turns to cycle with him and drive the car.

Despite the excitement of nearing the finish line the last day was no picnic – 50 miles with significant hills and a strong headwind but beautiful views all the way!

The first objective was reaching Dunnet Head – the Northernmost point in Britain. Top to bottom – tick!

Then it was swiftly on to Castle Mey for lunch and the final cheese scone of the trip!

Excitement grew as he set off from Castle Mey for the final few miles of his epic journey. Friends and family members and some lovely strangers who’d followed his journey and come up to see him cross the finish line gathered to greet him at John o’ Groats and gave him the hero’s welcome he deserved!

He did it!! What an unbelievable achievement. At 90, as far as records show, he’s the oldest person ever to complete this epic journey!

Wow wow wow!

He celebrated with coffee and cake and he’s riding high on having completed it and blown away by the generosity of those he’s encountered on the way.

Will leave the sign off to his own words:

Hi again. People ask me what I feel now that I have actually completed the journey. The answer is simple. Immense gratitude which has been with me all the way in a way I truly feel. To my wonderful supportive family and special times with my three children and other family members and all Thier support. Those who carried my stuff, encouraged me, given so generously, put me up etc. etc. All this will live with me and continue to cause me delight. May God bless you and give you joy. Peter

He’s so far raised over £33,000 for the homeless and the total keeps going up! Here’s the link one more time: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/peterlangford

Peter cycled just over 41 miles today accompanied by Andrew, Lily and Maggi. The day started off a little grey and misty but the sun soon appeared and yet again turned into another stunning sunny day.

The hardest cycling in Scotland so far with lots of long steep hills and a headwind which wasn’t too welcome! A few miscalculations also meant there was a little more cycling than anticipated, but nothing Peter couldn’t handle! The hard cycling was well worth it though with all of the incredible scenery and views of the North Coast.

At dinner tonight, Peter was asked how he was feeling now that the challenge is almost over and and the overarching emotions were…. ‘Relieved, grateful for the generosity and kindness of all involved, encouraged, excited not to have to think about these recent hills, and a real bonus to have created such a community!’

Media coverage is getting really exciting and Peter has a number of interviews set up tomorrow morning and later in the day. Really hoping these interviews get the word spread even more and we can close in on that £50,000!

Follow the Instagram @petersbikeride for updates on times and where you can watch/ hear the interviews as well as live updates on when Peter will arrive in John O’Groats….

The sun was out for Peter today as he cycled from Alness to The Crask Inn! Just over 40 miles through beautiful rolling hills and stunning landscapes. According to Peter, one of the best days of cycling so far on this trip!

The Crask inn saw the Northern Lights last night so our fingers are crossed that they’ll be out again tonight to celebrate Peter nearing the end of this incredible journey!

Peter was joined this morning by Granddaughter Lily and her husband Andrew, his Daughter Maggi has also now arrived ready to cheer him on all the way to the end! 2 days of cycling to go… Can you believe it!?

Peter and those with him continue to be blown away by the generous donations of passers by in cars, on bikes, in cafes and accommodation (and all those online of course!) The bright yellow top is clearly working!

Thanks all, and see you tomorrow for the penultimate day!

Justgiving: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/peterlangford

Instagram: @Petersbikeride

Day 28- around 40 miles and a very rainy start! 🌧️ Now north of Inverness … really closing in on the finish line after two tough hills today.

Peter said au revoir to his friends Pietro and Alicja from France who kindly delivered his bags to his next bnb before returning home. Tonight he’ll be joined by granddaughter Lily and her husband Andrew.

Peter is due in to John o’ Groats on Thursday!! Just 3 more days cycling to go – unbelievable! 🚴💪🌧️

Please do dig deep and donate or share the donation link with your community: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/peterlangford

Another fairly easy day for Peter today with only a few hills towards the end of his 35 mile cycle.

The temperature is certainly dropping now Peter is so much further north, so lots of wrapping up and hot drinks are in order! ☕️ Temperatures are meant to stay fairly consistent until the end of the big ride, so hopefully it won’t affect moral too much!

On the topic of weather… A little drizzle throughout the day but managed to settle into his B&B before the majority of the rain hit. Fingers crossed it dries up for tomorrow 🤞🏼(although the forecast isn’t looking too promising!) ☔️

After arriving in Aviemore this afternoon, Peter came across a Church of Scotland Church and joined them for worship. So happy he managed to fit this in after a not too restful Sunday!

55% to target now so it’s certainly slowly creeping up! 4 more days to go until John O’Groats… Can you believe it!? Thank you for joining Peter on this incredible journey 🥰

Justgiving: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/peterlangford

Instagram: Petersbikeride

In Peter’s words, he had ‘quite an easy day’ today. Peter cycled 43 miles to Newtonmore which included the Drumochter Pass which is over 1500ft (doesn’t sound particularly easy to me!) with the rest of the cycle mostly more gentle slopes.

He’s now passed the 900 mile mark, with the total miles cycled at 902, not long now until we’re hitting 4 digits 😱!

A big shoutout to Pietro who was waiting for Peter once again at the entrance to Newtonmore ready for a big well deserved dinner! Such amazing support! 🚲

Thanks again to all ongoing support!

Justgiving: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/peterlangford

Instagram: @petersbikeride

Firstly, a massive thank you to The Townhouse Boutique Bed and Breakfast in Perth who refused to accept money from Peter and also very kindly donated and took Peter for dinner (go and show them some love! https://www.thetownhouseperth.co.uk)

Peter had a slightly less demanding day today (although by my standards, still extremely impressive!) completing 34 miles and has now arrived safely in Pitlochry.

Not too many pictures today due to cycling solo, but a few very grateful words from Peter…

‘I am now at the Youth Hostel at Pitlochry. 34 miles today so total now 859. My host at the superb Town House, Perth donated the £110 and also insisted on treating me to dinner. Got a little lost today but apart from some steep hills near the end not too hard. While a bike shop was doing some adjustments I went to a Cafe and when I went to collect it the lady at the Cafe had phoned to pay for it. Also several people seeing my shirt have donated. God bless them and all of you. Pietro and Alicia are bringing a take away to the hostel this evening.’

It really is amazing to see everyone come together, spreading so much love, joy, hope and encouragement!🤩🥰🚲💪🏼🗺

As ever, keep spreading the word:

Just giving: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/peterlangford

Instagram: @petersbikeride

Today Peter has cycled around 46 miles from Edinburgh to Perth. A little adventure early on when he found himself on the road to the motorway bridge (not the route initially planned!) and spent 3 miles on a wide hard shoulder before escaping!

When he finally approached the correct bridge, the cycle way was shut, with a sign pointing to two flights of steep stairs to go under to the other side… Weighing up his unfavourable options, Peter lifted his bike over the barrier and proceeded on the cycle way. He really is unstoppable! 💪🏼

After an unsteady start, Peter has safely arrived in Perth and was greeted by a large (and no doubt very creamy) Scone. Let’s all hope and prey for a smoother day of cycling tomorrow! 🚲 🙏🏼

Just giving link: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/peterlangford

A well needed rest day today in Edinburgh, comprising of: A hair cut and beard trim, farewells to Laurie, Janette and Alex after their incredible support over the last few days in Scotland, some hello’s to old friends who have just joined Peter in Edinburgh, some luggage complications (now thankfully resolved!) and a very well earned curry for tonight’s dinner!

The aim is to leave Edinburgh early in the morning hoping to get to the Forth bridge before traffic builds up too much… The start of the last leg already, 775 miles completed and around 330 miles to go!? How incredible!

Some photos from today…

See you all tomorrow when Peter’s back pedalling!

33 miles and two high passes, not too steep but long slogs with some headwind. After that quite easy riding to Edinburgh and a stop off for tea and buns.

Another youth hostel – why not! 😄And he’s saying farewell to Laurie, Jeanette and Alex and meeting with friends from France tonight.

Today marks 3 weeks into the adventure and it’s incredible how far he’s come and how many people have been inspired by the journey.