Home Nations 1000

Welcome to the Home Nations 1000 permanent audax. The route covers 1017km in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales (plus an additional 167km on two ferry crossings of the Irish Sea). The route was designed to be ridden from Whitchurch in North Shropshire in an anti-clockwise direction but riders can start/finish from anywhere on the course. ENGLAND: from Whitchurch the route heads north to Warrington, Preston, Lancaster and Kendal before the first major climb over Shap. The route then continues via Penrith and Carlisle before crossing the border into Scotland at Gretna. This section of the route uses A-roads as it was designed to be ridden over night. There are plenty of 24hr petrol stations, cafes and shops on route, so re-supply shouldn't be an issue. SCOTLAND: from Gretna the route uses smaller A and B roads passing through Annan, Dumfries, Galloway Forest Park, Newton Stewart and Stranraer to take you to Cairnryan where you'll catch the ferry to Belfast. IRELAND: the route out of Belfast is lumpy in places, but soon gives way to faster roads as you head south through Northern Ireland and into the Republic of Ireland. Once again there are plenty of resupply options as you head through Newry, Arden, Navan, Naas, Enniscorthy and Wexford on your way to Rosslare. Here the second ferry crossing takes you to Fishguard. WALES: the Welsh leg is the hilliest section of the route, but it's also the most picturesque with coastal and mountain views to enjoy. Once again there are plenty of resupply options. The key to successfully completing the route in the allotted 75 hours is to ensure you catch a ferry at the appropriate time, so plan carefully... and feel free to ask if you want any advice regarding timings.