Race the Sun - England Coast to Coast on the Summer Solstice
Sunday 21 June 2026
On the summer solstice, race the sun from the eastern most point of England to the western most point. Leaving at sun-rise from Lowestoft Ness, head to Land's End, avoiding motorways whenever possible, about 500 miles.
parameters
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Sunset at Land's End (Cornwall): 21:36
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Duration: 17 hours
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Distance: 500 miles
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Average speed required: 30mph
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basic plan
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Saturday: make own way to (or near too) Lowestoft. Stay in cheap hotel (Hotel Victoria is cheap). Have a meal together and an early night.
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Sunday: Meet at the Lowesoft Ness Point, Eastern most point of England at 4:30am for Sunrise. Then ride to Land's End using designated stops to regather and ensure we stay on time; but using what ever route suits based on traffic, weather, twisties, etc. As it is the Summer Solstice, best to avoid Stonehenge as it will be madness. Get to Land's End before sunset then make our way to some accommodation for celebratory beers.
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onday: make own way home.​​​
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possible route
Distances and times from Google maps – avoid motorways (465 miles; 10.5 hours).
Time boxing: I've added 25% to time for mini breaks, gas etc.
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05:00: leave Lowesoft Ness Point (Suffolk) for Super Sausage (Northampton) 150 miles / 3 hours
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08:30: breakfast at Super Sausage, 1 hour
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09:30: leave Super Sausage for Leather and Lace Bar and Grill (Somerset) 150 miles / 3.5 hours
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swing via The Classic Motor Hub in the Cotswolds​
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14:00: lunch at Leather and Lace Bar and Grill, 1 hour
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15:00: leave Leather and Lace Bar and Grill for Union Road Moto Velo (Devon) 50 miles / 1.5 hours
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17:00: break at Union Road Moto Velo, 30min
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17:30: leave Union Road Moto Velo for Land's End (Cornwall) 115 miles / 2.5 hours
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20:30: arrive Land's End
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references
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