The train trip via Reading was uneventful, with some great coastal views. As it was school holidays, my carriage was full of kids on holiday to the coast.
Arriving at Penance after such a long, muddled journey had me both excited and apprehensive. The saying "getting to the starting line is always the hardest part" seemed even more relevant.

With pirates of all shapes and sizes everywhere, and the rain just starting, I put the bicycle together on the footpath. No bits missing, disposed of the box by some friendly railway workers and ready for my first pedaling.

The rain stopped as I headed out thru windy, hilly, picturesque Penzance on the minor A30 on the 17km journey to Land's End. There was a steady stream of cars overtaking me on the narrow, undulating road which was a bit intimidating. Turns out they where generally very patient and I was a bit tentative.

After the photos at the 'commercial' Land's End sign and taking in the great view of the pirate coastline full of nooks, caves and cliffs, I had a tailwind and clearing sky for the easier ride back. I had 'officially ' begun my LEJOG.

The trusty GPS took me straight to the Lynwood B&B and a genuine welcome by Terry the owner. I told him I would skip 8:00am breakfast as the next day was a long one.
At dinner at 'Taj Mahal', I almost fell asleep. Hoping into bed, I was happy to have started and hoped to unload a bit more weight and that tomorrow's weather is good.
Distance - 34km

Changing trains at Reading. It was quite cool and had been raining. It was a public holiday, so the trains were full of either kids on school holidays or walkers and cyclists.

Changing trains at Reading. It was quite cool and had been raining. It was a public holiday, so the trains were full of either kids on school holidays or walkers and cyclists.

The bicycle assembled and ready to start the ride from Penzance to Land's End. All the stations were historic.

The bicycle assembled and ready to start the ride from Penzance to Land's End. All the stations were historic.

That's the pirate coastline behind me. Very scenic, green and no longer raining. This is the furthers south west point, not the furthest south. That's not far away and is called "The Lizzard". Some LEJOGers go there as well, but not me.

That's the pirate coastline behind me. Very scenic, green and no longer raining. This is the furthers south west point, not the furthest south. That's not far away and is called "The Lizzard". Some LEJOGers go there as well, but not me.

Historic road signs are everywhere.

Historic road signs are everywhere.

The village of Penznace was attempting to recapture their previously held record of the most number of "Pirates on the Promenage" held by another coastal town. They fell short this year, but they still seem to party.

The village of Penznace was attempting to recapture their previously held record of the most number of "Pirates on the Promenage" held by another coastal town. They fell short this year, but they still seem to party.

Note the lighthouse in the top right. The coastline is full of rocky outcrops. Land's End is quite commercial as well. Hence the number of tourist.

Note the lighthouse in the top right. The coastline is full of rocky outcrops. Land's End is quite commercial as well. Hence the number of tourist.

Penzance Partying Pirates!

Penzance Partying Pirates!

Land's End: A great marketing opportunity. Reminds me of my father's description of Byron Bay having Australia's most easterly toilet.

Land's End: A great marketing opportunity. Reminds me of my father's description of Byron Bay having Australia's most easterly toilet.