East to West – D1

England • Distance: 305 miles • Riding time: 7 hours • Another traditional "challenge ride" is from the mainland's easternmost point (Ness Point) to the westernmost one (Ardnamurchan lighthouse). I've done it on the longest day of the year and, while it is a good ride, frankly it's unnecessarily gruelling. This is still a challenging ride, but it focuses on packing as many great roads as possible into two slightly more relaxed days - and breaking the trip into two legs means you can enjoy it at any time of year, not just on the longest day.