Richard Elloway travelled the 874 miles from Land's End to John O'Groats using his free bus pass

Land's End to John O'Groats on a free bus pass

In the news

11 April 2008 14:49

Got the urge to use your free bus pass? Fancy seeing a bit more of the country?
Retired head teacher Richard Elloway, 61, did just that, he has become the first person to use his free bus pass from Land's End to John O'Groats.

Although his pass is only valid in England, Richard found bus drivers north of the border sympathetic to his cause as he intends to donate any money raised from the trip to Breaks4Kids, a charity of the Youth Hostel Association providing holidays for disadvantaged children.

End to End in seven days
Richard's epic trip on public transport has taken him exactly one week, six hours and 10 minutes to complete; arriving at John O'Groats on Tuesday afternoon having plotted a course through Tiverton, Bristol, Cambridge, Lincoln, Scarborough, Berwick-upon-Tweed and Inverness.

Speaking to ITN News, Richard said, "I have been keen on doing this for a very long time and I made sure I was down at Land's End bright and early on April 1.

"I am treating it as a race to John O'Groats and back again but I appear to be the only one taking part. It took me one week and six hours to get to John O'Groats and I am already travelling at a good rate back.

"But overall it's been a holiday. I have done the trip several times by bike so it is nice to be doing the journey without having to break sweat.

"It's very important that I get back in good time. I am a member of the Land's End to John O'Groats Association and the journey time is only official when I get back.

Park and ride
"My car's still parked in Cornwall - it's been Britain's longest park and ride."

Although admitting public transport was a bit "hit and miss", the 61 year-old who is no stranger to the route, will no doubt concede that the seating onboard was a whole lot more agreeable than those of his previous one he endured on his two previous 'End to End' trips - his bike saddle.

Are you a budding bus pass trekker? Does public transport drive you up the wall? Share your plans or vent your anger below or in the forums.