An epic journey round the entire coastline of mainland Britain. Senior cyclists Robert and Steve ride for a fortnight at a time – on minor roads and traffic-free cycle tracks – covering 5,000 miles in eighty days. That’s like cycling from Madrid to Moscow and back again.

Fuelled with cheese scones and carrot cake, they pedal through wild country and urban jungles, deep forests and industrial wasteland, flat farmland and mountainous landscapes. There are memories of Britain’s coastal history, extremes of poverty and wealth, incredibly steep hills in Devon and Cornwall, wonderful guest houses – and Scotland’s worst hotel.

This day-by-day account of struggling with navigation or the weather – sometimes weeping with laughter – includes helpful information on the perfect touring bike, taking bikes on trains, what to take on tour, how to lose weight, and the invaluable Rules of Coastal Cycling. The whereabouts of Britain’s most spectacular hill climb and Britain’s worst road are also revealed – important information for anyone who wishes to set off on this journey.

Almost two-thirds of us in Britain live within ten miles of the sea. Why not follow these tyre-tracks and cycle round some of this wonderful coastline?