Peter Smorthit’s Incredible Journey: Land’s End to John O’Groats
Meet Peter Smorthit, the first person to push a wheelchair unsupported from Land’s End to John O’Groats, the two extreme points of mainland Britain. Peter, 32 from London in the UK, completed the remarkable achievement in just 34 days. It took him on a 1041 mile journey of both physical endurance and personal determination.
Smorthit completed the entire route, considered the ultimate endurance test for hikers and cyclists as he pushed his wheelchair and pulled a trailer full of camping gear and supplies, doing it all without support. He met up with a few friends along the route, but they couldn’t push him, so he could prove to himself and the world that he could do it unsupported. Other people have completed the distance in wheelchairs before, but they’ve either had someone push them for part or all of the journey or they used motorized adaptations. Peter was the first person to do it unsupported and using manual arm power only.
The journey is demanding for anyone, requiring traversing diverse terrains, from rolling hills and rugged landscapes in the West Country to the more remote and challenging roads in Scotland. The route passes through small villages, towns, and large cities, but also cuts through some of the UK’s most remote and sparsely populated areas.
The shortest cycling route between Land’s End and John O’Groats is roughly 874 miles. However, Peter had to avoid certain roads and paths, increasing his total distance to over 1,000 miles.
A true athlete and fundraising hero
Peter is a passionate para-athlete. He has completed 214 marathons, 153 ultramarathons, and many 24-hour rides. Peter has raised millions of pounds for charity since 2011. Supporting those charities that help disabled people such as Canine Partners, Back Up, LimbPower and Dog AID.
Peter Smorthit’s motivation for taking on this extraordinary challenge was not just personal, but also driven by a desire to raise awareness and inspire others. Driven by his own experiences with mobility challenges, Peter passionately sought to showcase the possibilities despite physical limitations. His journey highlighted the strength of the human spirit and the ability to overcome obstacles, both physical and mental.
A collapse of the scaffolding Peter was working on severed his spinal cord, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down for the last 13 years. An injury to his T4 and T5 vertebrae also means he struggles with balance and regulating his body temperature. Since his accident, he has had three strokes and overcome sepsis.
It’s not the first time Peter has completed the challenge. He did so before his accident when he was 16, and again in a handcycle some years later. However, it has always been on his bucket list to try again in a wheelchair.
The Journey – Land’s End to John O’Groats AKA LEJOG
This time, the journey took several weeks, and he faced many obstacles along the way, from weather-related challenges to the difficulty of navigating the varied and sometimes treacherous terrain. He relied on his resourcefulness, as well as the support of friends and family who accompanied him or helped with logistics. Every day, he would push himself and the wheelchair further, often enduring long hours on the road.
One of the most difficult aspects of the journey was the constant toll it took on his body. Pushing a wheelchair across such a vast distance requires a great deal of upper body strength and stamina. Smorthit had to battle fatigue, pain, and the isolation of the challenge. He continued on, receiving encouragement from people he met along the way, some of his feat inspired whom and joined him for portions of the journey.
A Symbol of Determination
When Smorthit finally arrived at John O’Groats on the 15th July 2024, people widely celebrated his achievement as a symbol of human perseverance and the desire to push beyond what might seem physically possible. He proved that with determination, preparation, and mental fortitude, one can overcome even the toughest obstacles.
Peter’s LEJOG Legacy
Peter Smorthit’s journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats in 2024 remains one of the most inspiring and physically challenging feats ever undertaken by someone in a wheelchair. Not only did it push the limits of endurance, but it also highlighted the importance of determination and the will to break down barriers, both physical and societal. Through this journey, Peter became a symbol of strength, resilience, and advocacy for individuals with disabilities, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire people worldwide.
For this 1000 mile wheelchair triumph, he fundraised for Canine Partners, an assistance dogs charity supporting disabled people. The current total is just under £10,000 and you can donate on his Just Giving Page here with funds going directly to Canine Partners.