SOHK does LEJOG: Scenic Cycling Routes

Cycling up a steep hill is a lot easier when there's an incredible view to enjoy at the top. We've come up with a selection of beautiful places to train for SOHK does LEJOG across the UK to make those early-morning rides all the more worth it.

EDINBURGH

Pentland Hills Regional Park

If you live in Edinburgh then the Pentland Hills are where you want to be! With over 100km of off-road track, the breathtaking Pentland Hills are right on your doorstep and are perfect for some high-intensity training. If you don’t want to get too muddy, you can cycle the Water of Leith path, through Balerno and up to the Harlaw and Threipmuir reservoirs.

Holyrood Park

Just a few minutes walk from Edinburgh Old Town, Holyrood Park boasts some of the most beautiful views in Edinburgh. Expect to see volcanic cliff faces and tackle dramatic hills on your ride.

Pentland Hills Park Holyrood Park

CARDIFF

Bute Park - The Taff Trail

Start your training session in Bute Park, a beautiful leafy space located in the centre of Cardiff. Here there are an abundance of scenic routes to discover, including the The Taff Trail which runs for 55 miles between Cardiff and Brecon along a mixture of riverside paths, railway paths and forest roads.

Sirhowy Valley Country Park - Three Parks Trail

Get your helmet on and take a trip down the Three Parks Trail. Starting in the picturesque Sirhowy Valley Country Park, the 13 mile cycling route will take you through Parc Penalta to stunning views across Caerphilly and finally passing through the beautiful Parc Taf Bargoed.

SOUTH LONDON

Richmond Park

With an abundance of wildlife, scenic views and a stunning 7-mile cycling route on its outskirts, Richmond Park is the largest Royal Park in London. Be sure to hope off your bike, take a stroll across the park’s woodland gardens and see if you can spot some deer!

Bushy Park

North of Hampton Court Palace, the historic Bushy Park offers beautiful views, stunning waterways and roaming herds of deer. Start at Bushy Park and cycle alongside the Thames all the way to Hampton Court Park.

Box Hill Park

Following the 2012 Olympics, Box Hill has become famous for its road cycling. With routes varying from 33 miles to 99 miles, the Box Hill area is nothing short of a challenge! You’ll be compensated however by gorgeous views across the surrounding countryside and a chance to try out the famous zig zag road.

Bushy Park Box Hill Park

NORTH/WEST LONDON

Colne Valley Regional Park

Colne Valley Regional Park provides several excellent cycling routes to choose from. Thousands of acres of parkland, green spaces and lakes provide some breathtaking views of the countryside just outside of the city. The 8-mile long journey will take you alongside the picturesque Grand Union Canal for a scenic cycle.

Chiltern Hills

The Chiltern Cycleway will take you on a 170 mile circular route across the Chiltern Area into historic villages and small market towns. Passing through Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire, you’ll be able to spot some of the best landscapes in these counties.

Colne Valley Chiltern Hills

Latest

Communications & Events Executive

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the School of Hard Knocks team to assist in the planning and execution of fundraising events, as well as managing our social media and communications. You will manage the charity’s portfolio of fundraising and friend-raising events including our in-person and virtual events. This is a broad role with potential for career growth.
Communications and Events Executive

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the School of Hard Knocks team to assist in the planning and execution of fundraising events, as well as managing our social media and communications. You will manage the charity’s portfolio of fundraising and friend-raising events including our in-person and virtual events. This is a broad role with potential for career growth.
SOHK does LEJOG: Scenic Cycling Routes

Cycling up a steep hill is a lot easier when there's an incredible view to enjoy at the top. We've come up with a selection of beautiful places to train for LEJOG across the UK to make those early-morning rides all the more worth it.
SOHK Psychology: Growth Mindset

You might have heard us throw around the term ‘growth mindset’ a fair bit on our social media platforms, so we thought we’d share a little bit more on what it is and why it’s one of School of Hard Knocks’ most important guiding principles.

SOHK Psychology: Growth Mindset

You might have heard us throw around the term ‘growth mindset’ a fair bit on our social media platforms, so we thought we’d share a little bit more on what it is and why it’s one of School of Hard Knocks’ most important guiding principles.
SOHK's Must Listen Podcasts!

We are living in the golden age of podcasts. Podcasts are perfect to listen to whilst taking a long walk, cooking or doing daily chores but with so much out there it's difficult to know where to start. No fear - School of Hard Knocks has got you covered. We've created a list of our favourite sports-based (mainly rugby!) podcasts for you to enjoy. Have a scroll, then plug in and chill out.
SOHK's Must Watch Docs!

We’ve curated a short list of inspiring and thought-provoking sports-based documentaries - and School of Hard Knocks would know all about that having started as one! So, have a gander and stick something other than The Confession Tapes on the tele.
Control the Controllable

Controlling the Controllable is one of SOHK’s guiding principles. Life presents us with a mixture of elements that are outside and within our control. It is always more energy-efficient and rewarding to focus on those elements within our control.
Success for SOHK's Summer Auction!

Earlier this month School of Hard Knocks held its first ever online auction. We had some incredible lots on offer such as an hour with rugby legend Sam Warburton and our most popular auction item - a signed Finn Russell shirt. Thanks to your support we are thrilled to announce that SOHK's Summer Auction has raised a grand total of £20,000! These funds will go towards empowering individuals facing social inequality and ensuring that no child or adult is ever left behind.
SOHK in Partnership with The WRU

School of Hard Knocks is excited to be working with The Welsh Rugby Union to help individuals find a renewed sense of purpose and employment with our online, high-impact Back in the Game Course.
A Gift from the Clouds

In Partnership with Cloud Digital, Positive Transformation and Mrs Whelan’s soaps School of Hard Knocks have been donated 500 artisan soaps
SOHK Summer Auction

We're excited to announce that from Wednesday 26th August to Friday 4th September School of Hard Knocks will be holding its first ever online auction! We are aiming to raise a total of £30,000 from our online Summer Auction, to ensure that we are able to reach and support children and adults for many more years to come.
SOHK Welcomes Moorhouse as Corporate Partner!

Just over under a month ago we officially launched our new partnership with consulting firm Moorhouse.
Back in the Game

As a direct response to those who have lost their jobs as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, School of Hard Knocks have created a shortened, online and high impact version of our standard eight week course.