A group of intrepid cyclists led by two Midlands farmers are set to embark on one of Britain's most iconic endurance challenges next week pedalling 1,000 miles in 10 days.

Leading the Land's End to John O'Groats charge will be Rod Adlington and Guy Minshull, two farmers who also rowed 3,200 miles across the Atlantic in 2024, raising more than £150,000 for charities Get A-Head and Meningitis Now.

They will swap their oars for pedals on May 16 as the team of six set off from Land's End.

The carefully planned route will take in the rugged Cornish coast, Bodmin Moor, the Mendip Hills, the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Wye Valley before heading north through the Midlands, the Lake District and the Scottish borders, crossing the Forth Road Bridge to Edinburgh and pushing deep into the Highlands for a dramatic finish at John O'Groats on May 25.

Rod, a turkey farmer from Balsall Common, is hoping to raise £25,000 for the charities.

He is joined by son Toby (26) and daughter Lily (22), alongside Kenilworth arable farmer Guy Minshull, Mark Parker, a farmer, rugby player and keen cyclist from Banbury near Oxford and Simon Pemberton, an ex-England water polo player from Solihull.

Rod said: "This classic British cycling challenge was first completed by Alfred Nixon in 1882.

"We'll be taking an outstandingly beautiful route, keeping to quieter country roads and taking in some fantastic scenery along the way, from the typically English countryside to the remote rugged Highlands of Scotland.

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"We can't wait to get started."

Rod is a committed fundraiser for both charities in memory of his son Barney, who died from meningitis in 2005 when he was just three-years-old.

Danni Heath, director of Get A-Head, said: "We are incredibly grateful to Rod and Guy for their continued support and for leading this fantastic fundraising challenge.

"We know they are capable of achieving great things after their epic effort to row the Atlantic and we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to every member of the team.

"Their dedication means so much to everyone at Get A-Head and their efforts will help us make a real difference to those affected by head and neck cancer."

Dr Tom Nutt, chief executive at Meningitis Now, added: "Rod's energy and generosity continue to inspire everyone connected with Meningitis Now, and we're in awe of him again as he jumps into the saddle for this challenge which will help us celebrate our 40th anniversary of providing support to people affected by meningitis.

"We are deeply grateful to Rod and the whole team for their dedication and support."

The challenge will be fully supported with guides to help navigation as well as support vehicles and mechanics, with all meals and accommodation provided.

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The team is being supported by sponsors Bromwich Hardy, Nick Davis Farming, EHB Residential, Howkins and Harrison Estate Agents, The Wigley Group, Adlingtonltd and Barwood Land.

To make a donation visit here.

Get A-Head's mission is to raise vital funds to directly help improve the quality of life for patients suffering from head and neck cancer and those who care for them. Money raised goes towards equipment, research and education.