A BRIERFIELD woman is hoping to complete a solo challenge to travel the length of Great Britain next week.

Julia Merrifield, 36, of Walverden Road, will cycle alone along a 500-mile route from Dumfries to John O'Groats to complete the end-to-end challenge, which she started in Land's End last year.

Julia, a technician at Nelson and Colne College, is hoping to raise money for the Cats' Protection League and the Stroke Association, in honour of her fellow-cyclist and friend Barry Hartley, who is determined to ride his bike again after suffering a stroke.

She took up cycling after getting a bike four years ago and began her long-distance challenge last year with a 900-mile ride from Land's End to Dumfries, using scenic routes on the National Cycle Network.

By the end of next week she hopes to have completed the whole 1,400-mile distance without backup, cycling alone by day and staying in bed-and-breakfast accommodation and youth hostels.

Julia said: "The scenery I have seen so far has been breathtaking, particularly the Cornish coast and the Devon countryside.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing the north Scottish coastline this time.

"There can be bad days on the rides, particularly if the weather isn't good, and I get very tired during the last few days.

"But the chance to see all of the different places is inspiring.

"You can see much more than you ever could in a car because the rotues are quieter and the pace is slower."

To prepare for the gruelling challenge, Julia cycles to work by roundabout routes every day and attempts to include local hills in her training programme.

"I'm not looking forward to some of the big hills in Scotland but hopefully I'll be fit enough to get round."

To sponsor Julia, call her on 07773 679542.