Land's End to John O'Groats (1940)

Vintage simple British cycling game released in the mid to late 30's and named after the longest possible trajectory in Great Britain. The game is a race from the bottom of England to the top of the mainland of Scotland with progress made by the roll of a dice. Players have to abide by the instructions on the board which may aid or hinder progress. The game is based on the Lands End to John O'Groats cycling competition which is not strictly a race but a time trial competition. The cyclist pictured on the game box is Sir Hubert Opperman (known as Oppy), considered as one of Australia greatest sporting heros in the 1920's and 30's. In 1934 is set a new record from Lands End to John O'Groats cutting more than 4 hours of the previous time. At least 2 versions of the game box exist with a smaller rectangular box and a larger more square box. Both versions have the same game board layout and rules and a photo of Hubert Opperman on the game box, although the photos differ. The game rules indicate that the game is included in a series of games that were produced by the National Games Company and may imply this game was also manufactured by National games. No reference to National games is on the board or box but playing pieces are similar in style to boxed National Games and National games did produce many of their games in 2 sizes.