The adventurous duo, who have rowed the Atlantic and taken part in a race to the South Pole, are hoping to pedal the rickshaw from Edinburgh to London.

They are giving themselves just 60 hours to complete the marathon journey.

The pair set off from Edinburgh Castle with a band of pipers playing as they made their way down the esplanade.A number of soldiers from the 6th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland were also there to wave the two men off.

This is the first time that anyone has attempted to cycle the distance non stop in a rickshaw – a large tricycle with a passenger seat on the back.

The pair will also have to sleep and eat in the confines of the giant push bike, taking it in turns to cycle the gruelling route.

TV presenter Fogle, 35, dreamed up the challenge – which they have called Ride of Britain – to raise money for the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) Forces Help charity, which supports servicemen and women and their families.

Both men say they are determined to succeed so that they can raise as much money as possible for the good cause.

They hope to finish their journey in time to make it on the stage at the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards at 2000 BST on Monday.