Feature: Scenic cycling holidays in Britain

Wednesday, 3 August 2011 11:54 AM

Now that summer is here, this is the perfect time to get on your bike and head off for a grand cycling holiday around Britain! With numerous wild places, quaint regions and scenic waterways, the countryside is perfect for a cycling tour. To help you decide where to go, we’ve found some top cycling holidays that come complete with accommodation.

Pembrokeshire
The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park on the far west coast of Wales has to be one of the most spectacular coastlines in Europe. An ancient and powerful landscape dotted with pre-historic standing stones, the area is perfect for a cycling holiday. Bicycle Beano is offering a seven day tour through this pretty region, staying at the 18th century country house Cuffern Manor, situated just three miles inland from Newgale beach.

Riding out each day you’ll visit the medieval cathedral village of St David’s, view the wild seascape of Strumble Head and take in numerous picturesque harbours and cliffs pounded by Atlantic breakers. On the optional cycle-free day you can choose to take a boat trip to the RSPB wildlife reserve of Ramsey Island.

The Lake District
The wild fells of the Lake District are some of the most beautiful landscapes in Britain. Rolling, desolate peaks, huge glacial lakes and charming, picturesque towns make up the area: a region designed for a cycling holiday! Hooked on Cycling are offering a great seven day trip through the area, staying at bed and breakfasts and country inns as you travel from place to place. Starting off in Carlisle, cycle past the ancient remnants of Hadrian’s Wall before entering the northern reaches of the Lake District itself. Passing rivers, farmlands and villages you’ll cycle for around 30 miles each day through the Pennines and into Northumbria.

The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is one of the most beautiful areas in England, a fairytale land of ancient villages and charming pubs. It’s been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; where a delightful mix of stone walls, open skies, rolling grasslands and beech woods all mix together to create an outstanding landscape. With its quiet country lanes, rippling streams, villages of honey stone cottages and historic market towns, the area is perfect for a cycling holiday. 2Wheel Treks are offering a seven night tour starting in Chipping Campden. Passing thatched villages and well tended gardens, you’ll stay in atmospheric bed and breakfasts.

London
Royal wedding fever may well be over, but that still doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the pomp and grandeur of it all! Capital Sport is offering a four night self guided cycling and walking tour through the royal areas of London. Accommodation options include a five star hotel opposite the London Eye and four star hotels in Hampton Court and Windsor when you get down there. Starting off at Westminster Abbey you’ll follow the the route the royal couple William and Kate took to The Mall and Buckingham Palace. You’ll then walk around some of the couple’s favourite dining spots before heading to Kensington Palace where the prince grew up. You’ll then leave the heart of the capital by boat before touring the royal parks of Kingston, visiting Hampton Court before heading even further out to Windsor and Eton College.

The Highlands
Firmly established as one of the best off road cycling trips in the UK, Saddle Skedaddle’s eight day trip from the west coast of Scotland to the east is a classic route following roads and forest tracks over mountain ranges and past grand lochs. As a mountain biking trip, this tour is more suited for people with high levels of fitness and experience due to the wild terrain. The route will take you 235 miles from Loch Hourn on the west coast near Skye to Montrose on the east coast. You’ll climb hills with great views over the Cullins, follow the Caledonian Canal and go monster spotting on Loch Ness. The 772m Corrievairack Pass is a true wilderness climb followed by an exhilarating descent. You’ll also straddle the side of the Cairngorm’s, sleep in the 17th century village on Tomintoul and delve deep into the Glenmore Forest Park. The trip includes bed and
breakfast accommodation.

These tours are exhilarating, fun and adventurous. Get your bike all geared up and get out there now while the weather’s still pleasant!

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