Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Pitlochry

Collect your rental bikes this afternoon.

Day 2:   Pitlochry – Alyth approx. 45/55 km

After spending some time in Pitlochry, see the Fish and Dam Ladder, the famous outdoor theatre, the Bells distillery or Edradour Scotland’s smallest distillery. An option takes you across to one of the stunning Angus Glens where time seems to stand still and with the Grampians behind you, each corner will provide a new visual delight.

3rd day:   Alyth – Kirriemuir approx. 35/60 km

Follow the lower farm lands as you cycle east, with the Grampian Mountains providing a wonderful northern scenic splendour. Visit Glamis Castle which is everything a castle should be. It was the setting of Shakespeare’s Macbeth and also the birth place of HM the Queen Mother.

Day 4:   Kirriemuir – St. Andrews approx. 45/70 km

Leaving Kirriemuir, the birth place of James Barrie ( author of Peter Pan), you cycle south along undulating lanes, eventually approaching the Tay River and Dundee. Visit the Discovery centre before continuing across the Tay Bridge. Check into your hotel before continuing with the optional route to St. Andrews. This university town is full of history with its Abbey, Castle, cobbled streets with ancient houses and of course the famous links being the home of Golf.

Day 5:   St. Andrews – Perth approx. 40/65 km

Continue along the shores of the River Tay to Perth, using part of the National Cycle Network. Check into your hotel and explore this wonderful city.

Day 6:   A day of rest in Perth

A day to relax around the city with many non cycling activities to occupy you or cycle out to Scone Palace. Scone Palace is full of treasures and a must for those interested in Scottish history. The palace is the crowning point of all past Scottish Kings and Queens and the famous Stone of Destiny was returned here after the devolution of Scotland from England.

Day 7:   Perth – Pitlochry approx. 45/55 km

Follow the National Cycle network north along small lanes towards the historic town of Dunkeld. Dunkeld is one of Scotland’s oldest towns with many protected houses. As you cycle north you start to see the Grampian Mountains come back into view providing a magnificent target to cycle towards.

Day 8:   Individual departure or extend your stay in Britain.

Your tour is complete after breakfast. A suggestion is to drive 8 miles north and visit Blair Castle before you leave the area. This is Scotland’s most visited castle and its sparkling white turrets shine out against the greens and purples of the heather clad mountains.

Tour Rating - easy to moderate

There are two climbs of approx. 300 meters altitude on the first day. Afterwards the route is flat or slightly undulating, all on quiet back roads or cycle paths.

Glamis Castle

St Andrews

Scone Palace

This independent tour starts every Saturday from May thru September.

• 7 nights in excellent 3 star quality, family run guesthouses and B & B's; all rooms with private facilities.
• Breakfast each day.
• Personal welcome meeting and distribution of tour information
• Luggage transport from hotel to hotel.
• Maps with indicated routes, detailed route description, tourist information about places of interest.
• 21 speed Trek hybrid bike with pannier.
• 7 day service hotline

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Tour Rating - easy to moderate

The route is generally flat or undulating alongside the Lochs, all on quiet back roads or cycle paths. No day is longer than 45km, with some accents on the optional rides.

Loch Katrine Steamer

Castle Menzies

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1:   Individual arrival in Callander

Arrive in Callander (30 km North of Edinburgh).

Day 2:   Tour of the Trossochs    approx. 30–70 km

Cycle alongside Loch Venachar with the hills on either side sparkling in the water. We are making our way to Loch Katrine, a beautiful remote Loch where you can take a ride on a steamer boat which was built in 1872. A sealed private cycle way also runs alongside the loch giving spectacular views across the Loch and the mountains.

Day 3:   Callander – Doune – Dunblane approx. 40-45 km

Cycle southwards to the ancient village of Doune with its famous castle. Stop and explore and continue onto Dunblane with its great Cathedral. The circular trip takes you back to Callander along the Highland fault line.

Day 4:   Callander – Killin approx. 40-55 km

Today we follow the National Cycle Network north alongside Loch Lubnaig towards Balquihidder where you will find a small church where Rob Roy McGregor is buried. From here we continue over the gentle climb of Glen Ogle before descending to Killin. The waterfall here is really spectacular and many sit on the rocks and watch the cascading waters pass by.

Day 5:   Killin – Aberfeldy    approx. 40-65 km

Alongside Loch Tay which is around 27 km long, to Kenmore and a visit to the Scottish Crannog Centre which shows life on the Loch during the Bronze Age. On to Fortingall a conservation village dating back many hundreds of years. Europe’s oldest living thing can be found here in the form of a Yew Tree! After visiting Fortingall we bike through the valley to Aberfeldy. On the way you will pass the famous Castle Menzies.

Day 6:   Aberfeldy – Pitlochry   approx. 20-50 km

Today a shorter and a longer route option is available. Before you leave Aberfeldy you can visit a Whisky Distillery. Both variants start with a ride through the river valley of the Tay. The short one turns to the north towards Pitlochry. The longer one leads south at first, to the village Dunkeld which was founded in 17th century. Afterwards your bike onwards to Pitlochry.

Day 7:   Day of rest in Pitlochry   approx. 25-65 km

Here there is much to see and do, two whisky distilleries to visit (one the worlds smallest). The Fish and Dam Ladder allowing Salmon to jump the dam wall. Many shops to visit along with many pubs and bars. For those who wish to cycle, it is worth the short trip to Blair Castle one of Scotland’s grand castles and home of the Duke of Athol family. Follow its turbulent history as you walk from room to room.

Day 8: End of Tour

Travel home or extend your stay in Britain.

Tour Rating - moderate

You cycle on safe cycle paths and minor country lanes as you take a circular route around the region. Suitable for all cyclists.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1:   Arrive in Saundersfoot

Saundersfoot, near Tenby, is a wonderful fishing village just east of the medieval walled town of Tenby. Here you will pick up your bikes and check into your guest house for the night. Take a walk on the lovely sandy beach before enjoying the evening in one of the many local restaurants and pubs.

Cycle inland through Canaston Woods which is steeped in mining history. This whole area was a major part of the Pembrokeshires coal fields from the 17th Century. Soon you reach Blackpool Mill which is one of Britain’s best examples of a corn grist mill. Visit and see the milling machinery. Now you following the river estuary upstream, look out for the birdlife on the River banks before circling back to Saundersfoot

Day 3:   Saundersfoot to Haverfordwest approx. 42 km – 62 km

Today you cycle west along the south coast of Wales along the Celtic Trail. You arrive in Pembroke, visit the castle and have a break before continuing north to Haverfordwest. As an optional ride you can head towards the coast and Brides Bay. Relax on one of the lovely sandy beaches. You are now right in the coastal National Park.

Day 4:   Haverfordwest to Fishguard/ Newport approx. 70km

First you cycle back to the coastal National Park and on to St David’s which is Wales smallest spiritual capital (St David is Wales' patron saint) and its cathedral. After your visit maybe cycle on to St David’s head to see the stunning views before heading north to Newport, your home for the next three nights

Day 5:   Fishguard/Newport – Cardigan – Fishgurard/Newport approx. 42km

This stretch of coastline is truly stunning, and little commercialised, meaning less people apart from real nature lovers. Cardigan is a superb town and the head of a beautiful river. First you will cycle inland to Nevern which has been in existence since the 6th century and was an important Pilgrim route for St David. Then on to St Dogmaels, a lovely village with its abbey built by Benedictine Monks. After Cardigan you head back to Newport along the coastal route.

Day 6:   Fishguard/Newport – Fishguard/Newport approx. 52km

Today you cycle in the wild area of the Preseli Hills famous for its ponies and blue rock. This blue rock was the stone used to build Stonehenge. You can only wonder how centuries ago these huge rocks were transported from Wales to South England! Along this route you will see many Neolithic and Bronze Age standing stones and stone circles.

Day 7:   Fishguard/Newport to Saundersfoot approx. 64 km

Today you cycle south back to Saundersfoot. Forest and rolling countryside awaits you as you cross the region back to the South coast.

Day 8: End of Tour.

Return home or extend your stay in Britain.

This independent tour starts every Saturday from May thru September

• 7 nights in excellent quality hotels and guesthouses, rated 3 & 4 star; all rooms with private facilities.
• Personal welcome meeting and distribution of tour information
• English breakfast each day.
• Luggage transport from hotel to hotel.
• Maps with indicated routes, detailed route description, tourist information about places of interest.
• 21 speed hybrid bike with pannier.
• 7 day Service hotline

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Just one and a half hours from London lies the Cotswolds. This is quintessential England of a bygone era. Here we will find rolling hills, antique shops, tearooms, stone cottages draped in Honeysuckle with roses around the door and country pubs of great character.

Our Safari begins amongst the dreaming spires of the historic city of Oxford, a seat of learning for over nine hundred years. We escape the city and its beautiful colleges via a cycleway to quickly arrive at the spectacular Blenheim Palace, ancestral home of Winston Churchill, with its famous gardens. We follow sections of the Oxfordshire cycleway to bring us into the heart of the Cotswolds where we take in the beautiful villages of Burford, Burton-on-the-water, Broadway and the picturesque Lower Slaughter and Stanton. Our rest day sees us venture into the historic town of Stratford upon Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare. Ann Hathaway's cottage can be visited, virtually unchanged from Elizabethan times. Other attractions include museums, boat trips, nearby Warwick Castle or even the possibility to see one of the masters plays at the famous Swan Theatre. We take to the saddle again for another delve into the Cotswold countryside before arriving back into the city of Oxford.

Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Oxford
Day 2 Buford
Day 3 Broadway
Day 4 & 5 Stradford upon Avon
Day 6 Stow on the World
Day 7 Oxford

Airport / Transfers

The nearest international airport is London. Trains depart for Oxford on a very regular basis. The cost is approx. $30 one way.

Schedule and Price

June 28th,   August 16th

• 7 nights in excellent quality B & B hotels and guesthouse; all rooms with private facilities.
• Personal welcome meeting and distribution of tour information
• Daily meetings with guide, who accompanies the tour with the luggage van.
• English breakfast each day.
• Two dinners
• Luggage transport from hotel to hotel.
• Maps with indicated routes, detailed route description, tourist information about places of interest.
• 21 speed hybrid bike with pannier.

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Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Skipton where your first night's accommodation has been booked.

Day 2 Skipton to Malham- 35 km

After breakfast you will be provided with your bike and other equipment. Heading into Wharfedale and past the 12th Century hunting lodge of Barden Tower, the route is today along pleasant country lanes to the village of Malham with its famous Cove and spectacular scenery.

Day 3 Malham to Ingleton -36km

From Malham you climb up to a plateau area with limestone pavements and views of the Three Peaks of Ingleborough, Pen-y-ghent and Whernside, before dropping down to the small market town of Settle. Continuing through several other Dales villages, you arrive at your overnight stop in the well-known village of Ingleton.

Day 4 Ingleton to Hawes- 38km

More high limestone country is met today before leaving the Three Peaks area and descending into Dentdale. From the village of Dent, the route climbs slowly up the valley to pass under the Settle - Carlisle railway at Dent Head Viaduct. A long descent rounds off the day, taking you into the small, bustling market town of Hawes.

Day 5 Hawes to Reeth - 32 km

There is plenty to see in Hawes, the home of Wensleydale cheese, before continuing down Wensleydale to Askrigg, the village of Darrowby in the James Herriot Series. A climb and descent bring you into Swaledale, famous for its wildflower meadows and stone barns. A very short detour takes you to your accommodation in the village of Reeth.

Day 6 Reeth to Kettlewell- 38km

Another high road through the heather takes you back to Wensleydale, and the short detour here to Castle Bolton is highly recommended. Then it's on into Coverdale, also known for its cheese, and up to the highest point of the holiday at 1650 feet. The descent is down the steep Park Rash into Kettlewell.

Day 7 Kettlewell to Skipton -35 km

A delightful final day of cycling follows Wharfedale as far as Bolton Abbey before returning you to Skipton.

Day 8 Sightseeing in the Skipton area and departure.

Airport / Transfers

The nearest international airport is Manchester. Trains depart for Skipton on a regular basis. The cost is approx. $40 one way.

Tour Rating - fairly demanding

You cycle on minor country lanes as you take a circular route around the region. Suitable for cyclists with a reasonable level of fitness as daily distances are short.

Total distance = 216km (135 miles) .

Dent Head Viaduct

Castle Bolton

Daily from April through mid-October

• 7 nights in excellent quality B & B's, all rooms with private facilities.
• Personal welcome meeting and distribution of bikes and tour information
• English breakfast each day.
• Luggage transport from hotel to hotel.
• Maps with indicated routes, detailed route description, tourist information about places of interest.
• 18-21 gear hybrid bike with helmet, pannier bag, pump, water bottle, tool kit and lock.
• 7 day emergency support

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Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Ravenglass (has railway station) where your first night's accommodation has been booked.

Day 2 Ravenglass to Whitehaven - 32 km

An easy first day takes you north from Ravenglass with the Irish Sea on your left and the hills of the Lake District away to your right. The route makes use of purpose built cycle ways and minor roads to bring you to Whitehaven.

Day 3 Whitehaven to Silloth - 45km

Continuing north up the coast you pass Workington and Maryport, beyond which the coastline has long stretches of sand. Old railway lines which are now cycle paths are followed at first, but beyond Maryport, quiet lanes are more usual.

Day 4 Silloth to Carlisle - 58km

Today is the longest day in terms of distance but the cycling is flat and easy. This very quiet corner of north west England is ideal cycling country. At Bowness on Solway you reach the western end of Hadrian's Wall and your route from here into Carlisle follows the Roman vallum.

Day 5 Carlisle to Haltwhistle - 42km

You encounter a few hills today as you continue east, leaving the Solway Firth behind. The attractive town of Brampton is passed and shortly afterwards you reach Lanercost Priory in its lovely setting. Next you ride right alongside a well preserved section of the Roman Wall to the fort at Birdoswald. From here your route soon leads you to your overnight accommodation in Haltwhistle.

Day 6 Haltwhistle to Corbridge - 42km

Again there are a few hills today as you continue along the route of Hadrian's Wall. Your route also takes you along quiet lanes in the Tyne Valley. You will pass the important Roman Fort of Vindolanda and close to Chesters Fort before reaching Hexham and then Corbridge.

Day 7 Corbridge to Tynemouth - 48km

You are out of the hills again now for the final day of cycling. The River Tyne accompanies you as you continue east. You will pass George Stephenson's cottage, on the banks of the river, now in the safe hands of the National Trust. Beyond here, the route soon leads into the western suburbs of Newcastle Upon Tyne and purpose built cycle ways close to the river lead you on. The route follows the Quayside through the centre of the city, with Gateshead across the riveron the Durham bank. Here you will see the new and already famous Millenium Bridge, the Baltic Arts Centre and the brand new Sage Music Centre. The route then continues alongside the widening River Tyne to the eastern end of Hadrian's Wall at Wallsend and finally to the end of your holiday alongside the castle and priory at Tynemouth.

Day 8 Departure

Tour Rating - easy to moderate

You cycle on safe cycle paths and minor country lanes. Just a few small hills so this tour is suitable for all cyclists.

Total distance = 265 km (166 miles)

Lanercost Priory

River Tyne, Newcastle

Hadrians Wall

Daily from 1st April through 21st October

• 7 nights in excellent quality B & B's; all rooms with private facilities.
• Personal welcome meeting and distribution of bikes and tour information
• English breakfast each day.
• Luggage transport from hotel to hotel.
• Maps with indicated routes, detailed route description, tourist information about places of interest.
• 18-21 gear hybrid bike with helmet, pannier bag, pump, water bottle, tool kit and lock.
• 7 day emergency support

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Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive York (has railway station)

Day 2 York to Boroughbridge -32km

Leaving York on a traffic-free cycle path alongside the River Ouse you are soon on quiet lanes that lead you to the National Trust's Beningbrough Hall. Further quiet lanes lead you to the Roman town at Aldborough on the way to Boroughbridge.

Day 3 Boroughbridge to Easingwold - 18 km

A flat day takes you easily across the River Swale to Brafferton-Helperby and on to your destination in the small market town of Easingwold.

Day 4 Easingwold to Helmsley - 22km

Today is a little hillier but you have plenty of time to explore the countryside on the way to Helmsley. The route takes you to the pretty village of Coxwold with its interesting church and nearby Shandy Hall. The ruins of Byland Abbey in their delightful setting are passed as you make your way to Helmsley on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. Helmsley is a delightful small town complete with castle ruins, the stately home and grounds of Duncombe Park and nearby Rievaulx Abbey.

Day 5 Helmsley to Hovingham -13km

A very short day allows more time in and around Helmsley before cycling through the pretty village of Harome to reach the National Trust's Nunnington Hall, alongside the River Rye. A short ride from here brings you to Hovingham.

Day 6 Hovingham to Malton - 24km

Pleasant lanes through the Howardian Hills guide you to Castle Howard. The house was built in the 18th century and is a spectacular example of architecture of that time. As well as the richly furnished house, there are over 1000 acres of parkland with lawns, woods, lakes and fountains. From here it is easy cycling to Malton in the valley of the River Derwent. On the edge of this market town lies Eden Camp, a reconstructed prisoner of war camp and award winning museum.

Day 7 Malton to York - 35km

The last day's cycling takes you back to York by way of Kirkham Priory, situated alongside the River Derwent. Narrow lanes are then followed to York, which you approach from the east.

Day 8 Departure.

Airport / Transfers

The nearest international airport is Manchester. Trains depart for York on a regular basis. The cost is approx. $20 one way.

Tour Rating - easy

You cycle on safe cycle paths and minor country lanes as you take a circular route around the region. Daily distances are very short. Suitable for all cyclists.

Total distance = 144km (90 miles)

Byland Abbey

Helmsley

Daily from April through mid- October

• 7 nights in excellent quality B & B's, most rooms with private facilities.
• Personal welcome meeting and distribution of bikes and tour information
• English breakfast each day.
• Luggage transport from hotel to hotel.
• Maps with indicated routes, detailed route description, tourist information about places of interest.
• 18-21 gear hybrid bike with helmet, pannier bag, pump, water bottle, tool kit and lock.
• 7 day emergency support

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Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Whitehaven where your first night's accommodation has been booked

.

Day 2 Whitehaven to Keswick -48km

Provided with bikes and other equipment. Leaving the Irish Sea behind, your route passes Ennerdale and Loweswater on its way to the next overnight stop at Keswick on the shores of Derwentwater.

Day 3 Keswick to Appleby - 57 km

Taking in more breath-taking Lakeland scenery including Ullswater and on to the attractive market town of Appleby for the night.

Day 4 Appleby to Reeth - 53km

Crossing the Pennines and down into beautiful Swaledale in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, to end the day in the typical Dales village of Reeth.

Day 5 Reeth to Osmotherley - 56km

Continuing down Swaledale, through the interesting market town of Richmond and across the Vale of York to the village of Osmotherley, nestling under the western hills of the North York Moors.

Day 6 Osmotherley to Castleton- 37km

Climbing up to the unique heather moorland of the North York Moors and enjoying the magnificent scenery on your way to your night's stop in the Moors village of Castleton.

Day 7 Castleton to Whitby - 30km

Continuing across the North York Moors National Park, into lovely Eskdale, (with its steam railway to Pickering), and on to the sea at Whitby, home of Captain Cook, associated with Count Dracula, and with its fascinating Old Town.

Day 8 Sightseeing in Whitby and departure.

Airport / Transfers

The nearest international airport is Manchester. Trains depart for Whitehaven on a regular basis. The cost is approx. $50 one way. The return train from Whitby is a similar cost.

Tour Rating - fairly demanding

You cycle on minor country lanes and quiet roads however the terrain is quite hilly. Suitable for cyclists with a good level of fitness. Total distance is 285km (178 miles)

Daily from April through mid-October

• 7 nights in excellent quality B & B's and guesthouses, most with private facilities.
• Personal welcome meeting and distribution of tour information
• English breakfast each day.
• Luggage transport from hotel to hotel.
• Maps with indicated routes, detailed route description, tourist information about places of interest.
• 18-21 gear hybrid bike with helmet, pannier bag, pump, water bottle, tool kit and lock.
• 7 day emergency support

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Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Penrith where you first night's accommodation has been booked.

Day 2 Penrith to Ambleside - 46km

You will leave Penrith along quiet lanes and go through pretty villages to Pooley Bridge at the northern end of Ullswater, before following the lake shore and ascending the Kirkstone Pass. (As an alternative, you can take the ferry from Pooley Bridge to Glenridding). From here is a winding descent into Ambleside.

Day 3 Ambleside to Coniston - 43km

The sugggested route takes you along wooded lanes to the village of Hawkshead and on to the home of Beatrix Potter at Near Sawrey. You then cycle beside Windermere before passing through the Grizedale Forest with its Visitors Centre and outdoor sculptures. On then along the shores of Coniston, passing Brantwood, home of John Ruskin, to your accommodation in Coniston village.

Day 4 Coniston to Eskdale - 29km

A shorter day, but with some steeper hills, will take you first to the delightful Duddon Valley. Then over Ulpha fell to Eskdale, famous for its narrow-gauge steam railway.

Day 5 Eskdale to Loweswater -38km

This is a day spent in the quieter western side of the Lake District, taking you north from Eskdale to Ennerdale and on to Loweswater. As ever, the scenery is outstanding.

Day 6 Loweswater to Keswick - 32km

Today the route takes you along first Crummock Water and then Buttermere before climbing the Honister Pass. The mountain scenery here is truly magnificent and constantly changing as you descend into gentler Borrowdale. Views of Derwentwater accompany you as you continue on to the well-known market town of Keswick.

Day 7 Keswick to Penrith - 32km

You will probably wish to explore Keswick further before setting out. Passing the prehistoric stone circle at Castlerigg soon after leaving Keswick, you follow the quiet lanes across the northern Lake District. Villages you will visit include Greystoke, of Tarzan fame, as you continue to journey's end at Penrith.

Day 8 Sightseeing in Penrith area and departure.

Tour Rating - moderate to demanding

You cycle on minor country lanes in rolling hill country. Daily distances are quite short but a good level of fitness is required.

Total distance = 220 km (138 miles)

Daily departures from April through mid- October.

• 7 nights in excellent quality B & B's; all rooms with private facilities.
• Personal welcome meeting and distribution of bikes and tour information
• English breakfast each day.
• Luggage transport from hotel to hotel.
• Maps with indicated routes, detailed route description, tourist information about places of interest.
• 21 speed hybrid bike with pannier, helmet, pump, water bottle, toolkit and lock .
• 7 day emergency support

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