Rec for biking tours in UK

dmilov

Trying to plan biking vacation for family of 4 (all adults) in the U.K. We are all novices but fit. Any company or website recommendations? BTW, this will be our 1st trip to the U.K. from the U.S. Thx

john74

hi there i would suggest somewhere in the lake district do a search of it you will find something i would personally avoid any major cities to be honest most of them are real sh*t holes, scotland would be worth a look too. but be warned drivers over here are not exactly friendly towards cyclists.

dmilov

Thanks for the info. Do you know of any specific outfits that sponsor biking tours there?

geoff_ss

You could try the CTC (Cyclists Touring Club) web site http://www.ctc.org.uk/. The CTC has experienced members who lead tours all over the world and also in the UK. It's a bit late for this year but if you check in the New Year for the new list it may help. The club may also be able to supply you with a list of UK tour operators.

You could also try emailing some Tandem Club friends of mine. I haven't been in touch with them for a while because I've been having a 'rest' for a few years. They are Americans who've lived over here for many years and have organised and lead tours for both the CTC and the TC. They may be able to help you.

The email address I have for them is:

pat_and_mike at compuserve.com (replace the 'at' of course ) Mention my name at your peril (Geoff Sleath)

There are lots of interesting area to cycle tour. East Anglia is quiet and gently rolling and also the birthplace of Tom Paine which may interest you. The Peak District and the Yorkshire Dales are harder. It just depends on how long you have and how far you want to ride.

Accommodation at youth hostels is far from the austere experience it used to be and a tour based on them would usually be in interesting areas. Try the YHA website at http://www.yha.org.uk/

HTH

Geoff

dmilov

You have been very helpful. I am planning the trip for next year so I will contact the people you suggested. Thx, again

iga

The Lake District is stunning and a compact area but in the summer the crowds and traffic can make it feel like riding a downtown freeway. Anywhere apart from the Central Belt in Scotland is far less populated and even in the summer has much less traffic. Dumfries and Galloway, The Borders, Central Highlands or West Coast Islands are all stunning locations. I don't have any personal recommendations but as mentioned the CTC is as good a place to start as any. You could try these guys: http://www.scotcycle.co.uk/ and check out http://www.visitscotland.com/ and for something a little different combine cycling with island hopping: http://www.calmac.co.uk/hopscotch-rover.html hope this helps.

Ian

dmilov

great, thx so much! Betty

babyshambles

Cornwall, Devon and the west country. The lake district is beautiful as is scotland, its beautiful... BUT WET !! You will have a better chance of decent weather in cornwall and the west country which are both beautiful too.

Also, despite what was said above, most cities here are NOT sh*tholes !!!!

The best way to see London (greatest city on earth) is by bike (I admit that the drivers are not the kindest but cycling has grown a lot over the last few years so drivers are generally more aware).... oh but do not leave you bkes unlocked for a second :roll:

Bristol and Bath is an architecural dream.

Also, if you are south, maybe you could incorporate a couple of days in the north of france and take a ride to le touquet which is a nice ride too.

Have fun.

Not Another Hill

Yorkshire Dales and North Yorks Moors great for cycling. Quiet roads, lovely secenery, fantastic pubs, quaint villages...all picture postcard stuff. Plus there will be loads of cyclists out. You could always sign up for the White Rose Classic sportive or Rydale Rumble sportive next year (June and July respectively).

dmilov

Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions. Looks like I'll have alot of gound to cover!