As the UK continues to open up for domestic travel, Freedom Treks has launched a new range of leisurely cycling, road biking and walking tours to meet customer demand.

Traditionally focusing on cycling tours overseas in Europe and Asia, in a recent survey Freedom Treks found that 87% of customers would be interested in tours closer to home, with a desire to see more of the UK's beautiful scenery on quiet roads and paths away from busy cities.

The new range of tours takes in some of the UK's most stunning destinations; unspoiled countryside, historic towns, wild landscapes and famous lochs and lakes. Freedom Treks has also added new ways to explore, with road biking and walking tours available for the first time in 2021.

Demand for domestic travel is at an all time high, with some departure dates already sold out over peak periods. While restrictions remain on international travel, now is the perfect time to discover a new part of the UK before the summer rush.

Leisurely Cycling Tours in the UK with Freedom Treks

Freedom Treks has been offering leisurely cycling holidays in Europe since 2003 and believes that the UK is the perfect place to explore from the comfort of your saddle, pedalling at a relaxed pace.

The Classical Cotswolds and Shakespeare Country
Enjoy stress-free cycling through the heart of Shakespeare Country and the Cotswolds. This quintessentially English tour starts and finishes in historic Stratford-upon-Avon, with plenty of time to explore the birthplace of 'the Bard'. The scenic cycling takes you around rolling green hills and picturesque villages on quiet country lanes, cycle paths and greenways. Budding historians will particularly enjoy fascinating stops at Warwick Castle and Blenheim Palace as well as stays in the 'Jewel of the Cotswolds', Broadway, and the Tudor market town of Stow-on-the-Wold.
Level: Easy to moderate
A 7 night The Cotswolds and Shakespeare Country Tour, departing every Sunday and Thursday from April to September, costs from £740pp (for two adults sharing a double or twin room) and includes 3* and 4* hotels, guest houses and inns on a B&B basis, maps, route guides and local information pack (GPS route files available on request), luggage transportation and a local contact number for assistance. Return flights, bike and helmet hire and entry fees extra.

A Foodie's Delight in Shropshire
Take a relaxing ride through Shropshire's picturesque green hills, with frequent stops at artisan farm shops, local breweries and family-run vineyards. With just the right blend of activity and indulgence, this is not a tour you'll want to rush. Two-night stays in each location give you extra time to explore your surroundings and see more of the historic market towns and villages you'll be staying in. Highlights include Bishop's Castle on the Welsh border and medieval Ludlow with its farmers' market, brewery and many delicatessens and pubs. The easy cycling routes can be extended if you prefer more time in the saddle, or for more time on foot, the three loop rides can be shortened or even taken as rest days.
Level: Easy
A 7 night Shropshire Slow Food Tour, departing every day from May to September, costs from £900pp (for two adults sharing a double or twin room) and includes 4* hotels and inns on a B&B basis, maps, route guides and local information pack (GPS route files available on request), luggage transportation, secure parking and a local contact number for assistance. Return flights, bike and helmet hire and entry fees extra.

Road Biking Tours in the UK with Freedom Treks

Road bikes are available to hire on many existing Freedom Treks tours, but these are the first dedicated tours for road cyclists, with longer distances and more challenging climbs than a typical Freedom Treks cycling holiday.

Scenic Road Cycling in Spectacular Scotland
Taking in mountains, lochs, castles and whisky distilleries, this is a quintessentially Scottish road biking adventure. Starting and finishing in Callander, the Gateway to the Highlands, the route takes you through valleys and around lakes in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park before heading up to the edge of the Cairngorms. The route alone is a delight for road cyclists; satisfying climbs followed by exhilarating descents on quiet rural roads and cycle paths.There are longer or shorter rides available most days, plus the option to take days off the saddle and explore the picture-perfect towns and villages on foot.
Level: Moderate to Challenging
A 7 night Scotland's Lakes and Castles Road Biking Tour, departing every day from April to September, costs from £743pp (for two adults sharing a double or twin room) and includes 4* and 3* hotels and guest houses on a B&B basis, maps, route guides and local information pack (GPS route files available on request), luggage transportation and a local contact number for assistance. Return flights, transfers, bike and helmet hire and entry fees extra.

Ride the Iconic C2C Route Across the North of England
For experienced cyclists looking to see more of England's countryside and heritage while tackling some of the country's most iconic routes, the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall tour is a must. Start off by cycling the coastal route from Carlisle to Keswick, where there's a choice of rides of varying difficulties through the scenic national park. From there, head east following the famous Sea to Sea (C2C) route - a rite of passage for any keen road cyclist - and tackle the 580m Hartside Pass which often features on the Tour of Britain. The route back west follows historic Hadrian's Wall before heading north into Scotland with climbs on remote roads before a gentle finish back down to Carlisle. The sustained but rewarding climbs and longer daily distances give the tour its Moderate to Challenging rating.
Level: Moderate to Challenging
A 7 night The Lake District and Hadrian's Wall Road Biking Tour, departing every day from April to September, costs from £871pp (for two adults sharing a double or twin room) and includes 4* and 3* hotels, guest houses and country inns on a B&B basis, maps, route guides and local information pack (GPS route files available on request), luggage transportation and a local contact number for assistance. Return flights, transfers, bike and helmet hire and entry fees extra.

Walking Tours in the UK with Freedom Treks

Freedom Treks launched its first range of walking tours in early 2021 after two-thirds of customers expressed an interest in swapping wheels for boots. The UK has an abundance of classic and fascinating walking routes to choose from, making it the ideal destination to expand the walking programme.

Follow the Celebrated Cumbrian Way
One of the UK's best-loved long-distance walking routes, this tour follows the southern section of the Cumbrian Way as it cuts through the heart of the Lake District. You'll get to experience the spectacular rugged mountain scenery that the National Park is best known for, but you'll also walk through rolling countryside and woodlands and along the quiet shorelines of Coniston and Derwent Water. The climb to the highest point of the tour (Stake Pass at 480m above sea level) is the most challenging but also the most rewarding, offering breathtaking views on all sides. The tour follows a well-established and signposted route on walking paths with some rocky and uneven sections, which can be more challenging when wet.
Level: Moderate
A 5 night The Lake District & Cumbrian Way Walking Tour, departing every day from May to September, costs from £544pp (for two adults sharing a double or twin room) and includes 4* and 3* hotels, guest houses or bed and breakfasts on a B&B basis, maps and photo route information (GPS route files available on request), luggage transportation and a local contact number for assistance. Return flights, transfers and local bus fares extra.

Explore Scotland's Trossachs on Foot
The rugged, pine forest-covered hills of the Trossachs make the perfect destination for a peaceful walking holiday. You'll get a taste of everything that the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park has to offer - lochs, rivers, forests, mountains and varied animal and bird life, including the classic long-horned highland cattle. Spectacular sights include the Falls of Leny, serene Loch Lubnaig and the historic rural village of Brig o'Turk. The moderate routes are achievable for most walkers, with daily distances averaging 10 miles along well-marked trails and footpaths.
Level: Moderate
A 5 night Scotland's Trossachs Walking Tour, departing every day from May to September, costs from £653pp (for two adults sharing and double or twin room) and includes 4* and 3* hotels, guest houses or bed and breakfasts on a B&B basis, maps and photo route information (GPS route files available on request), luggage transportation and a local contact number for assistance. Return flights and transfers extra.

To find out more about any of these tours visit www.freedomtreks.co.uk, call 01273 224 066 or follow Freedom Treks on Facebook.

For all press enquiries please contact:

Craig Charley
craig@freedomtreks.co.uk
01273 224065

About Freedom Treks
Freedom Treks, part of Ski Safari Ltd, has been offering a wide choice of cycling holidays throughout Europe since 2003.

With over 200 self-guided and guide-led cycling and walking tours across 30+ countries, Freedom Treks' destinations are chosen to introduce active travellers to the most scenic parts of the UK, Europe and Asia.

Its itineraries offer pedalling and trekking at a relaxed pace by day and comfortable accommodation in characterful hotels, guesthouses, boats or barges by night.

All tours enjoy the practical benefits of having luggage transported separately and the security of knowing local assistance is available if needed along the way. Freedom Treks holidays are ABTA bonded.