12 Jul 2017
With Tour de France in full swing and 2017 marking the bicentenary of the bicycle, which was invented in 1817, celebrate two-wheeled adventures with cycling activities across England. From racing in the footsteps – or, rather, tyre tracks – of Tour de Yorkshire contenders to a gastronomic cycle tour of Cornwall.
A BICYCLE MADE FOR TWO: Bristol Tandem Hire, Bristol
Bristol is the UK's first designated 'cycling city' and is the home of Sustrans, the cycling charity responsible for the National Cycle Network. Pick up a tandem from Bristol Tandem Hire and set off on the Bristol and Bath Path, which was Sustrans' first major project. The 13-mile, traffic-free route follows a disused railway path and features beautiful views punctuated with quirky sculptures and drink- and snack-stops for when you need to refuel. £40 for half a day, £65 for a whole day; find the shop at the start of the Bristol and Bath Path.
www.bristoltandemhire.co.uk
DIY TDY (DO-IT-YOURSELF TOUR DE YORKSHIRE): Various locations, Yorkshire
Yorkshire basked in the cycling spotlight in 2014, when the region hosted the Grand Départ of the Tour de France. The following year the Tour de Yorkshire was established, which has since become one of the most significant events in the international cycling calendar. The region is blessed with many a mountain climb for hard-core riders, plus tranquil, almost traffic-free country lanes for those who prefer an easier-going amble. The Cycle Yorkshire website (www.ridetheroutes.co.uk) has details of past TDY routes, while Visit Hull and East Yorkshire has a dedicated webpage with routes, downloadable maps and cycling-friendly accommodation (www.visithullandeastyorkshire.com/cycling.aspx). Don't miss Café Velo in Beverley, a cycling themed café serving homemade local food, which has storage for up to 15 bikes (www.cafevelobeverley.co.uk).
CAR-FREE COTSWOLDS: Moreton-in-Marsh and Kemble, Gloucestershire
A brand-new bike hire scheme makes it easy to tour The Cotswolds without a car. Visitors arriving by rail to The Cotswolds need only pre-book their bike on the Bainton Bikes' website and are then free to pick up their trusty steed at any time of day or night, seven days a week; there's even a 24 hour helpline, should assistance be required. Participating railway stations include Moreton-in-Marsh and Kemble, and pick-up is also available from hotels and campsites. Prices depend on the length of rental, costing £7.50 for two hours, £10.50 for six hours, £12.75 for 12 hours and £15 for 24 hours; the day rate becomes cheaper the longer the rental, working out at £9/day for a week.
www.baintonbikes.com
PLUSH PEDDLING HOLIDAYS: The Carter Company, various locations
The Carter Company organises cycling tours across England from short breaks to long excursions, offering the option of 'classic' or 'luxury' itineraries. The latter includes four- and five-star hotels, manor houses, inns and boutique hotels, each chosen for their quality, character and location. Luggage transfers are included, so you need only enjoy the ride – and beautiful scenery. Get to know one of England's most luscious corners on the 12-day 'Complete New Forest Experience', which takes in the National Park as well as Stonehenge and the Isle of Wight. It costs from £1,920 (classic) or £2,715 (luxury) per person, based on two sharing.
www.the-carter-company.com
INTREPID BIKEPACKING ADVENTURES: Various locations
Adventure Pedlars run introductory courses to 'bikepacking', which is essentially strapping your stuff to a bike and heading off on an adventure. The two-day course equips budding explorers with bike maintenance skills, the lowdown on wild camping – including how to make a shelter – and off-roading bike skills. If you'd rather not rough it completely but still want to be independent, the company's self-guided tours in the Peak District, Dartmoor and the Lake District provide the routes and take care of accommodation. They also run guided tours if you prefer to go with an expert. Introduction to bikepacking, from £100 per person.
www.adventurepedlars.com
THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE: Sea to Sea (C2C), northern England
The UK's most popular cycle 'challenge' route runs for 140 miles from the Irish Sea to the North Sea – or the North Sea to the Irish Sea, depending on where you begin! Either way, tradition demands that you start with your back wheel in the sea at one end and you can only say you've completed the route when you dip your front wheel in the water at the other side. Macs Adventure runs trips starting in Newcastle and lasting from 3 days/2 nights to 5 days/4 nights (starting at £345), while Trailbrakes has trips in the other direction from 2-5 days (starting at £200 for 2 days).
www.macsadventure.com, www.trailbrakes.co.uk
GREAT FOR GOURMANDS: Cornish Cycle Tours Food Tour, Cornwall
Cornwall is home to world-class food producers, Michelin-starred restaurants and – of course – the world's best pasties. Taste your way around the county on a seven-day food tour with Cornish Cycle Tours. You'll stay in pubs and inns, visit the award-winning Camel Valley vineyard and tour the St Austell Brewery, lunching and dining in Cornwall's most delicious institutions. Transfers available from Bodmin Parkway or Newquay Airport. Price £775, bike hire £90, electric bike hire £180.
www.cornishcycletours.co.uk
FAMILY FUN: The Tudor Trail, Kent
This six-mile cycle route is bookended by beautiful historic properties. Take a look around Tonbridge Castle before you set off, where 900 years of English history encompassing the lives of kings, bishops, tyrants and heroes played out against a marvellous motte-and-bailey backdrop. The family-friendly route takes you through beautiful Haysden Country Park, around birdlife-rich Barden Lake, over the River Medway and past two lakes before you arrive at Penshurst Place. The 14th century stately home retains the feel of a much-loved family home and offers fun activities for kids, from an adventure playground to a maize maze.
www.explorekent.org/activities/tudor-cycle-trail
A ROYAL RIDE: Windsor Castle Bike Tour, Windsor
Liquid History Tours offers a leisurely three-hour bicycle tour that ends at Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. The tour begins at Windsor and Eton Riverside station where you are presented with a super-comfy bike, before heading along a flat and mostly traffic-free eight miles through the scenic Thames Valley. You'll pass the lake that hosted London 2012 Olympic events (and where Princes William and Harry learned to row), and stop for tea and cake at the splendid Tudor mansion, Dorney Court. There's a fantastic photo opportunity of Windsor Castle on the way back, and you can pay a visit after the tour should you wish. Windsor Bike Tours run Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays March to October; £25 per person.
www.liquidhistorytours.com/bikewindsorcastle
TRIPS TO SHARE: Mobike bike-share scheme, Manchester
The world's first and largest bike-share scheme launched in Manchester and Salford on the 29 June. Mobike has launched with 1,000 bikes, but will increase that number as demand grows. The launch marks Mobike's official expansion into Europe. Manchester and Salford are the 100th cities to host the service, which is already widespread across Asia. Each high-tech Mobike is equipped with unique smart-lock technology and built-in GPS connected via the Mobike IoT network. UK users can download the app from The App Store or Google Play, with a reduced deposit through July of £29.
mobike.com
For more information on what's new for 2017 visit:
Ends
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VisitEngland Press Office
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Notes to Editors:
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