Pump up interest for cycling trips with these new breaks
With bike sales in the UK booming since lockdown, clients are increasingly likely to seek a holiday that allows them to spend time on two wheels while staying safe outdoors. Abra Dunsby rounds up three new options for 2021
For “bubble” travellers: North Coast 500, Scotland
Due to Covid-19 Wilderness Scotland has seen an increase in enquiries for travel within social bubbles, which has led to a new Self-Guided+ cycling range.
Stevie Christie, head of adventure at Wilderness Scotland, says this option combines “the best of both worlds – the flexibility of start times and routes, the ability [for clients] to travel at their own pace within their bubble and the reassurance of a guide acting as a soigneur”.
Included in the new range is the North Coast 500, which sees clients covering 500 miles in a week, immersing themselves in the Highlands, from the ancient mountains of Torridon to the wild coasts of Assynt. Highlights include the “wee mad road”, a winding stretch squeezed between the mountains and the sea that ends at Lochinver’s famous pie shop.
Book it: Prices start from £1,295pp based on two sharing, including six nights’ B&B, transfers, a soigneur and bike hire. wildernessscotland.com
For wine connoisseurs: Victorian High Country, Australia
Intrepid’s new four-day exploration of the Victorian High Country by bike not only allows clients to soak up some incredible alpine scenery, but it also meanders through wine country, with pit stops at wineries, pubs and local eateries to help clients refuel.
Frank Cheshire, Intrepid’s cycling product manager, says the trip is suitable for beginners, thanks to a “pancake-flat” route. Enquiries for cycling trips next year have been promising, he adds. “Customers are keen to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, as well as keep up the hobby they fell in love with during lockdown. With so much time spent outdoors, it’s a great choice in the ‘new normal’.”
Clients can start or end the trip in Melbourne, a three-hour drive away.
Book it: Prices start from £660pp including B&B accommodation and some activities, excluding flights. intrepidtravel.com/uk
For intermediate cyclists: Hadrian’s Wall, England
Explore’s new Cycle Hadrian’s Wall: Bowness to Tynemouth trip is graded as moderate, covering 96 miles across five days with clients cycling 14-30 miles per day. The coast-to-coast trip travels parallel to Hadrian’s Wall and allows clients to stop at sites including Carlisle Castle, Housesteads Roman Fort and Sycamore Gap.
James Adkin, Explore’s cycling programme manager, says the trip has proven very popular, with two dates already sold out. He adds the trip is ideal for safety-conscious clients.
“While the rule of six is in place, we’re limiting groups to five customers plus a leader. The trip avoids crowded areas, while the optional visits to historic sites are in pre- booked timed slots.” All tour leaders have also received additional Covid-19 training.
Book it: Prices start from £545pp including four nights’ B&B accommodation, bike hire and tour leader. explore.co.uk
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