Having been running cycling holidays in the UK for 25 years now, it’s safe to say our team of local experts know a thing or two about the best places to ride our bikes! We have over 40 amazing itineraries to choose from based here in the place we are proud to call home.
All of our routes are all bursting with adventure and enjoyment. We’re talking the epic natural beauty of our cherished national parks, historic heritage, remote wilderness and gorgeous beaches. But that’s only the beginning! There’s also plenty of opportunities to take on a challenge, including popular classics such as C2C and Land’s End to John o’Groats.
We believe there really is something for every type of rider amongst our UK cycling tours, whether it’s a short weekend break away or an epic 3-week cycling extravaganza! But don’t take our word for it, here’s what you have to say about our Best of British rides…
Classic journeys and challenges
Are you eager to take on an inspiring challenge? Or are you dreaming of an exciting and varied journey exploring some of the most beautiful places in the UK? Well, we’ve got you covered! Our itineraries come in different shapes and sizes to suit everyone’s needs and fitness levels, so you’re sure to find something for you. From our very own version of LEJOG, created by our cycling experts, to classic well-loved challenges like the C2C and Hadrian’s Cycleway.
C2C – Coast to Coast
If I were asked to give my top 3 things about the Coast to Coast cycle ride, I would say the absolute genuine friendliness of the locals, the simply stunning scenery, and, for novices like us, the immense feeling of accomplishment from achieving a first proper cycling trip… and that brownie at The Cycle Hub in Newcastle! The huge sense of achievement is hard to put into words. It isn’t all tarmac and huge landscapes, the C2C offers woodland tracks, off-road (if you have the appropriate bike) and forest paths. I challenge you to get bored of the scenery on this ride! – David
Hadrian’s Cycleway
We were exhilarated after our journey! Feel so fortunate to have travelled with the exemplary Saddle Skedaddle rather than by train; there could be no better way to see Hadrian’s Wall. Indeed, in my opinion, there could be no better way to see any country in-depth than by bike. – Laura
Land’s End to John o’Groats
What an iconic trip to have been able to complete! The routes were great, I was amazed at the extent to which major roads were avoided and, as a result, the beautiful scenery and villages we enjoyed cycling through. I loved Day 4 – Wells to Hereford, so many iconic locations: Cheddar Gorge, Clifton Suspension Bridge, Severn Bridge, Tintern Abbey and Wye Valley! I also loved Day 14 – Lairg to John o’Groats: beautiful scenery all the way absolutely stunning views all day and of course ending up in John o‘Groats. – Karen
Yorkshire – Way of the Roses
A fantastic trip! This was my second guided Skedaddle tour. The organisation, cycling, scenery, support, food en route and the accommodation are all separate reasons to come back, but for me, it is something extra that makes our Skedaddle trips so worthwhile. It is the camaraderie of these tours which makes these trips so enjoyable, mixing and cycling with like-minded people. The very nature of the Pennines means hills, and whilst there were a few challenging ones, the sense of achievement at each successive conquest continued to inspire. – David (read his full story here)
Coastal Adventures
There’s something undeniably alluring about cycling next to the water, and our itineraries offer a treasure trove of picturesque beaches, islands and cultural interest to boot. For those who want to go off-road, we have an amazing mountain biking adventure in the lesser-visited Western Isles, where coastal adventures and seldom-ridden biking routes await. Or, you can stay on the mainland and explore one of England’s best coastlines – the dramatic and rugged Northumberland, home to countless castles and unspoilt sandy stretches.
Scotland – Hebridean Explorer
I have always wanted to see the Western Isles and the combination of ferry, inflatable boat, on-road, off-road and travel in the Saddle Skedaddle van was perfect to experience the variety of scenery, historic features, island culture, bird and sea life, and something of ordinary life in the Outer Hebrides. It was an adventure and challenge for both my husband and I and would have been impossible without the support from the other cyclists and the guides. My favourite day was probably on the Isle of Harris with its coastline contrast from west to east; golden road; the ‘hidden’ modern homes; and the mountain bike bridge and hill challenge. – Christine
Coast and Castles
Massively enjoyed the tour – wonderful changes in the landscape, from the coast near Lindisfarne to the hills south of Edinburgh. Loved cycling at the coast, Bamburgh Castle, Druridge Bay and Holy Island were great sights. The paths changed quite a bit here which was great fun to cycle on! – Tobias
Northumberland Coast
The Northumberland tour was fabulous. The Skedaddle team organized the vacation very well – all we had to do was show up. The mix of country farmland, castles, and the sea was terrific. Kids and adults enjoyed running on the beaches and visiting castles. The hotels were comfortable and clean with good dinners every night. The kids regularly ask to go back to England! We are looking forward to another Skedaddle adventure soon. – Christina
Epic wilderness
Hands down, the UK is home to some of our absolute favourite remote places on the planet – a wilderness best savoured at the speed of the bike and a great place to escape! Whether you’re an experienced mountain biker looking to conquer trails of the highest calibre or looking for a leisure journey through rugged mountain landscapes and scenic lochs, here are some of our favourites you absolutely need to check out…
Scotland – Highlands Coast to Coast
Tomintoul to Ballater had some superb technical single track and a great fast descent. Mount Keen also worth a mention for it’s challenging climb technical single track across the top and awesome decent. I would recommend this holiday to any keen mountain biker as a must-do trip! Really superb guides can’t fault them – obviously, very experienced cyclist’s so it was great to learn from them. Very knowledgable about the area. Nothing to much trouble. Up to the usual Skedaddle high standard. – Simon
Northumberland – Sandstone Way
Great service from the initial enquiry to the end of the trip. The refreshments had plenty of choices and were always delivered with a high level of service. I really enjoyed all 3 days and can’t really pick out one over the rest; beautiful scenery, and a great mix of terrains. Our tour leader was great – informative not only about the riding but the local area, with the patience of a saint! All three of the guides were very friendly, helpful and chatty. They really set a great tone for the weekend from the outset. – Cathy
Scotland – Celtic Crossing
How you have found some of these trails to put this trip together is beyond me. Favourite days were Beauly to Fort Augustus and Laggan to Killin. Both long days but a great variety of tracks and surfaces. The scenery is breath-taking, such a beautiful place to ride. There are cheaper companies than Skedaddle but they very rarely match the professional service of Skedaddle. Nothing is ever too much trouble for the guides. – Mike
Scotland – Lochs and Glens
My favourite day would have to be from Killin and then along the quiet side of Loch Tay and meeting the Crannog was brilliant. Day 3 is close behind, with some great stretches through the forests on good paths especially out of Aberfoyle. Beautiful trail with lake views and fab signposting. I adored the Glen Ogle viaduct stretch! – Helen
Best for beginners and gentle cycling
Looking for a gentle introduction to cycling holidays? Or just after an enjoyable ride exploring the best bits of the UK on your bike at a gentle pace? We’ll make sure you get the most out of your day without feeling like the riding is ever too much to achieve. Manageable distances, not too many climbs, and some glorious flat stretches to boot – are just some of the components you can expect on our gentler tours in the UK.
Lake District – Derwent Water
My favourite day was the first day of cycling – an absolute pleasure with such a brilliant group and amazing guides. I can’t emphasize enough how amazing the guides were – they are an incredible asset to Saddle Skedaddle and made what was already a special weekend for me and my partner into something we’ll never forget. – Nick
Yorkshire Wolds
We both loved it. The sense of achievement after a day in the saddle was second to none. Firstly we learned that everything Saddle Skedaddle claims on their website is 100% true! They are a terrific little company whose customer care is second to none. And lastly, we learned that the Yorkshire Wolds are absolutely beautiful! We have so many memories of our holiday. – Annette and Bob (read their full story here)
Lake District – Family Bike Skills
We all loved it. It was one of our most successful family holidays ever. It was just challenging enough with the right amount of tea, cake and ice cream to keep us going. Excellent! It was a great introduction to cycling for our 9-year-old son. Guides were all patient, clear and kind. Bikes, accommodation and food were all excellent. – Sally
Northumberland – Alnmouth
A very enjoyable and memorable cycling short break based at Alnmouth and not all about the cycling! High standard of accommodation and good food; cycling along quiet lanes in lovely countryside and unspoilt coastline with great leaders; picnic stops along the way were a highlight. Good cycling, good food, good company in beautiful Northumberland – what more can you ask for? Big grins to see off a fantastic trip! – Vicki (read the full story here)
Feeling inspired? We love hearing from you! The feedback you give us after your holiday not only is the motivation for us to keep doing what we love but also a great source of inspiration on how to make everyone’s experience the best it could be in the future too. Now, why not explore our full Best of British range in all its glory to make the UK your next place to get some proper pedalin’ done.