If you’ve ever been on a bike ride in the UK, you’ll likely have encountered the little blue and red signs that indicate our incredible National Cycle Network. Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formerly Sustrans) have been custodians of the Network for more than 30 years, developing safe cycle routes for all.
The National Cycle Network is a great place to start planning a UK cycling holiday. If you’re in search of inspiration, these are our favourite long-distance routes which make a wonderful cycling holiday. Plus, when you book with Skedaddle, we’ll donate to Walk Wheel Cycle Trust 5p for every mile you cycle with us on the National Cycle Network.
Skedaddle Tours – What’s Included?
Choose from a range of group tours or self-guided tours. Group tours are ideal for friends or solo travellers with group sizes of no more than 14 riders. Self-guided tours require a minimum of two or more riders. On all Skedaddle tours you can expect the same great service:
- On the group tours breakfast and lunches are included (lunch on all cycling days).
- Breakfasts are included on self-guided tours.
- Accommodation is a mix of 3 and 4 star hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses.
- Single occupancy rooms are provided for a supplement.
- Navigation via an app or Guide on group tours
- Transfers and luggage transfers are included.
- Bike hire and e-bike hire is available.
1. C2C (Coast to Coast)
Distance: 140 miles | Grade 3-4 out of 5 | Duration: choose three, four or five riding days
Route summary: The coast to coast – a classic challenge ride across the north of England – this 30-year-old route is just as popular today as it was when it was first launched. Ride across 140 miles of cycleways and quiet country lanes through wild and beautiful landscapes from Whitehaven on the west coast to Tynemouth on the east.
Highlights:
- Immerse yourself in some of the UK’s most wild and beautiful landscapes, from the Lake District National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to the North Pennines National Landscape
- Conquer Hartside pass and be rewarded with sweeping views, which, on a clear day, stretch as far as the Lake District, the Solway Firth and into Southern Scotland
- Cruise along Newcastle’s impressive Quayside and make a café stop at Skedaddle’s HQ at the Cycle Hub!
- Celebrate your achievements as you reach the golden sandy beaches of Tynemouth
Tour details: Group tours departing May to September. Self-guided tours available April to September. Transfers from and to Newcastle are included. Optional transfers from Penrith are included for self-guided tours.
“The approach and clarity is what makes Saddle Skedaddle an excellent organisation. For my wife and I, this coast to coast was our first organised ride. The whole experience was outstanding, such attention to detail.”
“Skedaddle holidays are always great; you can ride your bike and they pretty much do the rest! I checked in and out each day via text; it was lovely to know somebody was checking on me from a distance!”
2. The Caledonia Way
Distance: 235 miles | Grade 4 out of 5 | Duration: 8 days, 7 riding days (or choose a shorter 5-day self-guided tour from Oban to Inverness)
Route summary: This incredible journey slices through the iconic Highlands and some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery. You’ll ride northwards from Kintyre, up the west coast, before heading inland through one of Scotland’s National Scenic Areas, Knapdale. From here, it’s a journey northeast through the Glen of Kilmartin, past Loch Awe, Glencoe and through the Great Glen before finishing in Inverness.
Highlights:
- Lots of traffic-free cycling and canal-side routes
- Enjoying a wee dram in Campbeltown, once proclaimed ‘the whisky capital of the world’
- Dramatic coastal views of the Kilbrannon Sound
- Visiting the ancient monuments, standing stones and burial cairns of Kilmartin Glen
- Following the Caledonian Canal through the Great Glen
- Ascending Glendoe and cruising alongside Loch Ness
- Celebrating the end of your epic journey in the vibrant city of Inverness!
Tour details: Group tours departing from May to September. Self-guided tours are available from April to September. Transfers from and to Balloch are included.
“It was a fantastic cycling holiday, from start to the finish. Jo, Carrie and Lorna , went out of their way, nothing was too much trouble to help any one of the cycling group. Our team really gelled together well. Everyone had a fantasic holiday and many memorable experiences. Thank you
“We did a 5-day self-guided e-bike tour with Saddle Skedaddle and absolutely loved it. The route was stunning, the bikes were excellent—comfortable saddles, plenty of power, and great battery range (no range anxiety at all!).”
3. Lochs and Glens
Distance: 200 miles | Grade 3-4 out of 5 | Duration: 7 days (5 riding days)
Route summary: From Balloch, the gateway to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, you’ll wind your way north through lush rolling hills and forests and past tranquil lochs. As you enter the Highlands and Cairngorms National Park, you’ll be treated to magnificent mountain views and more serene cycling up Speyside before we catch a glimpse of the Moray Firth as we make our way to Inverness.
Highlights:
- Serene cycling alongside Loch Venachar, Loch Lubnaig and Loch Tay
- Admiring the impressive viaduct in Glen Ogle
- Crossing the Pass of Drummochter with views of Blair Castle
- Cycling through the Cairngorms National Park and spotting wildlife – red deer, red squirrels or even an osprey!
- Sampling whiskies as we pass distilleries in Aberfeldy, Blair Atholl and Dalwhinnie
- Visiting the Highland Folk Museum, Ruthven Barracks, Clava Cairns and Culloden Battlefield
- Enjoying a celebratory dram in Inverness
Tour details: Guided group tour with departures from May to August. You can also choose a self-guided version of Lochs and Glens which follows a slightly different route finishing in Perth. Transfers to the train station or start point at Balloch are included.
“Overall an excellent holiday, well chosen route in beautiful countryside. The guides catered for all our needs without any hesitation and were knowledgable about the route and gave full daily briefings.”
“I have used other companies for Cycle holidays but Saddle Skedaddle are the best. The attention to detail, itinerary and cycle expertise can’t be beaten.”
4. Hadrian’s Cycleway
Distance: 155 miles | Grade 3 out of 5 | Duration: 6 days (5 riding days) or choose shorter self-guided tours over 3, 4 or 6 riding days covering 100 miles.
Route summary: Leaving the village of St Bees in Cumbria, you’ll enjoy a coastal cruise north before turning inland to follow the official Hadrian’s Cycle route that travels along the historic northern boundary of Brittania and the Roman Empire. Along the way we’ll make time to visit The Sill, Housesteads Roman Fort and Vindolanda before reaching the banks of the River Tyne and the famous bridges in Newcastle. Our journey continues east to the coast and Tynemouth, with its impressive beaches and priory. If you choose our shorter self-guided tour, then your journey will begin in Bowness-on-Solway before you journey east along the Hadrian’s Cycle Route.
Highlights:
- Breathtaking views of Scotland over the Solway Firth
- Visiting the Hadrian’s Wall forts of Birdoswald and Vindolanda
- Admiring Carlisle Castle, Lanercost Priory and Thirwall Castle
- Staying in the picturesque market town of Corbridge
- Riding past Skedaddle’s HQ at the Cycle Hub overlooking the River Tyne!
- Celebrating the end of your coast–to–coast journey on the beach at Tynemouth
Tour details: Supported group tour with departures from May to August. You can also choose a self-guided tours over three, four or six riding days with departures between April and September. Transfers from and to Newcastle are included.
“This is my second trip with Skedaddle and once again I thoroughly enjoyed it… This is a great trip for anyone who wants to experience a Coast to Coast cycle ride without the challenges of the better known C2C.”
“Extremely well organised. Great accommodation. Friendly staff. Knowledgable backup.”
5. Way of the Roses
Distance: 170 miles | Grade 3 out of 5 | Duration: 6 days (5 riding days)
Route summary: Another popular coast–to–coast challenge that takes you from Morecambe in Lancashire to Bridlington in Yorkshire. The route follows traffic-free paths, cycle paths and quiet country lanes that take you through the picture-postcard landscapes of the Lune Valley, Forest of Bowland, Yorkshire Dales, Nidderdale National Landscape, Vale of York and Yorkshire Wolds. Along the way, you’ll have time to enjoy the historic cities of Lancaster and York and attractive small towns of Settle and Pateley Bridge.
Highlights:
- Posing at Eric Morecambe’s statue on Morecambe seafront
- Endless gorgeous countryside views, including the Yorkshire Three Peaks
- Sampling some of the delicious local ales and pub food
- Exploring the medieval walled city of York and its impressive Minster
- Rolling through the undulating Yorkshire Wolds
- Spectacular sea views as you descend towards Bridlington before celebrating your journey’s end on the promenade with fish ‘n’ chips
Tour details: Supported group tours with departures from May to September. You can also choose a self-guided version of Way of the Roses with departures from April to September. Transfers from and to Thirsk are included.
“Great trip…. wonderful cycling through spectacular scenery. Skeddadle did everything possible to make it a terrific experience. The food as well as the cycling and helpful guides exceeded expectations. Will be doing another trip soon!”
“It was perfect. The views were stunning. The long ride, was terrific. To be honest it was all great. It was a well-organised holiday that provided exhilarating rides that were manageable by everyone in our mixed ability group. Thoroughly enjoyable!”
6. Coast and Castles
Distance: 200 miles | Grade 3-4 out of 5 | Duration: 6 days (5 riding days)
Route summary: Following the National Cycle Network Route 1, this is a beautiful ride from Newcastle to Edinburgh that takes you up the spectacular Northumberland coast and past sweeping sandy beaches and impressive castles. After reaching Berwick-upon-Tweed, you’ll head inland along the Tweed Valley towards Melrose with its impressive Abbey and into the well-loved biking destination of Innerleithen. From here, it’s a journey north over the Moorfoot Hills towards Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh.
Highlights:
- Enjoying breath-taking coastal views and the many castles, including Dunstanburgh, Warkworth and Bamburgh
- A stop at Holy Island and Lindisfarne castle if the time and tides permit
- Cycling into the lush Tweed Valley
- Glimpsing Edinburgh from the Moorfoot Hills
- Toasting the end of your adventures in Scotland’s historic city of Edinburgh
Tour details: Group tours with departures from June to September. You can also choose a self-guided version of Coast and Castles with departures from April to September. Transfers to Newcastle or Edinburgh are included.
“This was my second Skedaddle Ride and it lived up to expectations. Organisation was spot on, accommodation was perfect and the routes were glorious.”
“Brilliant. Staff couldn’t have been more responsive and helpful. Accommodation great, route great. Highly recommended.”
7. Yorkshire Wolds
Distance: 140 miles | Grade 2-3 out of 5 | Duration: 6 days (5 riding days)
Route summary: The Yorkshire Wolds is a circular route that takes in gorgeous rolling hills, dramatic coastal cliffs, grand country houses, nature reserves and peaceful villages. Starting and finishing in Beverley, you’ll head west to Market Weighton and Pocklington before heading north to Malton and back east again to Bridlington and onto Beverley via Driffield. It’s easy to see why David Hockney was so inspired by the landscapes here. The Yorkshire Wolds is the perfect place to cycle and unwind.
Highlights:
- Beverley with its old streets and impressive Minster
- The promenade of bustling Bridlington and charming former fishing village of Filey
- Stopping at the impressive manor houses of Sledmere, Sewerby and Burton Agnes Hall, and an optional extra day to ride out to Castle Howard
- The towering chalk cliffs and thousands of seabirds of the RSPB nature reserve at Bempton
Tour details: Self-guided tours with dates available from April to September (minimum two riders). Luggage transfers are included.
“Wonderful few days discovering the beautiful rolling countryside of the Yorkshire Wolds. Great pathways along the many farm roads with extensive views over the fields passing by pretty villages. Stayed in lovely places each day and have never eaten so many delicious breakfasts! Thank you Skedaddle for the great organisation.”
“Everything was ideal, from the communication through the booking procedure to the bike pickup to the bikes to the accommodations to the route. Beautiful weather helped, but it was really perfect.”
Looking for more inspiration?
Check out our full range of UK cycling holidays which includes road cycling, mountain biking and gravel riding!