Highlights
- Cycling in the stunning Eden Valley
- Tarzan impressions and yummy cakes at Greystoke Cafe
- Revelling in the ramparts of Brougham Castle
- Racing the adults up a cheeky Skedaddle hill
- Deciding if it’s one or two scoops of ice cream at Abbots Lodge Dairy
- Sinking a pint of fine Cumbrian Ale after a day on the bike! Well it’s not all about the kids, is it!
The tour exceeded our expectations in every way. It was the best two days of the entire summer for our family!
Itinerary
Following your arrival at the accommodation, you will be shown where you can store your bike (if bringing your own) and to your room. Most people tend to arrive early evening, but if you do wish to arrive earlier in the day and get in a few extra miles on your own, then do let us know so we can allow for an early check-in.
In the evening we will be meeting as a group in a local child-friendly pub, where over a drink and something to eat there will be an informal chat about the holiday. For all of our short breaks we use a selection of quality B&Bs and small guest-houses and hotels, which provide us with a great base for the holidays and offer a warm welcome after a day in the saddle.
Tonight is a good opportunity to get to know our MIAS (Mountain Bike Instructors Award Scheme) qualified guides who represent Skedaddle’s enthusiastic and friendly attitude to cycling as well as the other bikers on your trip.

- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 330m
Leaving our accommodation in Penrith we set off on a traffic free cycle route that is part of the C2C cycling route. We reverse this part of the route taking us over Thicker Beck (once Penrith’s main water supply) and continue through Newton Rigg college. From here we ride on small local back-roads that have very little traffic. The views of the Lakeland Fells from here are stunning as we work our way though the small villages of Laithes and Skelton, which is famed for its famous racehorse trainers. Next is the ancient forest of Greystoke, where we take a well-earned rest at Greystoke Cycle Café which overlooks Greystoke Castle. On offer come rain or shine are yummy home-made cakes and drinks. Greystoke is famous for its association with the legend of Tarzan. So after scoffing your cakes we’ll be seeing who can do the best Tarzan impression before we set off on the bikes. Next we head towards Blencow Hall, a fortified house with gatehouse wing dating back to the 15th century, before retracing our pedalling a little for our return to Penrith.

- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 330m
Setting off from our accommodation we criss-cross Penrith as we cycle towards French Field and then the remarkable Brougham Castle. Situated in a picturesque setting beside the River Eamont in the Eden Valley, Brougham Castle was founded in the early 13th century. Both a formidable barrier against Scots invaders and a prestigious residence, the castle welcomed Edward I in 1300. Next to the castle is the site of the Roman fort of Brocavum, which housed the Eighth Legion during the initial invasion of Britain in AD 43.
From Brougham we pick up a great cycle route and head towards Melkinthorpe and Abbots Lodge. Time for a well deserved lunch and no doubt a dairy ice cream from the farm. Well…it would be rude not to!!
Our afternoon ride sees us continuing along the Eden Valley, and after cycling past Brougham Hall we follow our tracks back to our accommodation in Penrith.
We plan to arrive back at our accommodation mid-late afternoon and once back we can freshen up before heading home. For those wishing to stay on for another night this can easily be arranged.

Gallery
The Cycling
Terrain
We will enjoy a mix of National Cycle Network routes, quiet backroads, tracks, and traffic-free cycle paths. With a backdrop of fells and beautiful scenery, you get to appreciate the beauty of the hills without having to cycle up them! Routes are generally quite flat with only a few gentle climbs. For those feeling a little more adventurous, an optional skills course allows younger riders to try their hand at a few new tricks

Family Cycling Grade
Distances generally between 10-20 miles / 15-35 kms per day
For those looking for an accessible cycling holiday
Manageable daily distances
Predominately flat terrain
Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!
For more information about our grading system click here.
Is this suitable for you?
If your little ones are new to cycling, or perhaps you haven’t ridden your bike for while, then the relaxed rides on our Grade 1 tours might be for you. Of course no route can be pancake flat the entire way, with some gentle slopes being inevitable, but if you‘re looking for short, daily distances on mostly flat terrain, (with plenty of time to go at your own pace and explore your destination), then these trips would be a good place to start. We’d expect those on a Grade 1 tour to be able to ride their bike confidently and generally be fit and healthy.
A great first cycling holiday for families who are just starting, we will be back for more!
Dates & Prices

10% discount for children below the age of 18 who are travelling with 2 fully-paying passengers. Additional 10% discount for children sharing a triple or family room.
Contact us on 1-888-414-6437 or email info@skedaddle.com to check availability for your specific date.

Private Departures
Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.
Whats Included 
A) Accommodation (shared twin rooms).
B) Meals as per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch).
C) Full tour service including guides and support.
D) Unless stated at least one leader qualified in First Aid.
E) Airport & Train Station collections / drop-offs on scheduled arrival and departure days.
What's not Included 
A) Personal clothing and equipment
B) Travel insurance
C) Bar bills, telephone calls, souvenirs, etc.
D) Bike & helmet hire (available if required)
E) Travel or flight costs and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)
F) Single room option (may be available if required)
G) Entrance fees to cultural or historical sites and visitor centres
H) Other optional activities
The Essentials
News, Reviews & Stories
Reviews
Nick, SwitzerlandExcellent...The tour exceeded our expectations in every way. It was the best two days of the entire summer for our family.
The guides were so great – very helpful, supportive, friendly and relaxed. They took us to some great places which we would never have found on our own. The accommodation was lovely with the best breakfasts ever and the other members of the group were fantastic.
I wish we could go back and do the two days again – our two young sons loved it and we will definitely be booking again soon. Thank you for such a great trip. Big smiles and happy, happy memories of the cycling in the Lakes.
Sally, Sussex, UKWe all loved it.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. We‘re not experienced cyclists but are reasonably fit. 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. Guesthouse and its owner were fantastic.
Just right for a short break with kids. It’s going to be hard going back to our normal bikes, biked provided on the tour were excellent. Our guide was brilliant – handled the kids and the grown up kids so well. My 9 year old son can be a tricky customer when he finds things difficult, and even though he did things that challenged him he didn’t lose his cool thanks to the guides and our lovely fellow cyclists on the holiday. It was a real success for him. He also appreciated the certificate, etc he got at the end of the holiday. Certificate has pride of place on the kitchen fridge.
Amanda, Tyne and Wear, UKWe all had a great time!Steve (tour leader) really made the holiday superb. He kept the children motivated, happy and safe. His local knowledge enabled us all to have a wide range of cycling experience and fun. The tours were very well arranged, for instance keeping most of the uphill cycling to the morning and the downhill for the afternoon.
Nicky, East Sussex, UKA fantastic trip!A fantastic trip all round especially to get my 2 boys confident on bikes. Very easy to contact and get info from. Really friendly guest house and owner. Lovely breakfasts and well equipped room. Went over and above to make us welcome. Really lovely at the end where he gave kids a goodie bag. Both days were wonderful. First day getting out into the countryside and going to the bikers cafe was great and the second day of castle hopping was fab too. Great to see local culture with sheep dogs at work. It was also really helpful to go through some of the technical aspects of bike repairs on the road and practice some skills. Really fun and happy times.
Amanda Rabey-Wilson, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UKWe all had a great time!Steve really made the holiday superb. He kept the children motivated, happy and safe. His local knowledge enabled us all to have a wide range of cycling experience and fun. The tours were very well arranged, for instance keeping most of the uphill cycling to the morning and the downhill for the afternoon.
Terry, Berkshire, UKExcellent...Our tour leader made the break very special. Steve’s flexibility meant that my son and I were able to do some cycling at our own pace and were able to see extra views that we wouldn’t have done if the whole group had been kept together the whole time.
Gillian, Hartlepool, UKGreat holiday for families...Brilliant holiday, accommodation was great and the holiday delivered everything it said it would. Steve had endless patience explaining cycling and answering all our questions and made it fun for everyone. A great first cycling holiday for families who are just starting, we will be back for more.