1-888-414-6437   info@skedaddle.com
United Kingdom

Lake District

Guided Family Bike Skills

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

3 days

Prices from

$425 P.P.
Child Discount Applies
United Kingdom

Lake District

Guided Family Bike Skills

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

3 days

Prices from

$425 P.P.
Child Discount Applies
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View Reviews
7
This UK family cycling tour allows you to take all of the hassle out of arranging a cycling adventure with your family so that you can relax and enjoy the experience together in the Lake District.
Based in Penrith in the Northern Lake District, this guided tour is perfect for those who are new to cycling or who want to develop their skills and experience to cycle safely and more confidently. Our guides will show you how to set your bikes up at the start of each day and to do necessary safety and maintenance checks to ensure you all have a safe and comfortable ride. They'll also carry all the kit you need for the day's ride and show you what's needed to fully enjoy a day out on the bike.
With plenty of milestones, activities and adventures to make each ride memorable, you can enjoy the sights around Penrith whilst experiencing some great cycling on minor roads and the Sustrans National Cycle Network. We will pass Greystoke and Brougham Castles, cycle along the Eden Valley and enjoy an ice cream at Abbots Lodge.
The rides will take place on traffic-free cyclepaths and minor roads. With the proper training and precautions, cycling on quiet backroads can be the perfect place to ride with your family giving you access to a wider network of routes at home.
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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!

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The tour exceeded our expectations in every way. It was the best two days of the entire summer for our family!

Nick, Switzerland

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival Day
Non Cycling Day
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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.

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Day 2
Greystoke Loop
19 Miles / 31 Kms Approx.
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  • 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.

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Day 3
Melkinthorpe Loop
14 Miles / 23 Kms Approx.
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  • 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.

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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

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Family Cycling Grade

1
2
3
4
5
Grade 1 : Easy

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.

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A great first cycling holiday for families who are just starting, we will be back for more!

Gillian, UK

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

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.

Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
05/04/2021
Return Date
07/04/2021
Duration
3 days
Price
$425.00
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Start Date
09/08/2021
Return Date
11/08/2021
Duration
3 days
Price
$425.00
Close Select

Whats Included Tick

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 Cross

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

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The Essentials

Travel Options

The nearest major airport is Manchester (MAN)and there are a number of direct flights from North America. From there you can catch a train to the route – the most convenient station is Penrith. Group train station transfers are included in the holiday price and there will be a Skedaddle transfer at 16.00 from Penrith train station to the accommodation and on the last day from the accommodation to Penrith train station at 16.30.

Please check with us before making any travel arrangements, to make sure we have reached the minimum number required to guarantee your holiday and to ensure your arrangements fit with our scheduled transfers and logistics. Please note – If you make alternative travel arrangements, which fall outside of the planned train station transfers, there may be an additional charge for individual transfers.

Accommodation

In the UK we use small, good quality family friendly B&B accommodation or small hotels and Inns. Our trips are operated on a twin share basis with some accommodation providing large family rooms (subject to availability).

Bike Hire

If you would like to hire a bike we have both hybrid and electric bikes available to hire. The hybrid bikes are generally Giant Roam or Liv Rove with a large 30 speed gear range, semi-slick tyres and a relaxed riding position. Our electric bikes are generally Giant Entour 2 E+2 Disc pedal assist bikes with 300Wh batteries.

We have a number of trailers / bikes suitable for children including:

  • Baby and child seats (12mths to 5 years)
  • Child Trailers (12mths to 5 years)
  • Tag-along (4 years to 9 years)
  • Childrens’ bikes – 20inch / 24 inch wheels (7 to 11 years)

Helmets and Skedaddle water bottles are provided with all our hire bikes along with an emergency repair kit including a spare innertube, bike pump and bike lock. Panniers are provided with adult bikes.

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News, Reviews & Stories

Reviews

7

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