Our self guided cycling tours will immerse you in the best countryside in the North, tracing iconic journeys across the country. Follow the classic Coast to Coast (C2C) route from Whitehaven, or ride the slightly shorter Hadrian’s Wall Route from Bowness on Solway. Both cycling routes start in the Lake District, head through Newcastle into historic Tynemouth.
From one breathtaking view to the next, these journeys will lead you away from the crowds and back to nature. Enjoy the freedom of the road less travelled, the culture, heritage and challenge of our National Trails, and rest your legs in our wonderful pubs, hand-picked hotels and BnBs every evening.
We take all the hassle out of your cycling tour by including all luggage transfers, organising and booking all accommodation, providing maps, GPS instructions, and recommending ancient sites and places of interest to visit along the way. Bike through the hills (fells) in the Lake District, alongside the whole of Hadrian’s wall, across moors and alongside the lakes, rivers and streams, into our wonderful small villages and market towns which criss-cross the stunning landscapes.
We also organise private tours for groups and families, with bespoke itineraries and guides to ensure your trip meets your every need.
Our tours are rated 97% excellent, just take a look at our Trip Advisor page, and are the perfect balance of active travel and relaxation in stunning surroundings.
The countryside was picture perfect with great little villages and sites to take in all along our... read more rides. Each day was so rewarding. The historic sites are so incredible to see and learn more about. The B&B's were perfect! The people so welcoming and friendly.
Loved our bike tour. We highly recommend taking the tour!
Thanks for the amazing memories folks.....Lisa and Jacques
The walk up to Sharrah Pool was a good hike (which we enjoyed), but anyone with slight mobility issues might have struggled. Otherwise - perfect!
If you love wild swimming, this is a brilliant short break. I'm even thinking about booking again for next year.
One of the best things we did was to modify the last day of our 6-day tour to include a light cycling day with walking tours of Lower Slaughter, Stow-in-the-Wold, Bampton and Cirencester. I really appreciated learning the history of each of the towns we visited as well as experiencing their unique beauty.
Our cycling holidays are designed to be both a challenge and completely relaxing. Travel by train, or drive to the Lake District for the start of cycling tours (we will arrange transport back to your car at the end of the tour). We will also offer a range and accommodation options, both pre and post tour so you can guarantee to start your tour refreshed and go home invigorated.
The tours are designed to be easily accessible by a range of transport. There are direct trains from London and other major cities to the Lake District, where the tours start, and the finish in the North East, so this will probably the most efficient mode of transport. Guests can also drive to the Lake District or the North East (there is a transfer available to get back to your vehicle) or arrive into Manchester or Newcastle by plane.
The North of England is hillier than many of the other regions of England. However the Lake District and the North Pennines have a variety of routes which makes the region great cycling country and suitable for those who are fit and active. There are many hills (fells and moors) but the incredible views from the top more than make up from the ascents! There are routes for everyone and we can tailor your tour to your specific preferences and shorten and lengthen each day as required.
The best way to travel up North is by train, directly to the Lake District / the North East or by car, both a 4 hour journey from London. All of our self-guided trips begin from the Lake District or the North East. We can also arrange pre and post accommodation at a range of different locations so you can arrive relaxed, refreshed and ready to start your tour. You can also fly into Manchester and transfer to the start of the tour from there.
All our trips are open for single travellers to join. You will have a great time on our cycling tours whether travelling on your own, as a couple, family or group, meeting like-minded people on our guided trips, or choosing your own adventure on our self-guided tours. “As a single female, I would not hesitate to go on another Active England trip as a solo traveller”. S.G.