Cycle England's Grand Tour from North to South

Arrive into York railway station late-morning, where our friendly Active England guide will be on hand to meet and transfer you to the outstanding Black Sheep Brewery in Masham for lunch. In the afternoon, we mount up and pedal into the picture postcard landscape of the Yorkshire Dales. Passing dry-stone walls and sheep-filled fields, we bike to the picturesque market town of Hawes, one of the highest towns in England and our home for the next two nights.

Today we head deep into the Dales, riding out onto Buttertubs Pass. A stretch of high moorland that featured in the 2014 Tour De France, we’ll enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding valleys and fells as we make our way through this iconic local landmark. With today’s ride complete, we’ll bike back for another evening in Hawes and a well-deserved pint of local Yorkshire ale.

We transfer this morning to the Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and England’s largest National Park. Starting in Penrith, a historic town known for its impressive 14th century castle, we waste no time in hitting the trails. Riding out on a circular route of the North Lake District range, we’ll encounter the imposing Skiddaw and Blencathra mountains, before finding our accommodation in the bustling market town of Keswick.

We set out today toward Buttermere, famous for its glorious setting among the dramatic amphitheatre of northern fells. Tracing the edge of the mirrorlike lake, we cycle through the rugged Honister Pass, pausing to visit the last working slate mine in England, before returning to Keswick for dinner in one of the many excellent local restaurants.

We transfer this morning to Stratford-upon-Avon, a medieval market town in England’s West Midlands and the 16th-century birthplace of William Shakespeare. Taking plenty of time to explore, with a visit to Shakespeare’s birthplace and the church in which he’s buried, we then bike into the Cotswolds. Winding our way through quiet country lanes and over rolling hills, we visit the quintessential English town of Chipping Campden and the beautiful Hidcote Gardens, internationally renowned for its collection of incredible outdoor “rooms.” Our accommodation for the next two evenings is in the charming market town of Moreton-in-Marsh.

Today we begin with coffee at Daylesford Organic, the most exclusive farm shop in the Cotswolds, before cycling through idyllic countryside to Blenheim Palace. Winston Churchill’s birthplace and a World Heritage Site, we eat lunch overlooking the Capability Brown parklands, and take some time during the afternoon to explore the historic palace and the gorgeous 2,000-acre estate. With the day drawing to a close, we ride back to Moreton-in-Marsh.

Leaving the Cotswolds behind, we transfer to Bath, stopping along the way to see King Charles III’s famous gardens at Highgrove. Cycling into the city via a 2,000-year-old Roman road, our Active England guide will then lead you on foot for a tour of this historic location. From the Roman Baths, one of the world’s best-preserved Roman remains, to the Royal Crescent overlooking the city, you’ll quickly find that there’s no shortage of incredible landmarks in which to immerse yourself.

We spend today in Bath, allowing all the time you need to visit the city’s various restaurants, theatres, galleries and shops. If you need help finding your way, or simply making the most of your time here, our Active England guides will be on hand to provide all the local knowledge you might need. Or if you’d prefer, feel free to simply to indulge in some R&R at our accommodation, the luxurious Francis Hotel.

We transfer to Cornwall, where we’ll spend the remainder of our grand tour enjoying golden beaches, rugged cliffs and pretty coastal villages. Staying in the gorgeous harbour town of Padstow, one of the most enticing destinations in all of Cornwall and a renowned culinary hotspot, we begin by catching the ferry across the glistening waters of the Camel Estuary to the small seaside village of Rock. From here, we head to Wenford Bridge, a tranquil hamlet where we’ll pick up the start of the famous Camel Trail. Seventeen miles long and mostly flat, we’ll ride the trail all the way back to Padstow, enjoying views of the passing moorland, woodland and estuary. After crossing the finish line, we end our day with a supper of fresh-caught fish and chips on the harbour wall.

Setting out from Padstow, today we head inland, before turning back towards the sea and the wild headlands that inspired Poldark. We’ll wind our way back via Cornwall’s famously beautiful northern coastline. With our grand tour coming to an end, we’ll celebrate one last evening together with dinner at Rick Stein’s famous seafood restaurant.

After a relaxed breakfast, our guides will transport you to Bodmin Parkway railway station, where we say our farewells and provide any help you might need with your onward travel.