Hannah
13 June 2017
With summer on the way in the British Isles, cycling fever has hit and more and more people are getting out on their bikes!
We think that cycling is the perfect way to stay active on your self-catering getaway, and is a great way to explore the countryside around our scenic cottages. Preferably with a spot to cool off somewhere along the way…
Jumping on your bike is a healthy and therapeutic way to enjoy the great outdoors. As well as a low impact way to get aerobic exercise, it’s a healthy, environmentally friendly way to explore beautiful, green, wide-open spaces. The sun on your face, wind in your hair, and fresh air in your lungs - you are truly free, relying only on your own pedal power and sense of adventure!
Whether flying down a steep woodland trail on a mountain bike, enjoying a leisurely ride out in the country with the family or travelling through stunning scenery by road, from one town to another, cycling can be fun for all ages and fitness levels! It’s great for body and mind, and a healthy way to spend your summer holiday.
Family adventures
A leisurely amble down country lanes or easy off-road trails is a fun way to pass an afternoon with the family, get the kids outdoors and explore the local area. Stop for a picnic under a tree, or a dip in a local swimming spot and then grab some refreshments at a lovely country pub, before heading home to relax after an active day out!
An amble along the Avon river trail from Laundry Cottage, near Bath, will bring you to Warleigh Weir, one of Country Living UK’s best wild swimming spots. It’s a wide and well-maintained trail with minor inclines – a great ride for the whole family, young or old. If you are feeling energetic, ride in the other direction all the way to the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol!
Clifton Suspension Bridge
Or if you are looking for a couple's cycling escape, Town Street Barn in the Peak District is close to kilometres of easy, paved trails around Carsington Water, not to mention scenic road riding and mountain biking for all abilities.
Carsington Water
Adrenaline-filled group epics
If adrenaline-filled adventurous escapes with your mates are more your thing, you’ll find Sheepskin properties slap bang in the middle of some of the UK's top cycling and mountain biking meccas.
Snowdonia is a vast, mountainous range of possibilities, from easy, wide trails through woodland to steep single tracks down mountainsides. Coed-y-Brenin forest is home to an ever-increasing network of fantastic hand-built all weather single track, while Antur Stiniog has downhill routes and a freeride centre with an uplift shuttle service. Or, for the extreme and experienced among you, push your bike to the top of Snowdon and ride (hurtle) back down!
Mountain biking in Snowdonia
We have a few rural properties that would be the perfect place to relax over a beer and recount epic stories of a day mountain biking in Snowdonia. Hilltop, Little Manor and Tailor’s Cottage are all unique rural retreats in Snowdonia, sleeping between 2 and 4. For a larger group Spring Barn is a great base.
A road cycling holiday
Have you been itching to challenge yourself against the route of the Tour de Yorkshire? Well, combine a luxury glamping retreat with your own Grand Depart at Buttercrambe Shepherd’s Hut. Only a stone’s throw from York, you’ll find great riding in all directions from the steps of your rustic shepherd’s accommodation.
The landscapes surrounding our cottages offer every kind of two-wheeled adventure for all ages, abilities and fitness levels. Get in touch today to book your rural cycling escape – and explore the British countryside on two wheels!
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.