Travel news
Fitness fans and travellers have been dismayed by recent lockdowns, but the end in sight. And with growing interest in “bikepacking” sweeping Europe and the US, two companies have joined forces to provide cyclists with three new UK cycling itineraries.
Fiona Towell from C2cycling and Paul Kennedy from Wild Atlantic Cycling have pooled resources to develop new routes for those who would like all the freedom of taking to the road on two wheels but with the provision of mechanical support, luggage transfer and flexible booking conditions. Keen bikepacker Fiona, who until the beginning of the pandemic ran her own financial recruitment consultancy, but has cycled solo through the Balkans Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia and into Bulgaria, has set up cycle-tour business C2cycling.
She said: “During the lockdowns people have hopped on their bikes as a way to explore more of the Great British countryside than they otherwise could during their permitted daily exercise slots.
“This, combined with the desire to be eco-friendly and developments in bike gear, means it is much easier to navigate and packs are much lighter than ever before, so there is no need for a heavy touring bike and panniers.”
C2cycling and Wild Atlantic Cycling tours are all fully supported from the moment guests arrive at the starting point.
Cyclists can expect detailed routes for bike computers; recommended coffee, lunch stops and viewpoints and mechanical support when and where required. Accommodation is provided in comfortable, well-placed three and four-star independent hotels for easy access of local sites and all are sourced to ensure a local flavour and to support the local economy. They also all have great and secure facilities for bicycles.
There is no expectation of pace, and riders can go at their own speed, as long as suitcases are packed and ready to go after breakfast. Both Wild Atlantic Cycling and C2cycling are offering flexible booking and cyclists can book in the knowledge that they will be able to cancel without cost.
North Coast 500 route, seven days, £1,100 per person c2ccycling.com; Northern Ireland Revolution, eight days, £1,240 per person wildatlanticcycling.com; Vales & Dales of Britain, 10 days, £1,595 per person wildatlanticcycling.com/tours/ vales&dales