You can roll your own way – explore the world on two wheels with Pedal Nation
With Chris Froome continuing to impress in this year’s Tour de France, plus the many gold medals won by the Great British cycling team at the Beijing and London Olympics, riding has never been so popular. Indeed, in recent years it’s often been said that cycling is ‘the new golf’, with cycle rides replacing rounds of golf as the preferred out-of-office activity.
But it’s not just a sport for the super-fit and those devoted to the Strava app. Indeed, earlier this year the BBC reported that more than two million people across the country now cycle at least once a week (an all-time high according to British Cycling, the sport’s governing body in the UK).
Having recognised this growing trend, Pedal Nation has added a selection of new tours for two wheels to its exciting portfolio, alongside some firm favourites. All trips are suitable for recreational cyclists who fancy a challenge: from the beautiful mountains of Bhutan to the coastal paths of Copenhagen and the rocky roads of Scotland, read on to find out more…
NEW: Explore Bhutan, South Asia, by mountain bike
Located in the mountainous Himalayas, Bhutan’s rugged landscape provides exceptional terrain for this incredible cycle tour. Breathe in the crisp air while exploring the breath-taking sovereign state in South Asia on two wheels. En route, visit the Taktsang Monastery (one of the world’s most venerated pilgrimage sites) in the Paro Valley, pedal to the Dochula Pass (where hundreds of prayer flags and 108 stupas of Druk Wangyal Lhakhang Monastery await) and roll past vibrant rice terraces that cling like limpets to the hillside. Plus, join in with the Gangtey Tshechu celebration (9-11 October 2016) or the Tamshing Phala Choepa festival (11-13 October 2016), both of which coincide with the trip. The brand-new 14-day tour (9-22 October 2016 or 9-22 April 2017) costs from £3,298 pp (two sharing) including B&B accommodation, some lunches and evening meals, domestic flights, transfers, a knowledgeable guide and mountain bike. International flights extra. For more information, visit: pedal-nation.co.uk/Bhutan.
NEW: Cycle the North Coast of Scotland, United Kingdom
Travel to Inverness, North Scotland, by train, before jumping on a bike and cycling more than 500 miles around the hilly Highlands, making the most of the spectacular scenery. The North Coast 500 is a new route that has received significant investment from the Scottish government, and Pedal Nation is the first tour company to offer this itinerary as a trip. Last year, Mark Beaumont (a record-breaking long distance cyclist) rode the trail in just 37 hours and 58 minutes, but those taking part with Pedal Nation can enjoy the trail at a much more leisurely pace. Stop off at the famous Rogie Falls near Contin, pause at the reflective Loch Maree in Wester Ross, and make the most of the magnificent northern coast between Lochinver and Durness. At the end of the tour, tuck into a celebratory meal in Inverness, and why not treat yourself to a dram of whiskey, or two? The brand-new seven-day tour (24 September to 1 October 2016, or 13-20 May 2017) costs from £875 pp (two sharing) including B&B accommodation, some lunches and evening meals – including the celebratory dinner – and a knowledgeable guide. Return train journey, transfers and bike extra. For more information, visit: pedal-nation.co.uk/Scotland.
NEW: On the road to Copenhagen, Denmark
Cycle through the diverse landscape, past dunes and fishing ports, and through forests and cities towards the heart of Copenhagen. The tour begins at Harwich International Port, Essex, where participants will catch the overnight ferry to Holland. On arrival, start pedalling along the North Sea Cycle Route (the world’s longest signed international cycling route) before entering the Netherlands and crossing the border into Germany. Here, riders will traverse part of the South Großes Meer, a nature reserve established in 1974 surrounded by 2,500 hectares of protected landscape. Look out for a wide range of birds, including the black-tailed godwit, lapwing, marsh harrier and reed bunting. Head into Denmark, before finishing in the vibrant capital, Copenhagen. The brand-new 13-day tour (16-28 June 2017) costs from £1,625 pp (two sharing) including B&B accommodation, most lunches, ferry transport, and a knowledgeable guide. Return ferry journey, dinner and bike extra. For more information, visit: pedal-nation.co.uk/Copenhagen.
Carry on in Kerala, South India
Beginning and ending in Cochin, roll through the hill stations and tea plantations of Munnar, the cardamom fields of Thodupuzha, and the backwaters Kumarakom enjoying the forever-changing landscapes. Pass through South India’s largest tea-growing region, relish the panoramic views of the Western Ghats (protected by UNESCO, the 1,600 km-long mountain range is home to thousands of types of plants, hundreds of varieties of birds, and 325 endangered species), spend multiple nights on a traditional houseboat and keep an eye out for magnificent palaces and temples too. The 10-day tour (21-30 October 2016 or 24 December 2016 to 2 January 2017) costs from £948 pp (two sharing) including B&B accommodation, some lunches and dinners, domestic transport, a knowledgeable guide , support vehicle, and a bike. International flights extra. For more information, visit pedal-nation.co.uk/Kerala.
Cycling in colourful Rajasthan, North India
Leave the beaten track and discover the back-roads of Rajasthan by bike. Pedal through remote villages, heady spice markets and barren desert that contrast sharply with lush havens. Start by climbing the Aravalli Hills towards the holy town of Pushkar – set on Pushkar Lake, a sacred Hindu site with 52 stone staircases where pilgrims bathe – before cycling on to Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital, with incredible views of Amer Fort. Built in the 16th century, the barracks is known for its artistic style, blending both Hindu and Rajput elements. Visit Keoladeo National Park, a famous avifauna home to thousands of birds, and stop at the iconic Taj Mahal, an ivory-white marble mausoleum in the city of Agra, on the way. The 12-day tour (22 October to 5 November 2016, or 12-26 November 2016) costs from £1,198 pp (two sharing) including B&B accommodation, some lunches and dinners, transfers, and a knowledgeable guide. International flights and bike extra. For more information, visit pedal-nation.co.uk/Rajasthan.
For more information, visit www.pedal-nation.co.uk/ or call 0114 352 0060.
