Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the questions that we're sometimes asked about our trips. If your particular query isn't here, please just contact us and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

What’s the difference between a guided and self-guided trip?

For both guided and self-guided trips we can provide the following:

• Accommodation in comfortable lodgings – from bunkhouse to B&B to luxury hotel

• Transport to the start point and from the end of the trip to public transport networks or to your car

• Baggage transfers between your accommodation each day

• Support vehicle containing tools and spares

If you’d prefer to have a guide accompanying you along your route, we can provide a local, knowledgeable guide who will be happy to answer questions and discuss the natural history of the areas you’ll be biking through. Alternatively, we’ll provide you with detailed maps and directions of your route. If you decide to go for the self-guided option, you should be able to read a map.

What will I need to carry while I’m biking?

You should carry enough water to get you through the day. There will often be places to stop for lunch during the day but if you’re passing through very remote areas you may be required to carry snacks and lunch for the entire day. You should also carry any spare clothes that you might need. Even if the weather looks fair, you should take a waterproof jacket, as conditions can change very quickly. If you’re taking part in a self-guided trip you’ll need some spares and tools as well. Bring spare inner tubes, pump, tyre levers, chain-splitter tool and some powerlinks. On a guided trip your guide will provide the tools required. A 15 to 20 litre rucksack with 2 to 3 litre bladder will be an ideal size. Refer to our Kit List page for more details.

Will I be able to buy food along the route?

During the day you might be able to buy snacks and lunch as you cycle, depending on your route. If there is no opportunity to buy food during the day, your guide or support driver will let you know that you need to buy food to last the day first thing and carry it with you. Will it be easy for me to get an evening meal? Your accommodation will be within easy walking distance of a pub or restaurant so you’ll be able to buy a tasty, hearty evening meal. If you’re staying in bunkhouses you’ll be able to cook your own food in well equipped kitchens.

What type of clothes will I need to bring for my biking trip?

The climate in the UK can be unpredictable, even throughout the summer months. It is best to be prepared for rain so bring a light, breathable waterproof jacket and plenty of layers in case it’s cool and windy. Waterproof shorts are useful to have to prevent ‘soggy bottom syndrome’! Waterproof trousers are ok but tend to get a bit sweaty if you’re wearing them all day. Waterproof socks are a great invention and will keep your feet dry if you’re splashing through puddles and rivers. Padded shorts are a very good idea. Refer to our Kit List page for more details.

Why do your coast to coast trips run from west to east?

Prevailing winds in the UK during spring, summer and autumn tend to come from the west. If you’d prefer to complete your C2C from east to west, we can arrange that for you, just be prepared for a headwind!

Are midges a real problem and what can I do to avoid them?

Midges are tiny biting insects that can be real nuisance. You’ll not notice them until you stop for a nice picnic on the banks of a loch or get a puncture in a sheltered forest. Basically, if you’re moving more slowly than 3 miles per hour or the wind is blowing less than this, the midges will find you! For many people they’re just a mild inconvenience and although they’ll be bitten, there is no allergic reaction. However, for other people, midge bites will result in an intensely itchy spot, a bit like a mosquito bite, that will remain itchy for three or four days. You can take an antihistamine to reduce the itch but we’d suggest that it’s best not to get bitten in the first place. There are many repellents out there that claim to be a miracle midge repellent, for example Avon Skin So Soft. You may prefer to use a bit of DEET and although it’s not recommended for extended periods of time, it’s pretty effective at deterring the little blighters! 20% DEET should be strong enough. Alternatively, cover up and they’ll not get you.

What happens if I’m too tired to cycle the scheduled route or become injured?

Whether you’re on a guided or self-guided trip, our back-up vehicle will never be more than an hour or so away from your location. Some of our mountain biking routes pass through very remote areas where you may not be able to get a mobile phone reception and there are no roads. You should be aware that in this instance you’ll need to make you own way to a phone and a paved road.

Do I need to do any training for my holiday?

Our trips are all graded from 1 to 5 for fitness required and, for mountain biking trips, from green to black for technical ability required to be able to enjoy your holiday. These gradings are just a guide so that you can judge for yourself if the trip that you’ve chosen is the right one for you. For all our mountain biking routes, a level of off-road biking experience is required.If you'd like to know more about our grading system please click here.

What kind of bike should I use for the trip?

This obviously depends on whether you’re holiday is one of our cycling trips or an off-road mountain biking trip. Cycling trips: The route will be predominantly on quiet country roads with stretches of purpose-built cycle paths and occasional short sections of off-road track. A hybrid bike is an ideal choice for these routes. Alternatively, if you fit smooth tyres onto a mountain bike, you’ll have the advantage of having plenty of gears to get you up the hills and you’ll roll easily down the other side as well. A road bike can be used for these routes but you might have to make a few detours to avoid the off-road sections. Mountain biking trips: The route will follow forestry tracks, ancient military roads, walking paths, bridleways and quiet country roads. Some of the trails can be rocky, very rough and climb and descend steeply. A mountain bike is required for these routes. A hardtail will be fine for these routes but a full-suspension bike will make climbing and descending easier and more comfortable.

If I’m hiring a bike, should I bring my own pedals?

When you’re spending 7 hours a day on a bike, it’s important for you to feel comfortable. We’d recommend bringing your own pedals and saddle if you’re a keen biker. Otherwise, our hire bikes come with flat pedals rather than clipless.