UK Family Cycle Tour – Northumberland Coast Ride

Question 1

Where does the tour start and end?

Answer

The tour starts in Alnwick, which is easily reached by train, with Alnmouth station on the East Coast Main Line just a short distance away.

You will either be met at the train station and transferred to your accommodation or you can drive to Alnwick and will be able to leave your car at or near the accommodation for the duration of the trip.

The tour ends in either Berwick-upon-Tweed (where the cycling ends and where you'll meet the representative with your luggage) or with a transfer available to take you back to your car at Alnwick.

Question 2

How long is the tour? How many days cycling?

Answer

The tour is 5 days long with 4 days of cycling.

Question 3

What's the tour like?

Answer

You’ll be riding on a mixture of flat and undulating terrain, on paved river and seaside promenades and purpose-built cycle paths, as well as along minor urban roads and rural lanes, which are usually quiet but may be busier in the summer at weekends and during holidays.

There are also a few off-road sections, with paths across grassy fields or farm tracks, including a section along a muddy clifftop track, which is unsuitable for road bikes. The route can be ridden on almost any type of bike other than a road bike.

It is possible to use an e-bike on this holiday. There are no significant climbs or passes on the route, but if you are wanting to spend more time exploring the towns and villages along the way then an e-bike is a great idea to cover the miles a little quicker. Please note, e-bikes are generally heavier than standard bikes, so this is worth considering when handling the bike over any rough / uneven terrain.

These easy to follow routes are place to place so, it’s worth noting, if you’re traveling with children the whole family must be able to ride the distances stated on the trip notes. Children must be comfortable riding on roads, on undulating terrain, and on some small off-road sections.

Question 4

Should I prepare for the weather?

Answer

When cycling in the UK it’s best to come prepared for sun and rain, warm and cold all in the same day – spring, summer and autumn.

Although there can be wide variations, the monthly average temperature in the UK ranges from 9-12°C (48-54 Fahrenheit) in April, up to 17-20°C (63-68 Fahrenheit) in July, and then 11-14 °C (52-57 Fahrenheit) in October.

At the beginning and end of the season (in March and late October) the weather can be a little less predictable and there could be some cooler / rainier days. In the summer months, temperatures can rise up into the thirties. This can differ from year to year.

It’s highly recommended that you carry layers and a light waterproof with you along the way, (and sun cream in the summer months!) just in case the UK’s weather catches you unawares!

Question 5

Can you tell me what comes with the bikes? Are helmets provided?

Answer

All of the hire bikes have a wide range of gears, hydraulic disc brakes and offer a comfortable riding position. All bikes have inner tubes and come equipped with a small seat-post bag containing a puncture repair kit, a multitool and a spare tube, as well as a bike pump. A handlebar phone mount is also provided (if required), and a bike lock (one between two bikes). Please note, given the variety of shapes and sizes of on-bike luggage and the fact the mechanisms for fitting them vary, we aren’t able to safely accommodate customers’ own frame bags or on-bike luggage on hire bikes.

Helmets can be provided. If you’d like one, please request this at the time of booking. You are welcome to bring along your own saddle and / or own pedals if renting a hybrid or gravel bike, but please let us know in advance if you plan to do so. Please note, all the hire bikes come with flat pedals as standard.