National Cycling Week this June is encouraging everyone to get on their bikes and experience the fun, energy boost and feeling of freedom that travelling on two wheels can offer. This doesn’t have to be the hard work it often appears to people more used to driving everywhere, or be confined to weekdays cycling to the shops or to school. Compass Holidays (www.compass-holidays.com) has a range of weekend breaks and holidays which combine easy cycling with getting under the skin of the history and culture, and enjoying the natural beauty, of some of England’s most iconic and stunning locations.
All the routes offered have been cycled by Compass’ staff and are along quiet, back roads making them perfect for people who haven’t been on a bike since childhood or for families trying to encourage their children to get more exercise and fresh air. Optional short-cuts allow the daily cycling distance to be adapted according to energy levels and what customers want to do that day. All the UK holidays are graded as easy so no strenuous ‘peddle power’ is needed and Compass staff can advise anyone who’s not sure which holiday will suit them – they don’t want any sore bums on these breaks and holidays!
All holidays are self-guided and a comprehensive tour pack highlights all the visitor attractions plus special historical and cultural places en route. This allows a personal bubble of time and experience to be created for all customers according to their own interests or hobbies, and helping families plan a day to please everyone, creating fun quality time together.
The length of the short breaks is between 2 – 4 days, and 7-11 days for holidays. Examples of holidays offered:
Cornish Contrasts – Cornwall Cycling Short Break runs along the Cornish coastline with its rocky coves, spectacular cliffs, creeks, and the dramatic beach of Kynance Cove. En route are old Cornish fishing villages; Goonhilly Down satellite tracking station; the National Trust owned country estate of Loe Pool; a reconstructed mining village; the National Seal Sanctuary at Gweek; St Michael’s Mount; Praa Sands’ mile long sandy beach which is fantastic for families and surfers. The route passes through Falmouth with the chance to visit the maritime museum, Henry VIII’s castle (Pendennis Castle), exotic gardens and lovely beaches.
Wheeling on the Wolds - Cotswolds Cycling Short Break takes cyclists through old, charming Cotswold villages and Stow-on-the-Wold with its market square where up to 25,000 sheep a day used to be sold. Children will love the chance to see the cute farm animals at Cotswold Farm Park (belonging to Adam Henson, presenter of Countryfile on BBC1); and at the National Trust’s Snowshill Manor crammed with historical artefacts from Samaria warrior armour to Victorian children’s toys and much more, children can try on clothes from past ages from the dressing-up box. Everyone will surely be fascinated by the mosaic floors, bath houses and heating system on display at Chedworth Roman Villa, the most complete villa of the period remaining in England.
Other holidays in the UK let cyclists discover the wonder of Gloucestershire and Warwickshire. European destinations include the Balkans, the Danube, France, Majorca and Italy.
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