saddle skedaddle bike tours

Self-Guided Mountain Bike Tours

If you’re looking for a proper off-road adventure but worry about doing it all yourself then our self-guided mountain biking tours are the perfect solution for you and your riding buddies. Having the back-up of the Skedaddle team is a big advantage when you’re riding out into the wilderness but there are a lot of other benefits too. We’ll give you all the navigation tools you need to find your way and we’ll also take care of booking accommodation and arranging luggage transfers.

Do you want to explore the wild mountains of northern Spain or the sierras of Andalucía? Perhaps you’d enjoy a remote ride into the heart of Sardinia or a journey through wild Northumbrian landscapes? Take your pick from our awesome tours below!

Find Your Ride

We found 4 Holidays in your search for:

• In Destinations, UK, England or 49 more...
• Mountain Biking (All Grades)
• All Cycling Holidays
• All Mountain Bike Tours
• ALL SELF-GUIDED TOURS

Northumberland - Sandstone Way

Self-guided mountain bike tour, prices from.

Book your summer cycling escape before 30 April and save $50 or get half-price bike hire, including full-suspension and e-mountain bikes, where available. Applies to departures until 31 August 2024.

Save on Self-Guided Tours

SPRING SAVINGS! Save on Self-Guided Tours

Book your summer cycling escape before 30 April and save $50 or get half-price bike rental, including full-suspension and e-mountain bikes, where available. Applies to departures until 31 August 2024. Apply the promo code SKEDADDLE24 when you book.

Daily departures available from 10 Apr to 15 Oct. The season prices below are per person and are applicable for all start dates between and inclusive of the stated dates.

Season 1 8 Apr – 28 Sep: $1035

Season 2 28 Sep – 12 Oct: $1100

You either can make a booking online or over the phone. Once we have your details, we’ll be able to check availability.

• Dramatic hills and remote valleys of Northumberland National Park
• Biking through the least populated county in England
• Trying out a selection of fun, flowing singletrack
• Exploring remote bridleways and little known rights of way
• Pease pudding and stotties in a local country pub
• Rolling by wide open countryside with sweeping views and numerous sandstone crags

Sierras Explorer

Book your summer cycling escape before 30 April and save $90 or get half-price bike hire, including full-suspension and e-mountain bikes, where available. Applies to departures until 31 August 2024.

Book your summer cycling escape before 30 April and save $90 or get half-price bike rental, including full-suspension and e-mountain bikes, where available. Applies to departures until 31 August 2024. Apply the promo code SKEDADDLE24 when you book.

Daily departures available. The season prices below are per person and are applicable for all start dates between and inclusive of the stated dates.

2024 11 Apr – 30 Nov (excluding dates from 01 Jul to 31 Aug)

Season 1 – $2010 11 – 22 Apr and 01 Oct – 30 Nov

Season 2 – $2205 23 Apr – 30 Jun and 01 – 30 Sep

• Exploring the historical town of Ronda
• Riding the slick Guadiaro single-track
• The incredible descent through the Alcornocales to the white hilltop town of Jimena
• Spending a night in the beautiful setting of a 13th century Moorish castle.
• Riding the shores of the Straits of Gibraltar past secluded coves and ancient watchtowers
• Tapas bar hopping in the fun-filled town of Tarifa

Camino Primitivo

Book your summer cycling escape before 30 April and save $80 or get half-price bike hire, including full-suspension and e-mountain bikes, where available. Applies to departures until 31 August 2024.

Book your summer cycling escape before 30 April and save $80 or get half-price bike rental, including full-suspension and e-mountain bikes, where available. Applies to departures until 31 August 2024. Apply the promo code SKEDADDLE24 when you book.

2024 02 Apr – 30 Sep

Season 1 – $1805 02 – 22 Apr and 03 – 31 May

Season 2 – $2000 23 Apr – 02 May and 01 Jun – 30 Sep

• Pre-trip cider pouring in the old town of Oviedo
• The sinuous singletrack switchback descent to Las Grandas
• Remote, wild routes across high mountains passes
• Descending out of the rugged Cordillera to the fabulous Roman city of Lugo
• Tasting Galician-style Octopus washed down with a crisp Albarino white
• Hearing the eerie wail of bagpipes on arrival into the cathedral square in Santiago

Sardinia - Coast to Coast

Book your summer cycling escape before 30 April and save $75 or get half-price bike hire, including full-suspension and e-mountain bikes, where available. Applies to departures until 31 August 2024.

Book your summer cycling escape before 30 April and save $75 or get half-price bike rental, including full-suspension and e-mountain bikes, where available. Applies to departures until 31 August 2024. Apply the promo code SKEDADDLE24 when you book.

2024 25 Mar – 30 Oct (excluding dates from 09 Jun – 31 Aug)

Season 1 – $1880 03 Apr – 08 Jun / 10 Sep – 30 Oct

Season 2 – $2075 25 Mar – 02 Apr / 01 Sept – 09 Sept

Alternatively for a great value holiday choose one of our scheduled departures below.

• Experiencing the friendliness of the Sardinian people
• Piscinas Beach – The highest sand dunes in the Med.
• Checking out the UNESCO heritage Nuraghe of Barumini
• Riding varied biking trails in real remote mountain areas
• Good home cooked food, washed down with local wine
• The stunning descent to Bari Sardo on the East Coast

Scotland - Hebridean Explorer

Leave a review

  Tour Operator   Saddle Skedaddle

    United Kingdom

  7   days   (Bike: 5 days)

  209   mi   (~ 42 mi  per day)

  Some hills , Off-road

A fantastic journey by bike through the Outer Hebrides

We’re excited to offer this extraordinary chance to explore these unique islands by bike, travelling through one of Europe’s last true wilderness regions, the Outer Hebrides, a superb location for a mountain bike holiday in the UK.

Crowned the 'Hebridean Explorer', this 280km bike journey weaves its way through seven islands on a variety of ancient paths, historic by-ways, mountain tracks and impossibly quiet roads. While there is the occasional intermediate level trail, the riding is not overly challenging, allowing us to relax and enjoy the superb wilderness scenery. Island hopping means that we will be using a combination of ferry trips and exciting boat rides to link up the paths we have discovered across this diverse archipelago.

More than any other bike ride, the Hebridean Explorer offers the opportunity to experience life on the islands, where the landscapes are wild and untamed, golden eagles and red deer roam free, and human history dates back over 5000 years.

The Outer Hebrides also retain a culture distinct from the rest of Scotland. Here you will find Gaelic as the first language and a sense of pride and tradition which make the Outer Hebrides a remarkable and unforgettable place to visit.

Holiday Highlights Seven unspoilt islands  Great trails and exciting boat rides  Awesome scenery, wild hills and clean white beaches  Great food, hospitality and malt whisky!  History, culture and wildlife

Tour Information

Butt of Lewis

Guided     £   1785

Departure(s)

June 20, September 12 & 26, 2021 May 15, September 11, 2022

Single Supplement

We can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.

A) Shared twin (or double) room in B&Bs or hotels (usually en suite) B) Full tour service including a guide qualified in First Aid and a back up vehicle carrying spares, snacks and extra equipment not needed on your bike C) Breakfast, full buffet style picnic lunches, en route refreshments including a selection of hot and cold drinks D) Pick up and drop off at Glasgow International Airport (GLA) E) All ferry & local boat services

A) Personal clothing and equipment B) Travel insurance C) Bar bills, telephone calls, souvenirs, etc. D) Bike & helmet hire (available if required) E) Travel or flight costs and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable) F) Single room option (may be available if required) G) Entrance fees to cultural or historical sites and visitor centres H) Other optional activities

Front Suspension Bike Hire £120 Full Suspension Bike Hire: £180 Sustrans Donation £5

There are currently no reviews for this tour.

Write a Review

Sign in  to leave a review. Not a member and want to enjoy our great benefits?  Join here!

Share this page

While great care has been taken to show full and correct tour details, unfortunately transcription errors do occur and, although we continually seek to eliminate these, we apologise for any mistakes. Plans or bookings should not be made exclusively based on information shown on this website but must be confirmed with the tour operator.

Ferries to UK / Ferries from Ireland

Ferries in Scandinavia

Ferries in the Baltics

Spain & Morocco

Mini Cruises

Package Holidays

Inspiration

Discover DFDS

Travel Information

Travel Extras

More Information

Cycling holidays

Cycling holidays to europe.

Get active with your next European getaway and book a cycling holiday to Germany, France, or Holland. Our partner and cycling tour experts, Saddle Skedaddle, has a host of itineraries, with routes to suit all abilities. Perfect for couples and active families, the routes have been specially created, so you’ll see each region’s most beautiful towns, villages and natural landscapes.

Accommodation is included in your package and your luggage will be transported to the next hotel. And with plotted maps and directions for you to follow, it makes a cycling holiday easier than ever.

Travel with your vehicle

Daily crossings

Drive or cycle to the start of the tour or use public transport

Can hire bikes from Saddle Skedaddle

Friday, April 19, 2024

All times shown are in local time.

Please note that timetables may change subject to weather conditions.

Tour routes: Loire and Burgundy, France

__Loire __ This self-guided holiday starts and ends in Tours, taking you on a journey through the stunning castles and landscapes of the Loire Valley. It’s an 8 day adventure that will give you all of the best bits of this magnificent region. View tour itinerary .

Burgundy Follow the canals and waterways of the beautiful Burgundy region. You’ll visit medieval towns and outstanding landscapes on this gentle cycling holiday. It’s mostly flat terrain which makes it ideal for beginners. View tour itinerary .

Holland: green heart, windmills and beaches

An easy cycling holiday, discover Holland in true Dutch style: on your bike. Your journey begins and ends in Amsterdam and you spend your nights in a comfortable barge on Holland’s famous waterways, with all meals included. You’ll also visit forests, beaches and quaint towns en route. View itinerary With a tour guide you’ll explore the heart of Holland, including the historic windmills of Kinderdijk. There will also be time for you to cycle through the 16th century towns of Haarlem, Leiden and more. All of your meals are included, too, on this bike and barge holiday. View itinerary

Onboard experience

Duty Free Shopping at Sea

Browse a selection of fragrances, cosmetics, confectionery and more from big name brands, as well as beer, wine spirits and souvenirs in our onboard shop, at a fraction of mainland prices.

Restaurants

With fish & chips, curry and vegetarian options always on the menu as well as cooked breakfasts and light bites, there is something for everyone. Please note, 7 Seas Restaurant and Lighthouse Café are open 24/7 and Horizon will be open during busier crossings.

Relax and unwind on your crossing in the Premium Lounge with complimentary drinks and snacks. To make your crossing even smoother, Priority Boarding allows you to be one of the first to board and disembark. Premium Lounge is only available on selected crossings. Please check before travelling.

Family Travel

Visit our Pirates’ Island play area to keep the kids busy during the crossing. Our onboard app, Jack’s Treasure Hunt will also keep them occupied, as they follow our mascot around the ship to find his treasure.

Ship Overview

Find out more about the vessels that operate on our Calais to Dover route.

Free Onboard WiFi

Stay connected with our free and fast on-board WiFi. Our long-range directional WiFi provides a more reliable and enhanced browsing experience.

Travel guides

Caves & canals of burgundy.

Make Burgundy your playground during this self-guided 7-day cycling holiday with our partner, Saddle Skedaddle.

Châteux of The Loire

Famous for its outstanding castles, manors and vast expanses of natural Gallic beauty, the Loire region lends itself perfectly to a cycling holiday.

Germany's Moselle Valley

This relaxing 8-day holiday takes you through the most stunning areas of Germany’s renowned Moselle Valley.

Green heart of Holland

Discover the Green Heart of Holland during this 8-day cycling holiday with our partner, Saddle Skedaddle.

Holland’s windmills & beaches

Cycle by day and sleep on a comfortable barge by night, and get an authentic Dutch experience.

Moselle Valley, Germany

Through the tranquil Moselle Valley, take yourself on a journey round meandering riverside paths as the magnificent German landscape opens up around you. As well as discovering rural Germany, your self-guided holiday will also take you to the medieval town of Koblenz. View tour itinerary

Championing the Seas!  

We're elated to announce that DFDS has once again retained its title as Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator at the 2024 World Travel Awards.

This accolade wouldn’t have been possible without you, our loyal passengers. Thank you for recognising the hard work of our exceptional team members who are dedicated to ensuring each voyage is as exceptional as the next.

Your ongoing support is the anchor to our success.

Thirdeyemom

Traveling the world and doing good, saddle skedaddle celebrates a landmark 25 years with exclusive new cycling trips.

As the demand to explore the world in a unique and sustainable way increases, there is terrific news for cycling enthusiasts who seek adventure.  Saddle Skedaddle , a world-class cycling operator with nearly 25 years of experience curating diverse itineraries and cycling tours, has launched its new 2020 tours, exploring far-flung corners of the world by bike. Ranging from such off the beaten path destinations like Jordan, Ethiopia, and Borneo, Saddle Skedaddle is bound to stir up those who seek to see the world a little differently.

Biking trips offer a unique way to explore pockets of a destination that can often be off the common tourist route, and also provide a way to travel and do good by being environmentally-friendly and supporting local communities. Better yet, by traveling in a small-group on two wheels you truly have the freedom to experience and get to know a destination, its people and culture intimately. While I have not yet had the opportunity to do a cycling trip myself, it is something I would love to experience someday especially given my love of hiking trips.

In my quest to feature different sustainable adventure travel outfitters, I reached out to  Paul Snedker, Director and Co-Founder, of Saddle Skedaddle to learn more about their mission and of course their amazing trips.  Here is what Paul had to say. 

Table of Contents

When were you founded, by who and why?

My friend, Andrew Straw, and I founded Saddle Skedaddle nearly 25 years ago after our own cycling adventure in Chile. One night, while trapped on a mountain pass during a snowstorm, we got to talking about how much we had been able to see and experience while traveling the country on a bike. We hatched an idea about bringing this kind of travel to other people—pedaling through, not passing by, as they say—and with that, Saddle Skedaddle was born!

Today, Saddle Skedaddle is the UK’s leading independent cycling vacation specialist that is all about doing something wonderful on two wheels. Our team of experts has searched far and wide for nearly 25 years to bring you some of the world’s most incredible locations and enchanting cultures to enjoy at the speed of the bike. It’s time to really meet a place, and its people, you’ll never want to forget.

Travel in Morocco

We are so excited to be celebrating our 25th anniversary in 2020. Learn more about our original trip to Chile here , complete with vintage 1994 video footage!

What is your mission?

We want to inspire as many people as we can to travel by bike and share their experiences. We aim to move people—in more ways than one—and we believe you can do something wonderful on two wheels, whether it’s weaving around cobbled city streets or pumping the knees with the hilltop picnic point in sight. Cycling holidays with Saddle Skedaddle are carefree, active, and adventurous, and our local guides bring expert knowledge on the best food, wine, and sights to give you an unrivaled opportunity to discover more about the people and culture of a place. 

What makes you unique in the sustainable adventure travel field?

We are unique in the sustainable adventure travel field because of our bike expertise and passion for cycling — we focus solely on bike trips, so we are truly experts in the field. And we don’t limit that expertise to one location, or one type of trip — we offer more than 250 trips in 36 (and counting!) countries, ranging from mountain biking (and e-mountain biking!) to cycling adventures, road cycling to family holidays. As we say, everyone’s different, but everyone pedals: and we’re able to find a trip that works for everyone.

A recent bike trip in Peru

Give me highlights of your top five trips/tours.

Cycling Adventures: Chile and Argentina Lakes District

Discover the pristine beauty of northern Patagonia on this 13-day guided tour of Chile and Argentina’s lake regions. Highlights include biking the Seven Lakes Route to San Martin de los Andes, hiking the majestic Volcan Villarica, and sampling the chocolates of Bariloche (with some Malbec, of course!) after the day’s activities. 

Priced from $3,375.  Next departures Jan. 19, Feb 16 and March 15, 2020

Road Cycling: Colombia – Emerald Mountains

Explore the unspoiled Andean highlands on this 13-day guided road cycling tour of Colombia. Take on cycling challenges offered by Colombia’s changing elevation as you make your way from mountainous capital of Bogota to the dazzling Caribbean port of Cartagena. 

Priced from $3,375.  Next departures Jan. 11, Feb. 1 and Feb. 18, 2020

Road trip in Colombia

Family Cycling: Morocco – Desert, Mountains and Coast  

Grab the whole family to discover Morocco by saddle on this 8-day guided family cycling holiday. Mountain bike from North Africa’s highest ski resort, camp in the desert in the shadow of the High Atlas Mountains, and go on a treasure hunt through the ancient alleyways of the souk.

Priced from $1,920.  Next departures April 6 and Oct. 18, 2020

Family biking trip in Morocco

Leisure Cycling: UK- Roman’s Reivers and Ancient Castles

Pedal past castles and coastlines on your own pace with this 10-day self-guided leisure cycling tour. Follow in the footsteps of the Roman Empire along Hadrian’s Wall, past miles of pristine dunes, sandy beaches and stunning vistas until you get your first glimpse of Edinburgh as you cycle over the Moorfoot hills.

Priced from $1,480.  Departures available upon request.

UK trip landscape

Mountain Biking: Peru – Sacred Singletrack

Ride the spectacular trails of the Inca Avalanche racecourse on this 14-day guided mountain bike holiday. Descend the Inca staircases of Chinchero, explore ancient llama-trails through Lares and Lamay and accomplish winding descents and remote mountain singletracks, arriving at the incredible Machu Picchu.

Priced from $2,295.  Departures available upon request.

Biking through Peru

How are you helping sustainable/responsible travel?

Around the world, we aim to help combat overtourism by designing tours that bring people away from city centers and main tourist hubs, and onto quieter back roads that are less traveled. In our backyard, we have a partnership with Sustrans, a UK organization that runs a National Cycle Network— a series of safe, traffic-free paths and quiet on-road cycling and walking routes that connect to every major town and city—to help people make travel choices that are good for them, their neighborhood and the environment. For every mile cycled along the National Cycle Network during one of our tours, we donate to Sustrans, and we give our customers the chance to support Sustrans directly when they book a tour in the UK.

Tell me more about the new tours you launched for 2020?

To mark our 25th anniversary, we have launched a collection of new 2020 tours, exploring far-flung corners of the world by bike. This 2020, jump on your saddle to explore the rock-carved churches of Ethiopia, the quiet coves and mountain summits of Croatia and the ancient elephant paths found in the savannah of the largest privately-owned game reserve in Africa. Here is a taste of two new tours from our 25th-anniversary collection:

Pedal the mountains of Ethiopia  

Journey through the horn of Africa on this  15-day adventure through Ethiopia . Depart north from Addis Ababa to visit Lake Tana and the Blue Nile Waterfall before gaining more than 14,785 feet in altitude on a journey into the Simien Mountains. Spend two nights camping cliffside, surrounded by endemic wildlife including gelada baboons, bearded vultures and Walia ibex. Later, hike through the Kaba Valley to the Geech Abyss for a spectacular view of Jinbar Falls, then visit the ancient obelisks in Axum and the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the journey, sample a local delicacy,  injera  (sourdough flatbread), and learn the art of traditional Ethiopian coffee brewing.  Departs Sept. 12 and Oct. 17, 2020 .  Priced from $3,765

Jaunt through Jordan’s eco-reserve

Be one of the first to ever pedal along the verdant jungle grounds of Ajloun Forest Reserve on the 8-day  Cycling Adventure in Jordan . Located in the highlands, more than eight miles of biking trail remain untouched, where guests will cycle past wild pistachio and strawberry trees. In the Jordanian capital of Amman, marvel at the architectural feat that is the ancient Citadel and Roman Amphitheatre, then descend to the earth’s lowest point, The Dead Sea, to kick back and simply float. After cycling the famed King’s Highway—an ancient route linking Petra to Siq Al Barid—post up for the night in a desert resembling Mars to enjoy a Bedouin feast. Make your way to the Red Rose City of Petra, one of the Modern Seven Wonders of the World, to set sight upon the elaborately carved sandstone rock face of Al-Khazneh. Departs Mar. 7 and Apr. 4, 2020 .  Priced from $2,075  

We also have new trips to South Africa and Botswana, Croatia, and Borneo. Visit our website www.skedaddle.com or more details.

Like it? Why not PIN for later?

I would love it if you shared!

Looks like so many great tours Nicole! My wanderlust is off and running or in this case pedalling!

I thought of you when I did this post, Sue. Have you heard of this company before? I can’t wait to read all about Jordan. I don’t even know where to start when writing my posts. I loved it so much especially my two days walking all over Petra! Magical place!

I haven’t heard of them Nicole but anyone who has in business for 25 years has to have a solid track record. We loved Jordan too. I think Dave will do more of the history and geology and my writing will be more of the practical tips.

Can’t wait to read your posts Sue! 🙂

Really cool with a travel organizer that thinks sustainability. Saddle Skedaddle seems to be a great place to go for spectacular bike ride. I read your interview with Paul Snedker with interest. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks Otto! Yes I would love to see a place on two wheels. I’m often doing it on foot via a hiking trip but a biking trip would be so much fun!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Discover more from Thirdeyemom

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

Suggested companies

Skedadle app, exodus adventure travels, explore worldwide.

Saddle Skedaddle   Reviews

In the Tour operator category

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Write a review

Reviews 4.5.

Most relevant

Imagine you set up a cycle tour company....…

Imagine you set up a cycle tour company, and listened hard to feedback from your very first tour, and acted on it. Then did the same again, hundreds of times. This is what you get with Saddle Skedaddle. Experience based on doing and listening. Our party of 12 just completed a ride across Southern India. It has been a huge sucess for everybody. This is a party of occasional cyclists, average age over 60. SaSk listened to our requirements, had a correspondent cycle tour operator in Kerala (Kalypso Adventures) and adjusted the route and mileage to get us up about 2,000m over the Western Ghats in 34C, doing about 480 kms over 8 days. The pre-trip customer service was as good as it could have been and the Kalypso Guides were awesome. Logistics (vehicles, bike maintenance and baggage translocation) were immaculately executed. Just superb. And thanks, Saddle Skedaddle and Kalypso.

Date of experience : 04 February 2024

Reply from Saddle Skedaddle

Hi Jeremy, Thanks so much for the review, we are really happy you enjoyed the trip so much and it was a pleasure putting everything together for you all. Hope to see you again. Saddle Skedaddle

Not Saddle Skedaddle but SKEDIDDLE

Booked a cycling holiday in Croatia through them with Island Hopping. The holiday on the boat was good fun, but discovered that Saddle Skedaddle had loaded the price by a couple of hundred pounds over anyone who booked directly with Island hopping. As they get a commission from Island Hopping I felt it was unreasonable of them to charge a significant sum on top of the ticket price. Spoke to them when I came back and they just dug their heels in, justifying their surcharge with several very lame excuses. So be aware if you book through Skediddle you might be charged extra for nothing. Go direct and save money. I suppose Caveat Emtptor.

Date of experience : 17 June 2018

Hi Tony, We're sorry you were dissatisfied with the explanation of our pricing, especially as you let us know how much you enjoyed the holiday. I know you have already chatted this through with my colleagues by phone and e mail on several occasions and although we are confident our holidays offer good value for money we are of course sorry you disagree, despite our offer of a discount from a future trip. While we would only expect people to book with us once they are happy with our prices we are quite transparent and are happy to chat people through what they get for their money before booking.

LEJOG (19 days) September 2022

LEJOG (19 days) September 2022 I have cycled all over the world on 6 different continents but this did not prepare me for the cowboy outfit known as Skedddle. This trip had everything you didn't need. The penny pinching was apparent at every level. A tour guied with zero customer service skills and an ignorance that borders on malevolence. The cheapest rooms in the cheapest hotels and B&Bs. Imagine sharing a bathroom with 3 rooms after cycling all day. A bike with niggles that needed attention nearly every day yet the tour leader would not address the underlying issue. Zero flexibility to known events and a hostile attitude to guests and even threats to boot people off the tour. Entirely due to Skedaddle's inflexibility, utter intransigence, and unwillingness to adapt or change plans, we were unable to complete LEJOG. Zero empathy from both Skedaddle and the tour leader. Zero help, support, or assistance from Skedaddle's head office. I am still awaiting a formal response to the 9 separate issues I have raised. There are more professional companies out there than Skedaddle. I'd advise that you use those instead.

Date of experience : 30 September 2022

Hi Dave, we were really sorry to hear you are disappointed in your experience with Skedaddle. As you are aware, we have reached out by email to address all the points you have raised. We understand it was disappointing not to be able to complete the ride, but as explained at the time and in our correspondence since, our guides were prioritising the safety of the group and felt advising against riding at the end of the trip, was the only option given the severe weather warning that was in place. Thanks, Saddle Skedaddle

Excellent experience

Very well run, supported and organized guided cycle ride in Costa Rica. Meticulous preparation and communication from staff. Safety first priority but also ensuring the riding routes are best as possible. My tour leader, David, was first class (I’ve ridden many tours and have a basis for comparison). I would most definitely ride w them again.

Date of experience : 08 April 2023

I have now been on seven guided road trips with Skedaddle and they never disappoint. The organisation and support is great and it’s a huge comfort to know that any bike issues on route will be resolved as help is on hand. Friendly guides, lots of laughs and great routes keeping off main roads as much as possible. I don’t ever consider booking with another company - lots of fantastic routes still to try with Skedaddle!

Date of experience : 01 October 2022

Thanks for your review Karen. We hope you are looking forward to your 2023 trips! Saddle Skedaddle

Best company around for amazing cycling hols!

Just booked my fourth trip with Skedaddle. I can't recommend them enough! They pride themselves on offering hand picked destinations led by local guides and they consistently deliver-time after time. From the brilliant guides like Naomi and Dan, to the gang in the office who help make the magic happen - you really get the feeling that you're dealing with a very special company who genuinely care, and want their customers to have the best holiday ever. Thanks Skedaddle!

Date of experience : 03 September 2022

Hi Gemma, thanks for your review, we really appreciate it! Hopefully see you on a trip soon.

We love Saddle Skedaddle holidays!

I have been on a Saddle Skedaddle holiday with my husband every year for the past 6 years. We have mountain biked in southern Spain, done LEJOG on a tandem, cycled (solo road bikes) in Italy on the Italian Grand Traverse, Corsica, Wales and an Atlantic escape in Portugal. After returning from each trip, I have looked to see where to go next and we’re now looking forward to Costa Rica. We keep booking with Skedaddle because we know we will be looked after by a professional, friendly and attentive team, the routes are well researched and the lunches are excellent. I cannot recommend Saddle Skedaddle highly enough and would not consider trying another company!

Date of experience : 02 April 2022

Thanks Julia :-) We can't wait for Costa Rica too! Do let us know when you are ready to get another adventure arranged. Saddle Skedaddle

First class management all the way

Skedaddle have now organised and managed 10+ complex charity rides for me all across Europe, and it’s a first class service all the way. David and his team make sure we are safe, well fed, organised and cycle exceptional routes. Everything is managed perfectly from start to finish - and I could not imagine having a better team organising our trips.

Date of experience : 19 June 2022

Hi Daniel, thanks so much for the kind review. We can't wait to welcome you all on another trip soon! :-) Saddle Skedaddle

Atlantic Escape, another fantastic cycling holiday

This was our sixth cycling holiday with Skedaddle. This time 440 miles down the Portuguese coast from Porto to Sagres. What a great trip! David, Antonio and team looked after us royally. Fantastic route and fantastic lunches. Nothing was too much trouble for them, including unloading the van on route to find my inhaler buried at the bottom of my suitcase (I should have put in the day bag). All done with a smile and maximum attention to detail. Looking forward to our trip Costa Rica with Skedaddle in 2023. Well done the Skedaddle team.

Date of experience : 11 April 2022

Hi Mark, great to hear you had such an enjoyable time in Portugal! Counting down to Costa Rica can now begin.. Saddle Skedaddle

Incredible Cycling Journeys

I have experienced the most brilliant holidays across the world with Saddle Skedaddle. It says it all that I am always planning my next trip with this company. I have felt safe, well looked after and encouraged by experienced and knowledgeable guides. I have loved the whole experience and have returned home elated, feeling a sense of achievement and memories of lots of fun. The routes, food, hotels and company have always been great and guides have gone out of their way to fix any of those unexpected blips to ensure a fabulous holiday for everyone. I would not hesitate to recommend Saddle Skedaddle

Date of experience : 31 January 2022

Hi Karen, thank you for your review and it is great to hear you have had such enjoyable trips with us. Do let us know when you are ready to get your next trip organised! :-) Saddle Skedaddle

Having met the team from saddle…

Having met the team from saddle Skedaddle many rides ago, I now won’t do a trip without them. Their attention to detail, care, professionalism is sending to none. Add to that, they’re all great fun to be with. We now use them to run our charity rides and since engaging them have had such positive feedback from all guests.

Date of experience : 17 June 2022

Thanks for your feedback Nigel! Do let us know when you are ready to get your next ride planned :-)

Saddle Skidaddle to Tuscany

I went on a Saddle Skidaddle holiday with my wife. We went to Tuscany in Italy. The holiday was very well organised, we were looked after from meeting our transfer from the airport, through to the transfer back again. We were self guided and found the directions very easy to follow; they took us through some fantastic towns and natural parks. I particularly liked exploring the hill top, fortified towns, that we stayed in; the hotels were also great. I'm going to start looking for my next trip.

Date of experience : 29 September 2018

Hi Nick, Great to hear how much you enjoyed your trip to Tuscany. It is a beautiful part of the world and of course best explored by bike! Look forward to chatting to you about your next trip :-)

I used Skedaddle for my first ever cycling holiday

I used Skedaddle for my first ever cycling holiday and I was so glad I did. The routes took in stunning scenery around Slovenia and Croatia, as well as the local cuisine, and nice accommodation along the way. The guides were excellent, making sure the group were well looked after and selecting the best places for meals during the week. The guides adapted the route during the week to suit the needs of the group, changeable weather conditions, and unforeseen road blocks. I'd have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone else looking for a cycling holiday, with a company that goes out of its way to make sure everyone's needs are catered for.

So glad you had an enjoyable time in Slovenia & Croatia Matthew! Hopefully see you on another trip soon :-)

Excellent Service

We have just got back from a wonderful holiday organised by this company to cycle along the Moselle River for a week. From my initial booking, informative and personal, through to getting home it has all been excellent. On arrival at our first hotel our bikes and equipment hired were ready waiting for us and their rep met us shortly afterwards. Our hotels were all completely different which was fun and were all nice. We were self guided and had everything we needed to get to our destinations each day and once there our luggage was waiting for us. I would recommend this company and am looking forward to being able to book a holiday with them again soon.

Date of experience : 04 October 2018

Delighted to hear you enjoyed the trip! What a beautiful part of the world to discover by bike :) We look forward to helping you out with your next adventure! All the best, Skedaddle.

What an incredible adventure

What an incredible adventure! We have just returned from Colombia after an amazing trip cycling from Bogota to Cartagena. The cycling was tough but awesome, the views were amazing and the support was outstanding. We had more than our fair share of drama, with delayed luggage (both bikes!) and hospital visits but nothing was too much trouble for the team. By the time we arrived from the airport at the first hotel, arrangements for hire bikes for us were underway, so we didn't miss out on any cycling time. We chose this trip as our honeymoon, knowing that we wanted the experience of a lifetime, and that's what we got. We have the most amazing memories (including of cycling up Alto de Letras, which also goes down as the toughest day of my cycling life!).We are already looking ahead to planning another Saddle Skedaddle trip!

Date of experience : 27 January 2020

Hi Emma, Thanks for your kind review, it is great to read how much you enjoyed the trip and glad being unwell didn't slow you down! Hopefully chat to you again soon. Saddle Skedaddle

We were cycling in Sardinia

We were cycling in Sardinia. The cycling we managed to do was great. Unfortunately my husband had an injury and we couldn't complete the rides but the Skedaddle team were brilliant. They transferred us onto our other accommodations and tried to ensure we still had an enjoyable holiday. Very impressed with the itinerary and the organisation.

Date of experience : 20 April 2023

Hi Susan, Thanks very much for the review, really great to hear how much you enjoyed the trip and the injury didn't spoil things for you. Skedaddle

I did the Costa Rica mountain bike trip with my son. We had such a good time and I would highly recommend it. The guide Juan Carlos was excellent, very knowledgeable, patient and good fun. Amazing country and you see everything so much better by bike. The food was really good and considering how much was included in the price (hotels, food, rafting, park fees) I thought the holiday was good value for money. Will use this company again and thanks for great time.

Date of experience : 03 October 2018

Hi Lucinda, Really pleased to hear our trip helped you get the most out of Costa Rica, it is such an amazing part of the world. When you're ready for you next adventure by bike just give us a call.

I have been on various trips with…

I have been on various trips with Saddle and every single one is absolutely fantastic. Just got back a few days ago from my 2nd Corsica trip and again beyond expectations. The saddle team made the trip. Can’t recommend them enough

Hi Lee, thanks for your feedback and so glad you were able to make it to Corsica. Hopefully see you on another trip soon. Saddle Skedaddle

We have been on several trips all…

We have been on several trips all around the world with Saddle Skeddadle and each has been unique and wonderful! The guides and routes are top notch! Highly recommend this company. We are about to embark on another. Can't wait!

Date of experience : 07 October 2022

Hi Erica, thanks for the lovely review :-). Do let us know when you are ready to plan your next adventure. Saddle Skedaddle

Unsafe and untrained - Skedaddle

This group advertises cycling holidays in the UK and abroad. What they don’t advertise is how unequipped and untrained their staff are when things go wrong. I fell off my bike after hitting a pothole. I sustained an open, shattered elbow. Their tour guides, did not have a clue what to do, any plan, how serious my injury was or where a hospital was. They left me in agony and bleeding in their van whilst they had a picnic with the other cyclists. Telling the group I was okay. I wasn’t. Thank god for another cyclist who was a nurse and came to the van to check on me. She took charge and only then did they start to pack up the picnic. It was surreal how badly I was treated. They tried to give a speech at the end of the picnic and the other cyclists had to stop them. It took Skedaddle nearly 3 hours from the accident to get me to hospital or any painkillers/ care. I needed emergency surgery. Please do not use this company- like the other reviewer- they quickly change when things go wrong. I have never received an apology. Unfortunately- unless regulation is bought in or laws are changed, this will happen again. If anyone else has suffered with this company, please get in touch as I am absolutely committed to raising awareness about their shambolic care. Very quick to forget you. Don’t believe their adverts or PR. -

Date of experience : 08 September 2018

We were very sorry to hear of Lisa’s accident and continue to wish her all the best for her recovery. We have discussed the events with Lisa in depth and are extremely disappointed she still holds this opinion of the way the incident was handled. While we remain sympathetic to Lisa’s situation there are a number of things Lisa has said in her review which don’t accurately reflect the events. Our guides followed our proven procedures for dealing with accidents and the incident was handled in a professional manner, fully in line with recognised health and safety procedures. All of our guides receive industry leading training in guiding, first aid and incident management annually. All of the team that led this holiday had received this training and after thoroughly investigating events, we are confident that this was followed. The tour leader on this holiday was local to the area and was fully aware of where the local hospitals were, having designed the route, which includes conducting a risk assessment and documenting everything which might be needed in case of an emergency. While Lisa’s accident was very much the guides' priority they had to make sure the rest of the group had everything they needed to safely complete their cycling, which is why there was a short delay in leaving for the hospital, but Lisa was at the hospital within an hour of her accident. We have certainly not been quick to forget Lisa and following her accident we arranged for her car and other belongings, which had been left at the accommodation in Yorkshire, to be returned to her home address in London. This is not something we were obligated to do but wanted to help make things easier for Lisa during her recovery. We were in frequent contact with Lisa until the point Lisa indicated she no longer wanted to discuss the issue directly with us. We remain very sorry about Lisa's accident and the way she feels about our service. We have 23 years experience of running cycling holidays all over the world and have excellent levels of customer satisfaction, repeat business and a great reputation with our clients for the way we deal with incidents such as this. If anyone has any concerns we would be more than happy to chat about our approach.

• off.road.cc
• Dealclincher
• Fantasy Cycling

Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

• Sportive and endurance bikes
• Gravel and adventure bikes
• Urban and hybrid bikes
• Touring bikes
• Cyclocross bikes
• Electric bikes
• Folding bikes
• Fixed & singlespeed bikes
• Children's bikes
• Time trial bikes
• Accessories - misc
• Computer mounts
• Bike bags & cases
• Bottle cages
• Child seats
• Lights - front
• Lights - rear
• Lights - sets
• Pumps & CO2 inflators
• Puncture kits
• Reflectives
• Smart watches
• Stands and racks
• Arm & leg warmers
• Base layers
• Gloves - full finger
• Gloves - mitts
• Jerseys - casual
• Jerseys - long sleeve
• Jerseys - short sleeve
• Shorts & 3/4s
• Tights & longs
• Bar tape & grips
• Bottom brackets
• Brake & gear cables
• Brake & STI levers
• Brake pads & spares
• Cassettes & freewheels
• Chainsets & chainrings
• Derailleurs - front
• Derailleurs - rear
• Gear levers & shifters
• Handlebars & extensions
• Inner tubes
• Quick releases & skewers
• Energy & recovery bars
• Energy & recovery drinks
• Energy & recovery gels
• Heart rate monitors
• Hydration products
• Hydration systems
• Indoor trainers
• Power measurement
• Skincare & embrocation
• Training - misc
• Cleaning products
• Lubrication
• Tools - multitools
• Tools - Portable
• Tools - workshop
• Books, Maps & DVDs
• Camping and outdoor equipment
• Gifts & misc

There’s more to cycling holidays than just Majorca! Two expert tour guides pick their ultimate cycling trip bucket list destinations

This article includes paid promotion on behalf of Saddle Skedaddle

Read more about sponsored content

Fitness, commuting, training, racing, relaxing – it’s all fun when done by bike. But nothing instils the full sense of potential, fulfilment and joy of cycling than really exploring the world from the saddle. 

Of course, anybody can just get on their bike and head into the great wide yonder. But to really make the most of your precious free time, and to extend your horizons beyond your imagination, it’s worth seeking out a dedicated cycle tour operator with local expertise. 

With 28 years of experience, Saddle Skedaddle is the UK’s leading independent cycling holiday specialist, with a catalogue of fully-guided and self-guided cycle tours in destinations around the world, from Norway to Morocco and Chile to Croatia. All the tricky logistics are taken care of, so all you have to do is turn up and ride... although choosing which holiday from Skedaddle’s huge range is possibly even trickier than the cycling!

So, to whet your appetite, we’ve spoken to two of Skedaddle’s road cycling guides – Isobel Riley and David Hall – to share two of their favourite destinations and explain what makes the riding in these parts of the world so special. Prepare to be inspired! 

Andalucía, Spain: ‘Los Pueblos Blancos’ - Isobel Riley 

(Self-guided option  here )

Isobel has been guiding road cycling holidays for Skedaddle for 15 years all over Europe and the UK. With a passion for climbing cols, and all the major climbs in the Pyrenees and Alps under her belt, she knows what makes for an exciting cycling holiday. 

Tell us about the route  

This tour starts in Pizarra and takes us through the most fantastic mountain scenery in Andalucia. On the first day we ride up the Guadalhorce Valley passing the dramatic cliff of El Chorro to one of the ‘pueblos blancos’ – El Burgo. This sits right on the edge of the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park, full of incredible gorges and rock formations. From El Burgo we take on the Puerto de la Vibora – or the ‘Viper’s Pass’ – snaking up through pine trees and along a ridge. 

The tour heads into the breath-taking Sierra de Grazelama. After riding alongside the deep blue Zahara-Gastor reservoir, we climb the famous Puerto de la Palomas, which has featured in the Vuelta a Espana. It’s a distinct climb and we end up among the limestone rock formations above the Tierra de Grazelema, with stunning views back down to the reservoir. 

We actually spend two nights in Grazelema, doing a loop ride via El Bosque and Ubrique. We descend the Puerto del Boyar, another famous climb in the area, the opposite direction that the pros will ride in this year’s Vuelta. Another climb in the Vuelta is also on this tour: the Puerto del Viento. 

The roads in this area are fantastic, they’re smooth with very little traffic. We pass through a series of beautiful little villages with their characteristic white-washed walls unique to the area. There is no end of fantastic plazas where we can get tapas and a beer… well, at the end of the day, at least. 

For this holiday we fly into Malaga, which is really handy as there are plenty of flights, before transferring to Pizarra. 

Which is your favourite day or section? 

I would definitely say that the Puerto de las Palomas climb up towards Grazalema is beautiful. You just get stunning views back down to the reservoir. A highlight of that day is stopping in a little village called Zahara, where we have a coffee and cake on a terrace overlooking the lake, anticipating the climb ahead.

The climbs on this tour aren’t super-steep – there are no 10% sections that you’ll find in the Alps or the Pyrenees. For example, the Puerto de las Palomas has an average gradient of 5% or 6%, so you can spin away and glide up. It’s just a really beautiful climb. 

What’s special about cycling in this area? 

You get fabulous road surfaces – the asphalt is second to none, especially compared to UK roads. But even in terms of Europe-wide standards, this is one of the best places I’ve ever ridden in terms of road surfaces. 

Also, the lack of traffic is amazing. You don’t see many cars on the more rural roads and there isn’t the same training-camp mentality as in Majorca. This is the complete opposite of that: much calmer, with equally incredible climbing and descending, and stunning views. 

What’s great is the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere and that you’re the only rider on the climb – which you probably are – then dropping down to a lovely café with fantastic food. After a refuel you’re off again into the unspoilt scenery. 

If you’re looking for blue skies and sunshine all year round then this is the place to go! 

Any advice for people tempted by it? 

Even though you might have never heard of the area, do take the gamble and go. You will be absolutely delighted by the cycling here. 

Ronda itself is a fabulous place to stay – there are the bodegas and quite a developing wine tasting scene for people interested in that. The food has a Moorish influence, there are some decent bike shops in Ronda as well, so for me, it is the whole package. 

And you don’t see too many other Brits here, which might be an attraction for some people! 

In fact, I suspect anybody wanting to ride in this area will also be interested in our Roads of Ronda tour, with petal rides leaving and returning from Ronda, and slightly longer mileage and more climbing. 

How many days – 8 days (6 days riding)  Total distance – 248 miles  Difficulty – 2-3 out of 5  Cost – £1,995 PP  

Colombia: Emerald Mountains - David Hall  

David has travelled the world for more than 20 years, researching and guiding road cycling holidays for Skedaddle in Europe and Latin America.

Tell us about the route 

We start in Bogatá, 2600m above sea level. It’s an enormous metropolis and a fantastic city for cyclists, although it’s surprising how quickly you find yourself in beautiful, lush countryside once we transfer out of it. 

We spend the first day acclimatising – 2600m is high enough to feel the effects of altitude, although not high enough to feel altitude sickness. It’s a relatively flat start with just one small climb – 6 or 7km – where people start to understand the effect of that altitude. 

On the first night we stay in a tiny village with a real Colombian vibe. It’s a stark contrast to the fancy hotels of the major cities and lovely to experience these two very different sides to Colombia, even in the first 24 hours. 

The Colombian Andes are divided into three ranges or ‘cordilleras’, separated by the Magdalena and Cauca river valleys. First, we enjoy a dramatic descent into the Magdalena Valley and down to the Magdalena River, which is notable because it is the route that the Spanish followed to enter Latin America. 

Riding out of the valley, we take on the epic Alto de Letras: the longest climb in the world, from 400m to just under 3,700m, more than 52 miles. It's a a great challenge for everybody. 

Our journey continues with a beautiful descent to Manizales, the capital of the coffee growing region, before dropping down to the Cauca River. This area is home to Pablo Escobar’s hippos, which are now roaming free in the area – not that we’ve ever seen them on our tours! 

It’s a picturesque route with great climbs and long descents, hot dry flat sections, and fantastic views. We enjoy a rest day in the city of Medellin before continuing our journey to Santa Rosa de Osos, a religious city full of churches. We arrive on a Sunday just as everybody is going to mass. 

After a transfer to Cienaga de Oro, we spend two days cycling to our last destination: Cartagena. There, we ride onto the city walls and finish with a celebratory drink overlooking the Caribbean. 

It’s difficult to say because every day is so different but a highlight for me is the second day, where we have a massive descent into the Magdalena Valley. Catching a glimpse of the Magdalena Valley for the first time, when you understand the history of it, is a significant point in the trip for me. 

I also love the final descent when we head down to the Cauca for the final time, from cool, cloudy and fresh environments to a hot, steamy tropical paradise, and eventually down to the more Caribbean-influenced north. I always feel a little bit sad because we are leaving the mountains behind but I look forward to that day because it is such a dramatic and exciting descent. 

What’s special about cycling in Colombia? 

The vibrant culture and the friendliness and openness of the people is one thing. But the scale of the mountains and incredible landscapes will also take your breath away. 

I can’t remember which of the Colombian cyclists of the 1970s and 1980s it was who said this but, when questioned about the Tour de France and why Colombian cyclists weren’t winning the race overall, responded that European mountains are simply too short. Colombian cyclists are just warming up on places like Mont Ventoux by the time they reach the top. 

We have 40-mile+ climbs on this ride and that’s what really struck me when I first came out here: the scale of things is enormous! But while Colombian climbs are very long and high, they are not very steep in comparison to some places. That takes the sting out of some of the climbing, although the effects of altitude can introduce their own challenges. 

Because of Colombia’s seasons – rainy season versus dry season – we schedule these tours in January and February. That’s not a time of the year when Brits normally do a lot of riding so do whatever you can to keep your legs turning in the period before you come out here. Don’t be overly obsessed about getting yourself into shape by doing lots of climbing, but stay in shape by doing lots of riding during the winter. 

Don’t turn up, as some folks do, hoping to get fit on the tour. Please arrive as fit as you can be under the circumstances! 

How many days – 13 (11 days riding)  Total distance – 634 miles  Difficulty – 4 out of 5  Cost - £3,645 PP 

Of course, the fantastic holidays we’ve looked at here are just two of Saddle Skedaddle’s incredible options. To see the full range of 180 different holidays, visit  www.skedaddle.com/uk

Help us to fund our site

We’ve noticed you’re using an ad blocker. If you like road.cc, but you don’t like ads, please consider subscribing to the site to support us directly. As a subscriber you can read road.cc ad-free, from as little as £1.99. 

If you don’t want to subscribe, please turn your ad blocker off. The revenue from adverts helps to fund our site.

Help us to bring you the best cycling content

If you’ve enjoyed this article, then please consider subscribing to road.cc from as little as £1.99. Our mission is to bring you all the news that’s relevant to you as a cyclist, independent reviews, impartial buying advice and more. Your subscription will help us to do more.

This content has been added by a member of the road.cc staff

Add new comment

Latest comments.

The Sentencing Council has decided that the harm of causing death with a deadly vehicle is trivial so custodial sentences to be exceptional, not an...

I don't think standard flash patterns are ineffective, no. But I'm sure that human perception of a change in flash intensity and frequency is...

No, that's very doubtful while proper testing would be fully destructive.

In that £1000 exactly scenario, beginners should probably be made aware that pedals will be extra.  

What's wrong with dropping down on to the Millenium Bridge, or the swing bridge, then the brief, but satisfying climb back up the hill? #training....

The relatives might of course disagree, but in general I'd countenance a relatively light sentence* if only we could fix it so that those who...

Id forgotten that I got a second hand set of project two's for my getting to work bike over twenty years back.

My bet is that all these tires popping off are from people with bad pressure gauges or they're simply just putting too much air in on purpose. ...

David9694 - you were right!  These new autonomous vehicles really are conspiring to run out of control!...

• FASHION + MUSIC
• POLITICS + NEWS
• SPIRITS + WINE
• TRAVEL + FOOD

• Search for:

Saddle Skeedadle’s Cycling Myths Unlocked:

Busting the Roadblocks Keeping Travelers out of the Saddle

Leading cycling operator Saddle Skedaddle sets the record straight on cycling’s biggest misconceptions.

Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Feb. 3, 2020: Cycling tours have become increasingly more popular in recent years thanks to North America’s focus on wellness travel, sustainable transport methods, and getting away from centers of overtourism. As such, cycling operators are adapting to the modern traveler.

Saddle Skedaddle , the world’s leading bike tour operator with itineraries in nearly 40 countries, recognized a 140% increase in bookings from North Americans between 2014-2018, according to Paul Snedker, director and co-founder. But even as cycling tours are on the rise, Snedker says there are still a lot of misconceptions about this kind of travel that limits new riders from hitting the road.

“There’s are these ideas that you have to be a really fit athlete to do a cycling trip, or that it would feel more like going to the gym than a true vacation,” says Snedker. “But actually, they’re quite accessible for all fitness levels and a great way to explore a destination in an even deeper way.”

Here are some common cycling misconceptions, unlocked:

Myth 1: You have to be an Olympian to do a cycling tour

According to Snedker, the biggest customer concerns are that they won’t be fit enough to do it, or they’ll be the slowest one of the group. While some bike trips are designed for hard core cyclists, there is quite a range in terms of level of difficulty, and many of the tours designed for family or leisure purposes are quite gentle. 

“Many travelers think the whole group will be decked out in lycra and be world-class cyclists on a bit of a holiday,” says Snedker. “The reality is most of our guests are over 50 and are simply looking for a way to stay active on vacation. So long as you’re reasonably fit in your daily life, you’ll be able to keep pace on a lot of our trips.”

Snedker says one of the biggest game changers and gateways to cycling holidays for people who are nervous about their endurance level has been the introduction of electric bikes to Skedaddle’s roster.

“E-bikes are so fantastic at leveling the bike lane, so to speak,” Snedker says. “Not only do they provide that extra push when you need it the most, but they take away the fear factor in the build up to a trip, so travelers can really get excited without being nervous about the physical side of things.”

Responding to strong client demand, Saddle Skedaddle has been steadily introducing self-guided and guided electric bike trips over the last few years, including several to far-flung destinations including Vietnam, China, and Chile.

Myth 2: You won’t have time to explore off your bike

North Americans typically get very little vacation time, so when they do get away, they want to see more, do more, and experience more. According to Snedker, there’s a common misconception that cycling trips don’t give you time to explore the destination. In reality, Snedker says the opposite is true.

“At Skedaddle, we’ve always said we prefer pedaling through, not passing by,” he says. “What that means is your bike can take you so many places your car or a coach bus can’t, so you’re able to really bike deep into the culture and check out the little nooks and crannies of a village or a rural stretch of a dirt path you may never otherwise encounter.”

Some of Saddle Skedaddle’s most popular trips include activities like remote camping under the stars in the Simien mountains, hiking in the jungle of Jordan’s Ajloun Forest Reserve, spotting orangutans on a family-focused journey through Borneo, and hunting for the best tapas bar in a small Spanish village.

“Our customers have evolved; they want cycling to enhance their travel experience, not the other way around,” Snedker says.

Myth 3: International cycling travel is complicated

According to Snedker, many potential bike travelers get antsy about the logistics behind a bike trip, from how to transport their bike to how to read road signs in a different language. The reality is, though, it’s never been easier to cycle in other countries than this decade thanks to technology and updated airline policies.

Just last year, American Airlines dropped their overweight charges for traveling with bicycles, and thanks to apps like the one Saddle Skedaddle has developed, road signs and directions for self-guided trips are simple as keeping your phone mounted on your handlebars.

Of course, rentals and guided trips make all these logistics even easier. “While we have a full-service team on the ground that’s ready to greet guests – and their bikes – the moment they arrive, we also offer bike rentals throughout each trip to make things as seamless as possible,” says Snedker.

Myth 4: You can’t bring kids on a cycling trip

It’s no longer just empty-nesters – family cycling travel continues to grow in popularity as parents look for active ways to keep the whole gang engaged on vacations. However, a common misconception is that group cycling trips don’t really work for families, something Snedkern says couldn’t be more wrong.

“Cycling provides a memorable way to bond as a family on holiday – and I daresay is more exciting than driving around in the rented minivan!”

Saddle Skedaddle makes sure all its family trips include a variety of activities out of the saddle that interest teenagers as well as younger children. They welcome kids as young as two on its family adventures, ranging from exploring Viking history on the Lofoten Islands of Norway to zip-lining and camping through the Moroccan Desert , and rent bike trailers, tag a longs and kids’ bikes so the whole family can keep up at their own pace.

For more information and to pedal through your next adventure, please visit: www.skedaddle.com

About Saddle Skedaddle

Saddle Skedaddle is the UK’s leading independent cycling vacation specialist that is all about doing something wonderful on two wheels. Our team of experts have searched far and wide for nearly 25 years to bring you some of the world’s most incredible locations and enchanting cultures to enjoy at the speed of the bike. It’s time to really meet a place, and its people, you’ll never want to forget.

Share this:

Leave a reply cancel reply.

2009-2024 © 360 MAGAZINE INC | 360® is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. Calendar / Bible / DMCA / Terms of Use / Privacy Policy / Contact

[email protected] 2219 Main St, Ste. 636 Santa Monica, CA 90405 +12138411841

Coast-to-Coast Mountain Biking in Scotland

June through September

Glasgow, Scotland is 4 hours from Invershiel, your starting point

Intermediate to advanced

Things to know

Pedal your way through lands where fantasy meets countless adventure opportunities—the Scottish Highlands. Riding from coast to coast over 6 days, immerse yourself into the rugged wilderness with primeval conifer forests overlooked by medieval castles and countless lochs shrouded in mist(eries). Your 235-mile dive into the heart of the Highlands includes everything from laidback loch-side paths and ancient flower-strewn drove roads, to tantilizing forest tracks and meandering river banks. Don’t get completely buiguiled by the landscapes though—the trails here are epic, but never forgiving! Managing twisting swithcbacks, strenous climbs, and rough descents with the supervision of your expert guide, let the fairytale vistas of Scotland be the backdrop for your legendary MTB adventure.

235-mile coast-to-coast MTB traverse through the heart of Scotland

World-famous Isle of Sky, Loch Ness, and Cairngorms National Park

Varied and challenging route in one of Europe’s most scenic regions

Traverse the Scottish Highlands from west to east coast over 6 days with your expert guide! Riding here presents a thrilling challenge even for experienced MTB enthusiasts, while magical vistas and great food and culture make you experience this unique country in an adrenaline-driven way and far from major urban centers. Enjoy full days of riding in a combination of demanding and laidback terrain and unwind in quality accommodations in picturesque villages, estates, or beside gorgeous lochs.

Meet your guides at Glasgow International Airport (GLA). Make sure to book a flight or get to the airport before 11am. Your guides will take you to Invershiel, situated on the west coast of Scotland. Spend the first night scenically positioned by the shores of Loch Duich— the perfect base for the biking journey which starts the following day. The evening is reserved for a gear check, going over the final details of the itinerary, and getting to know your guides and fellow mountain bikers over dinner! Meals : No meals included

Following an early Scottish breakfast, the adventure starts with a short transfer to Corran where your biking journey begins. Relish the dramatic landscapes across the Isle of Skye and the jagged peaks of the Cullins. A strenuous track takes your group to Glen Arnisdale past Dubh Lochain, over the pass and then down towards a picturesque country road. This road will take you up to and along Loch Quoich, meandering your way into Glen Garry and taking a forest trail to the loch’s southern shore. Follow the path along the Caledonian Canal and you will end up in Fort Augustus, situated at the southern point of Loch Ness. Meals : Breakfast and lunch Distance : 47 miles / 74 km

Starting in Fort Augustus, get a few miles under your wheels before a face-off with the Corrieairack Pass (772m / 2500ft)—the highest point of the entire adventure. The climb up the Corrieairack is a tough and long climb, but you will be rewarded with an exhilarating descent, showcasing mountain biking in Scotland at its wildest. Once you have reached the pass, the route follows the River Spey at Melgrave. Continue downhill to Garva Bridge and then along a country road leading you to Laggan. Meals : Breakfast and lunch Distance : 36 miles / 58 km

Begin another day with a ride through the Inshriach Forest. Later, you will follow the Spey Valley, before turning eastward through the Rothiemurchus Estate. Enjoy a proper Scottish lunch on the shores of Loch Morlich located in the heart of the magical Glenmore Forest Park. Later you will ride the elusive forest tracks and wild moorland singletracks crossing the Braes of Abernethy. After an afternoon snack at the Bridge of Avon, the riding continues with going up to Tomintoul—the highest village in the Highlands surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Cairngorms National Park. Meals : Breakfast and lunch Distance : 43 miles / 69 km

Following the route through the east side of the Cairngorm Mountains, you will head south along the banks of the River Avon and into Glen Builg. With spectacular mountains to the west, the route soon takes your group up and over the side of Culardoch before descending to Invercauld House. Finally, you will bike along the River Dee and past the royal estate at Balmoral and on to Ballater, where you will overnight. Meals : Breakfast and lunch Distance : 36 miles / 58 km

The morning of your last full biking day starts with a flat ride following the River Dee to Dinnet—the eastern gateway to both the Highlands and the Cairngorms National Park. Pass the towering Caledonian Pines of the Forest of Glen Tanar. The next objective is Mounth Road, a technical singletrack route meandering up and round the side of Mount Keen. From here it’s all downhill all the way to Glen Esk. Follow the banks of another river called Esk, along a section of fun woodland singletrack taking your group to the picturesque village of Edzell, where you will stay for your last night of the grand traverse. Celebrate your achievements with your group and sample one of the fine malts. Meals : Breakfast and lunch Distance : 40 miles / 65 km

Treat yourself to a final Scottish breakfast—the final section to Montrose is a laid back ride posing no challenges. Enjoy the 15-mile countryside ride from Edzell to Montrose, where your coast-to-coast escapade ends. Upon reaching your final destination, toast with your squad to celebrate the completion of this epic adventure. Visit a nearby leisure center for a warming shower. Afterwards, it’s back to the Glasgow International Airport. Say goodbye to your guide and Scotland or continue touring on your own. Meals : Breakfast and lunch Distance : 15 miles / 24 km

Meet your guide

Really superb guides can’t fault them. Obviously very experienced cyclist’s so it was great to learn from them. Hope to ride with them again. Great fun to be with both during the riding and the evenings. Very knowledgable about the area. Nothing to much trouble. Up to the usual Skedaddle high standard. Tomintoul to Ballater had some superb technical single track and a great fast decent. Mount Keen also worth a mention for it’s challenging climb technical single track across the top and awesome decent. I would recommend this holiday to any keen mountain biker as a must do trip!

Every day was excellent but I’m still smiling from the downhill descent on day 6 (Ballator to Edzell) after lugging our bikes over the hill – quite spectacular! Hire bikes were excellent, would happily have taken it home with me. The guides were amazing! All had such a great sense of humour, were good fun and very encouraging – the perfect ambassadors for Skedaddle! A great escape from what has been a rough couple of years – the guides helped the whole experience feel very Covid safe.

Well designed tour, excellent group of guides. Excellent resourceful pick-up team. Comfortable vehicles. Expert guides with superb people skills. Steve is a superb leader, I will follow him blindly. Helen and Laura were excellent. Most agreeable people, expert cyclists who clearly knew what they were doing. Very good communication between the three professionals and the client group. Breakfasts as a rule lavish, good variety and plenty of volume of lunch goodies, ample snacks and drinks for underway.

Faultless guides and trip and I absolutely loved the riding. Honestly was the best organised trip I have ever been on. Ran like clockwork! Steve was faultless even with a large group.

Excellent – Steve, Tony, and Alan were great. They took excellent care of both riders and the bikes.

The Skedaddle guides are what made this trip so fantastic. They are both amazing. I was particularly impressed with the way they provided information about the upcoming sections of the ride – in a way that did a good job of indicating obstacles and rough sections and where to pay particular attention. (This is really important because the scenery is so spectacular it’s tempting to spend time looking around instead of at the trail.) The river crossings were my favourite part!

What you get on this adventure:

• An experienced MTB guide with extensive local knowledge of the area
• Leader qualified in first aid
• Transportation during the adventure
• Support vehicle and luggage transfers
• Accommodation (shared twin/double en suite rooms)
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Transportation from and back to the Glasgow International Airport

What’s not included:

• Flights and charges for traveling with your bike (if applicable)
• Bike rental (available for an additional fee)
• Meals not stated in the itinerary
• Single room (available for an additional fee)
• Personal equipment
• Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en route
• Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival/departure days and times

To embark on this epic MTB adventure through the Scottish Highlands, you need to be an experienced biker comfortable with riding sections of technical or exposed singletrack. You’ll need to be able to bike between 25 and 50 miles (40-80 km) each day for 6 consecutive days. The terrain in the Scottish Highlands features mixed trails, ranging from tough and gnarly singletrack and stalkers paths, to long winding Land Rover tracks. You need to be able to tackle some serious climbs, as well as long, rough descents. Keep in mind that you will frequently take breaks and receive extensive guidance on how to successfully cross any given section.

For this adventure, you need to have extensive experience in mountain biking. The tour is suitable only to intermediate and advanced bikers because it involves 8-9 hours and up to 50 miles of riding (with breaks) per day in terrain which is often challenging, involving long climbs (1-2 hours at a time), technical switchbacks, rough descents, sections with large and loose rock, as well as obstacles such as drop-offs. Though you need to be an experienced biker, keep in mind that not all sections are challenging and that your guides will supervise your technique, make sure to adjust the tempo if needed, and make every obstacle safe and fun!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Comfortable riding or athletic clothing, preferably moisture wicking or synthetic material 
• Helmet (communicate with your guide if you want to rent one from them!)
• Necessary spares (let your guide know in advance if you would like them to include them if you are renting your bike and helmet from them)
• Sneakers or sport shoes
• Breathable outside layer or jacket
• Water bottle or hydration bladder
• Daypack with snacks
• Biking gloves are optional but recommended
• Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)

Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

During your epic coast-to-coast MTB traverse in the Scottish Highlands, you can expect good quality 3 or 4 star hotels, B&Bs, inns and family-run guesthouses. All accommodations are cycle-friendly, located close to your routes and showcase the style and hospitality of the area you are visiting. Locally-owned businesses offering local delicacies are prioritized so that you get an authentic experience of each location and the Scottish Highlands as a whole. The price includes double en suite and twin rooms. If you want a room to yourself, it is available for an additional fee.

Group sizes and prices:

• The usual client-to-guide ratio for this group tour is 6:1.  
• The cost does not decrease as the group grows. 

Mountain biking in the Scottish Highlands can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

Min. age requirements:

• If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
• If you have a young rider strong enough to handle sustained climbs (either riding or walking their bike) of hundreds of feet, and rough terrain, then they may be able to participate on a case-by-case basis. 

If your group has riders under the age of 18 , contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

To get to Invershiel and the Loch Duich, most people fly into Glasgow International Airport, which is about 4 hours away. From the airport, your guide will transfer you to tour starting point. 

You are expected to meet up with your guide at the Glasgow international Airport by 11am, so make sure to book a flight which arrives in Glasgow before the expected meeting time.

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. 

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the Scottish Highlands, please refer to the Scottish Government’s COVID-19 updates .

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

A $230 deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 2 months (60 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. 

• If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to one hundred twenty 60 days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, the deposit will be forfeited. 
• For cancellations thirty (30) to sixty (60) days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total amount paid when Booking. 
• After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.

Other things to do in Scotland

Northern Scotland Guided Cycling Holiday

Women’s Hiking tour of Scotland’s Orkney Islands

Rewilding Scotland: The Cairngorms Walking Tour

Women’s Hiking Tour of Cairngorms NP in Scotland

View all (5) adventures in Scotland

Choose a currency

• USD - $ US Dollar
• EUR - € Euro
• AUD - AU$ Australian Dollar
• CAD - CA$ Canadian Dollar
• GBP - £ British Pound Sterling
• CHF - CHF Swiss Franc
• JPY - ¥ Japanese Yen
• SGD - S$ Singapore Dollar
• HKD - HK$ Hong Kong Dollar
• DKK - Dkr Danish Krone
• NOK - Nkr Norwegian Krone
• SEK - Skr Swedish Krona

• Vacation Rentals
• Restaurants
• Things to do
• Things to Do
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Saddle skedaddle - Outdoors / Adventure Travel Forum

• Tripadvisor Forums    
• Outdoors / Adventure Travel Forums

Saddle skedaddle

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Outdoors / Adventure Travel forum

We have booked a biking holiday with saddle skedaddle travelling along the danube vienna-Bratislava-budapest however we cannot find any reference to hotels we may be staying in or indeed if they have swimming pools. has anybody travelled this route that could name a hotel or two that was used so we can gauge the facilities available.

Hello Xanthe0160,

I have no experience with this company but did find that they come up a few times in past forum threads here on TA when I inputed the name in the main Search Box on the Tripadvisor homepage.

It might be worth your time reading these replies and reaching out to the TA responders that used this company to learn more about the accommodations they experienced when they travelled with Saddle skedaddle.

Here is the search results link if interested.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Search?q=saddle+skedaddle+&sub-search=SEARCH&geo=&pid=3826&returnTo=__2F__

Good luck in your research and hope you've a great trip to Central Europe.

For a popular route like Danube, I imagine SS has multiple hotels they work with at each stop, as it is not always possible to get rooms for every date at your preferred hotel. As a result the ones that you will stay in might not be the ones that past guests tell you about.

Have you asked them for a hotel list for your trip? Most tour operators provide one as part of their guest information packet.

Once you get the confirmed list of hotels from SS, then you can start looking them up here at TA or on the internet.

I don't have any experience with cycling holidays but the idea sounds great! Thanks for sharing.

I guess you are referring to this trip? https://www.skedaddle.co.uk/cycling/holiday/Cycling_Holidays/Vienna_to_Budapest_-_Self-Guided_Cycling_Holiday/508/view.rails

Looking forward to hear your experiences and to see if you found out anything about the trip in greater detail.

We have done a few supported cycle tours with various companies and found that Saddle Skedaddle did select the best standard of hotel and our guide was great too. However, unfortunately there was only one vehicle / trailer for 12 of us, with 4 bike boxes and all our luggage. It was not enough.

With only one vehicle, any break down, cycle problem, late collection form the airport, medical emergency etc/etc. would mean no support which can mean no cycling. Of 10 days cycling, we lost one complete day and had a very late start on another day.

I would recommend Saddle Skedaddle but at their slightly higher prices would only book when there are two support vehicles.

We didn't use a guide we were self guided but they managed to support us although only missed luggage (our fault) and presumably everyone else that was self guided at our welcome meeting. Hope you had a good break I'd use them again.

We booked a Saddle Skeddadle trip in France and it was a complete nightmare. Bikes broke down continuously, had to disconnect bake brakes travelling with kids. People could never fix bikes properly and finally got to our distinction with flat tires and all. They then made us wait over 6 hours for our luggage on departure with two tired kids. Avoid @saddleskedaddle at all costs!

Sorry you had a bad time of it. We travelled last year with them and they were fantastic.

Having just returned from a 5 day charity bike ride from Nice to Mount Ventoux in France with Saddle Skedaddle, I can say that they absolutely made the experience.

Professional, friendly and well organised. What a great team.

This is my 9th international charity ride and I can say without hesitation that they provided the best service I have experienced on such trips.

Have been with Skedaddle 3 times and just booked another-all guided. Everything has been brilliant-from booking onwards. Not cheap but you get what you pay for. Have hired bikes twice and have been excellent. Lunches are excellent and guides brilliant. Accommodation good -but limited choice in many places. A great way to see a country.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

• Early July 2024 - Fly to Boise, Salt Lake City or Portland? yesterday
• K2 Base Camp Trek - Experience and little Advice Apr 16, 2024
• Travel destination ideas for a 2 wk break please Apr 12, 2024
• Outdoorsy travel ideas / Adventures! Apr 11, 2024
• cycling app Apr 10, 2024
• Exploring the Great Outdoors with my 4x4! Apr 10, 2024
• Tanzania safari Apr 06, 2024
• E-bike hire in Thurso Scotland or Blairgowrie Scotland areas Mar 28, 2024
• Location for Northern Lights/Aurora Borealis in 2024? Mar 25, 2024
• Maldives Mar 22, 2024
• PhotoFlyTravel Mar 22, 2024
• Pulmonias in Mazatlan Mexico Mar 22, 2024
• Bike and Barge - Tripsite? Mar 21, 2024
• Travel Agent recommendation? Mar 21, 2024
• 10 Amazing Australian Hikes!
• Safari Destinations
• Trip Reports: Adventure: Send them in!