About this trip.
A West Country loop at Grade 1 pace
Nine days of cycling and roughly 414 miles, threaded between Bath, the Cotswolds, Stonehenge and Cheddar Gorge. This is Pedal Nation's first Grade 1 tour in the UK — the easiest end of their grading — which in practice means short daily distances, plenty of time off the bike, and an assumption that the sights along the way matter as much as the saddle time. There is climbing; the West Country doesn't really allow otherwise. The hills here roll rather than rear up, though, and the days are paced around being able to stop and look at things rather than power through them.
The route from Bristol
The tour starts and ends in Bristol. Day one is a gentle warm-up along cycle paths to Bath, with enough afternoon left over to walk the Royal Crescent and the Roman Baths properly. From Bath the route loops north into the Cotswolds AONB — the unhurried stretch, where the riding pulls you through honey-stone villages — before turning south for Stonehenge and Salisbury. The final leg heads back west towards Bristol via Cheddar Gorge, the limestone cliffs rising on either side of a road that, taken in the right direction, descends more than it climbs.
The 11-day window (17–27 August 2027) leaves room for proper sightseeing rather than back-to-back cycling. Detailed daily itineraries are still being finalised at the time of writing.
The practical side
Accommodation is twin-share bed and breakfast in hotels and good guesthouses, with single supplements available. Pedal Nation try to keep the group under one roof, though smaller towns can make this difficult. Breakfast is provided each morning; lunch comes from the support van as a pack-up — sandwiches, pasties, bits picked up at local bakeries — with cafés as a wet-weather backup. Evening meals are at your own cost and usually eaten as a group, though you're free to opt out.
Roads are tarmac throughout, with the usual British caveats about surface condition. A hybrid, tourer or road bike all work. Pedal Nation offer free bike transport from their Sheffield office, with collection at motorway services en route if that's more convenient than dropping off in person.
The 2027 departure is led by Lucy Burnett at an indicative price of £2,100 per person. The route is in the final stages of development, so Pedal Nation are taking expressions of interest by email rather than firm bookings for now. It suits riders who want the support and sociability of a guided tour but would rather pedal between Georgian terraces and stone circles than chase distance.
The shape of the trip.
What's typically in the price, what isn't.
A general guide for cycling holidays of this kind. Check the operator's booking page for the final inclusions on this specific trip.
Typically included
- ✓Hotel accommodation, double or twin en-suite rooms
- ✓Daily breakfast at each hotel
- ✓Luggage transfer between hotels on every riding day
- ✓Bike rental (usually a hybrid), helmet, and panniers
- ✓Detailed route notes with GPX files and emergency contacts
- ✓24/7 support line in English for the duration of the trip
Typically not included
- ×Flights to and from the country of travel
- ×Travel insurance with cycle cover (strongly recommended)
- ×Lunches and most evening meals — eat locally on the route
- ×E-bike or road-bike upgrades (usually a supplement)
- ×Repair kit consumables (tubes, chain lube) beyond what comes with the bike
- ×Any alcohol beyond wine included with set dinners
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard are the climbs?
Grading reflects daily distance, total climbing, and traffic. Moderate routes typically involve 40-60km a day with 300-600m of climbing, on quiet roads or well-surfaced bike paths. If you ride regularly at home and can manage a 40km weekend ride, you'll be fine. Check the daily elevation profile when the operator shares it.
Q2Is bike rental included?
It's usually included, with a hybrid as standard and an e-bike or road-bike upgrade available for a supplement. Helmets and panniers normally come with the rental. Check the operator's booking page for the exact inclusions on this trip.
Q3What if I get a puncture?
Rental bikes come with a small repair kit and a pump. If you can't fix it yourself, the operator's support line can arrange a replacement or a lift to the next hotel — times vary by location. Carry a phone and the support number at all times.
Q4Can I use my own bike?
Yes, most operators are happy for you to bring your own bike — you'll often get a small discount off the trip price in lieu of rental. Check with the airline on how to transport it, and bring basic spares (tubes, multi-tool).
Q5Can I do this solo?
Absolutely — self-guided cycling holidays work well for solo travellers. The route notes, GPX files, and 24/7 support are designed for confident independent riders.
Q6What if the weather is bad?
The route is rideable in rain if you're dressed for it, though some surfaces get slower. The operator's support line can reroute you onto a lower / flatter alternative or arrange a vehicle transfer for any stage if conditions are genuinely unsafe.
Q7How do I get there from the UK?
Fly into the nearest airport, then train or transfer to the start point. The operator will advise — some will book onward trains for a small fee. If you're bringing your own bike, check dimensions and dismantling requirements with the airline in advance.
Q8What about cancellation?
A deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance with cycle cover is strongly recommended.
Three cycling holidays, side-by-side.
Other cycling holidays on Mooch in the same spirit. All prices per person, from the operator.
