Cycling for Softies
Welcome to life in the easy lane
Cycling for Softies is a UK-based leisure cycling tour operator. Susi Madron founded the company in Manchester in 1982, and they have spent more than 40 years building relaxed cycling holidays in Europe's wine regions. Their holidays are not about clocking up the miles. The emphasis is on the time between rides: gourmet food, fine wine, boutique hotels and beautiful scenery. Cycling for Softies is now part of Wilderness Group, a collection of active and luxury travel brands that also includes Wilderness Scotland, Wilderness Ireland and Ski Solutions.
Their catalogue runs to more than 80 self-guided tours in ten countries: France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, England, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Croatia. Tour styles include hotel-to-hotel routes, single-centre stays, bike and boat trips, short breaks, family holidays and a luxury "Indulgence" range, and many itineraries are available on e-bikes. Riders follow quiet lanes and cycle paths through vineyards, villages and river valleys, on routes designed for leisurely riders and beginners.
Every holiday includes serviced hybrid or e-bikes, luggage transfers between hotels, digital route guidance through Ride with GPS and support from local destination managers. Holidays are ABTA bonded and ATOL protected. Cycling for Softies is a Responsible Travel member, holds a Green Tourism award and has a 4.9 out of 5 rating on Feefo.
Chateau de Candes
Tour Operator: Cycling for Softies
France
8 days (Bike: 5 days)
96 mi (~19mi per day)
Easy
Mostly flat, Quiet roads, Cycle paths and trails
Self-Guided
Semi-Supported
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Overview
Tour Operator Cycling for Softies
Chateau de Candes is a delightfully quirky centre-base in the charming cobbled village of Candes-St-Martin.
The sumptuous and stylish maisons, lofts and apartments are scattered around the grounds and within the immediate vicinity of the stunning main castle building.
Candes-St-Martin is on the list of ‘des plus beaux villages de France’, or the most beautiful villages of France. A short walk (or ride) along the river is the village of Montsoreau, an old river port from the medieval period, when the Loire was a major trade route. It’s ch√¢teau, setting of a famous Dumas novel, is the only one in the Loire valley built in the riverbed itself.
What not to miss
The ancient abbey at Fontevraud, with its mix of historical and contemporary attractions.
Sampling the produce of the regions different wine appellations in one of the many local caves.
Paddling along the Vienne river between Chinon and Montsoreau in a canoe.
Sparkling Sussex
Tour Operator: Cycling for Softies
United Kingdom
8 days (Bike: 6 days)
157 mi (~26mi per day)
E-bike tour
Leisure
Self-Guided
Semi-Supported
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Overview
Tour Operator Cycling for Softies
Enjoy the best of Sussex and Sussex wine with this carefully created tour
Five nights and two vineyards with plenty of time in between to relax in our hand-picked, luxury spa hotels and explore the county aboard a top of the range E-bike. Expect peaceful lanes through charming countryside, easy riding along riverside and coastal paths and some spectacular scenery around the South Downs National Park.
We love
The scenic, luxurious beachside accommodation of Bailiffscourt offering a menu of award-winning spa treatments. Marvellous hillside rides passing through sprawling countryside and quaint hamlets.
What not to Miss
Scenic cycle routes featuring the picturesque Arundel Castle, Bramber Castle and the South Downs
Tour and tasting at the Ridgeview and Tinwood Wine Estates
Award-winning spa treatments at Ockenden Manor
Spectacular scenery at Cuckmere Haven
Châteaux of the Loire
Tour Operator: Cycling for Softies
France
8 days (Bike: 6 days)
96 mi (~16mi per day)
Easy
Mostly flat, Quiet roads, Cycle paths and trails
Self-Guided
Semi-Supported
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Overview
Tour Operator Cycling for Softies
A magical region, world-famous for its marvellous châteaux, magnificent rivers and delicious wines.
Playground to the French and English royal families for over 1000 years, this is truly the heart of fairy-tale France - illustrated perfectly by the high number of spectacular castles on route. Like drawings in a children’s book, they have been carefully preserved for all to enjoy, complete with underground tunnels, moats and beautiful gardens.
Visit these fabulous once-royal homes and ancient riverside towns, pedal peacefully along the Loire à Vélo cycle path amidst birdsong and the aroma of hollyhocks... and sample world famous wines as you weave your way through sun-baked vineyards on your Loire cycling holiday.
We love
Warm breezes filled with the smell of roses and ripening melons, stopping on impulse for degustation (wine tasting) in tiny vineyards, the gardeners’ paradise at Villandry, and the spectacular Son et Lumière at the chateaux.
Cotswolds in Luxury
Tour Operator: Cycling for Softies
United Kingdom
8 days (Bike: 6 days)
157 mi (~26mi per day)
Leisure
Self-Guided
Semi-Supported
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Overview
Tour Operator Cycling for Softies
The Cotswolds are a place like no other.
Famed for its quaint villages, meandering rivers and rolling hills, the area is the ultimate encapsulation of old English charm. With the use of a top of the range E-bike, the aforementioned hills will be no barrier to you exploring the most impressive sites and some hidden gems, as you can glide up them with the assistance on tap. After being helped around the rides by your E-bike, pamper yourself some more in our selection of luxurious spa hotels, whether it may be with a relaxing treatment or simply some excellent food and drink. Comfort is all but guaranteed.
We love
Riverside cycling paths, hopping from one quaint English village to the next. Finishing a day in the saddle with a relaxing spa treatment at your boutique accommodation.
Provençal Discovery
Tour Operator: Cycling for Softies
France
8 days (Bike: 6 days)
207 mi (~35mi per day)
E-bike tour
Leisure
Mostly flat, Cycle paths and trails
Self-Guided
Semi-Supported
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Overview
Tour Operator Cycling for Softies
Provence is famed as one of Europe's most iconic destinations thanks to its mix of spectacular scenery, rich history, vibrant cultural identity and exquisite food and drink.
We have offered cycling holidays in this part of the world for over 30 years and can now offer a broader experience with the help of an e-bike. Glide up to the stunning hilltop towns, such as Gordes and Roussillon, and traverse the Luberon valley and Cotes du Ventoux, all with a little extra help to let you focus on soaking up the sights, sounds and sensations.
The Sussex Beach Break
Tour Operator: Cycling for Softies
United Kingdom
4 days (Bike: 2 days)
47 mi (~24mi per day)
Leisure
Self-Guided
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Overview
Tour Operator Cycling for Softies
Take yourself to the seaside for a short break combining some great leisure cycling routes with some of the best accommodation, restaurants, and spa facilities in Sussex.
Situated just a short walk from some of the south coast's finest beaches, your base for the trip in Climping is perfect for exploring the coastal portion of West Sussex, and visiting places like the South Downs, Arundel castle and Tinwood Wine Estate. All of this is accessible within an easy 90-minute train journey from central London, making for the perfect weekend getaway.
We love
Photo opportunities at the spectacular historical site of Arundel Castle. Wine tastings at the scenic Tinwood Wine Estate, the producer of world-class sparkling English wines.
What not to Miss
Visit the spectacular Arundel Castle
Discover the delights of Sussex Sparkling wine
Unwind in a beautiful, tranquil spa hotel, just a stone's throw from the beach
Avignon and Côtes du Rhône
Tour Operator: Cycling for Softies
France
7 days (Bike: 4 days)
71 mi (~18mi per day)
Leisure
Mostly flat, Quiet roads, Cycle paths and trails
Self-Guided
Semi-Supported
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Overview
Tour Operator Cycling for Softies
Explore the Cotes du Rhone by pedal power and sample some of the region's finest landscapes, most charming towns and most delectable wines.
The highlights of this tour include the spectacular scenery of the Chateaneuf-du-Pape vineyards, where you are never more than a short walk from an opportunity to indulge in the world famous local produce, and the city of Avignon, with its rich history as a seat of power for the catholic church. This is the perfect tour for oenophiles and history buffs alike.
Marine de Loire
Tour Operator: Cycling for Softies
France
8 days (Bike: 5 days)
96 mi (~19mi per day)
Easy
Mostly flat, Quiet roads, Cycle paths and trails
Self-Guided
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Overview
Tour Operator Cycling for Softies
The Marine de Loire sits right on the riverbank in the heart of the delightful village of Montsoreau which is on the list of 'des plus beaux villages de France', or the most beautiful villages of France.
La Marine de Loire is a 4 star charm hotel which provides the perfect combination of elegance and relaxation. We invite you to recharge your batteries in the 300 sq m Cinq Mondes spa or to relax in the lounge bar overlooking the secluded hotel garden.
We highly recommend a stay in one of the four recently renovated self catering guest houses.
Included activities
Numerous cycle routes, with maps and route notes
Alternative local walking itineraries
Pre bookable-extras
One day wine tasting tour
Canoeing on the Loire and Indre rivers
No pre-booking required
Châteaux visits
The Cadre Noir equestrian school in Saumur
What not to miss
The ancient abbey at Fontevraud, with its mix of historical and contemporary attractions.
Sampling the produce of the regions different wine appellations in one of the many local caves.
Paddling along the Vienne river between Chinon and Montsoreau in a canoe.
Loire Valley Discovery
Tour Operator: Cycling for Softies
France
5 days (Bike: 3 days)
98 mi (~33mi per day)
E-bike tour
Leisure
Mostly flat, Quiet roads, Cycle paths and trails
Self-Guided
Semi-Supported
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Overview
Tour Operator Cycling for Softies
Based on our classic Châteaux of the Loire itinerary, this new itinerary harnesses the power of e-bikes to make it easier for you to see even more of this beautiful corner of France.
Saddle up on our excellent Trek e-bikes and relax as you ride along the rivers, past the châteaux and through the vineyards of the Loire valley. This is the perfect tour for the history buffs, the wine lovers and the foodies who want to squeeze as many interesting experiences as possible into their holiday.
Starry Nights in Provence
Tour Operator: Cycling for Softies
France
8 days (Bike: 6 days)
147 mi (~25mi per day)
Leisure
Mostly flat, Quiet roads, Cycle paths and trails
Self-Guided
Semi-Supported
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Overview
Tour Operator Cycling for Softies
This pocket of Provencal perfection inspired Vincent van Gogh through the most productive period of his career, with the beauty of the region, both natural and cultural, captured in more than two hundred of his works.
Our route will let you experience your own starry nights in St-Rémy-de-Provence, soak up the colours and culture of Arles and explore the glorious Proven√ßal countryside.
We love: Soaking up the atmosphere of Arles from one of its charming cafe and the hilltop haven of Baux-de-Provence, with its vast panoramas.
