Saddle Skedaddle

A unique cycling holiday in the UK along Northumberland’s stunning coastline, cycling past impressive castles and fortresses dating back to the Middle Ages. Our cycling holiday begins at the quaint village of Warkworth where the route travels northwards alongside the wide sandy beaches and dunes of Embleton, Newton-by-the-Sea and Bamburgh. You can then cross the tidal causeway (check the tide times!) to the historic Holy Island otherwise known as Lindisfarne, the place where the 8th Century Lindisfane Gospels were created. 

This cycling holiday includes stunning views of the impressive castles of Dunstanburgh, Bamburgh, and Lindisfarne.  The route then continues North to finish at the Elizabethan border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, with its impressive defenses built during many years of border wars.  From Berwick-upon-Tweed we'll whisk you back to your car in Warkworth, or you can catch the train home from here. 

This self-guided trip is for a minimum of 2 people and accommodation, transfers, luggage transfers and emergency back up are all included. We also provide detailed route notes and maps to enable you to do the route self-guided. Nothing could be simpler!

Create your own - If you are looking for extra days, extra routes, additional transfers, specialist bicycles on this route, then please contact the Skedaddle Office to discuss the available options.

Holiday Highlights
Lindisfarne with its castle and priory 
Mile upon mile of golden dunes and sandy beaches 
The pretty fishing villages North of Warkworth 
The majestic castles of Dunstanburgh and Bamburgh 
The historic town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, England’s most Northern town

Two weeks of salsa and cycling, old cars and cigars, on the Caribbean’s most vibrant island. Our Cuban Revolutions tour offers an unrivalled insight into the fascinating island of Cuba. During our tour we stay in a wide variety of accommodation, including hotels with pools and, in order to get the full flavour of your time in Cuba, we will also be staying in casas particulares (private houses).

This biking trip takes us on a journey through Cuba and begins in the historic city of Havana with a city tour of some of its famous landmarks. After transferring to Bayamo our cycling starts in earnest with our initial highlight the religious site of the Virgin of Charity at El Cobre. It’s from here we set our sights on Santiago de Cuba; the birthplace of the revolution and home of Cuban music.

Stunning views of the Carribbean Sea are next as we follow the dramatic and stunning southern coastline and head west to Sierramar and Marea de Portillo on our way to the charming provincial town of Niquero. Perfectly positioned on the Golfo de Guacanayabo it’s positioned close to the landing point for Castro, Ché and the revolutionaries.

Trinidad, one of the jewels of Cuba is next and is without doubt the most picturesque city in Cuba. It’s here we spend time with local families for 2 nights before making our way to Santa Clara, to visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum. After a scenic transfer, we're back on the bikes in the area of Pinar del Rio, heading through the picturesque Mogotes of Viñales on route to Soroa.

A final day's cycling takes us back to the city of Havana for a night of daiquiris and dancing. Our final day starts with a lovely walking tour of Old Havana followed by a leisurely lunch and a spot of souvenir hunting before we head to the airport and evening flight connections.

Highlights

• Kicking back with a post ride Mojito
• Cycling around the loaf-shaped mountains of Viñales
• Exploring the colonial delights of Trinidad and Santiago
• Cuban salsa beats in downtown Havana
• Stories of Che, Castro and the Revolution
• Cycling the Caribbean coast of Marea del Portillo

An awesome road cycling holiday in Costa Rica, taking you through a vibrant and fertile Central American paradise, blessed with a pleasant climate and an abundance of natural beauty.

Vast areas of lush green cloudforest and rainforest, magnificent volcanoes, two incredible and very different regions and of course, a network of stunningly picturesque paved roads make the country a perfect and idyllic road cycling destination. This action-packed tour, in which we experience both the laid back tranquillity of the Caribbean side of the country and the crashing dramatics of the Pacific, is a perfect escape.

After a first evening in San José we transfer to Guapiles in the Limon province on the Caribbean side of the country. On arrival we will embark on a short warm-up ride to acclimatise to the tropical climate and to experience first-hand the natural beauty that Costa Rica has to offer.

The following day will be our first full day on the bikes and by the afternoon we'll be leaving the coast behind us and heading for the hills. From here we continue making our way across the country, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the spectacular scenery in the heart of Costa Rica, following the shores of Lago Arenal and skirting the active Volcan Arenal; just one of a number of volcano experiences we will have during our journey.

After a week in the saddle we reach the golden beaches of Samara and Carrillo on the Pacific coast and our last day in the saddle sees us exploring the sparsely inhabited countryside of the Nicoya Peninsula before transferring back to Costa Rica's capital, San José, where will spend our final evening together.

Holiday Highlights
Spotting an unparalleled diversity of wildlife 
Breaking through the clouds as we cross Costa Rica’s central mountains 
Enjoying volcanic vistas over a drink in La Fortuna 
Watching the sun go down from Samara beach after a rewarding day in the saddle 
The change in scenery on opposing sides of the continental divide

A stunning and mythical land home to wild jungles, lush tropical rainforests, palm fringed beaches, and seemingly endless cultural delights and wildlife. It’s a place steeped in legend and famed for its tribal headhunters and White Rajahs who have shaped its history.

Following arrival in Kuching we start our journey with a Heritage Tour of the city before heading to Santubong National Park via the small fishing Kampongs (villages) that are scattered around this coastal area. Next stop is the Sarawak’s most famous National Park Bako, which is reached following a scenic coastal speedboat journey. Once here we have some fully guided day jungle hikes to search out the bizarre looking Proboscis Monkey and tropical birds such as Hornbills.

Once on dry-land our next wildlife highlight is at the wonderful Semenggoh Nature Reserve, which is home to endangered Orangutans rescued from captivity and are now part of a successful rehabilitation program. We end the day, after a great spot of cycling, at a traditional Bidayuh Longhouse where we are treated to a display of dance, music, food and drink.

Next stop is in the Borneo Highlands with its superb early morning vistas over to Indonesia. A spot of gentle kayaking follows for the morning, with the cycling journey then continuing via the awesome Fairy Cave to Siniawan where we enjoy sampling local delicacies at the night market.

Kubah National Park follows, which offers more wildlife opportunities including a night-time walk to look for Sarawak’s rare and wonderful nocturnal creatures. Next day and we swap our cycling things for snorkel and fins during a visit to Satang Island and end the day at Matang Wildlife Centre and a second opportunity to see Orangutans and learn a little more about these amazing creatures.

The most challenging day on the bike follows, with a great ride from here to our beachside accommodation at beautiful Basaga. The following day and it’s flat all the way to Semantan where we end this incredible cycling journey at its palm fringed beach.

Our final morning is spent relaxing on the beach or poolside before returning to Kuching for souvenir shopping and a final night celebrations and yet more delicious cuisine.

Holiday Highlights
Orangutan spotting at Semenggoh Nature Reserve 
Overnighting at a traditional Sarawak Longhouse 
Wildlife walks at Bako National Park 
Stunning Sematan and cycling its palm fringed coastline 
Beautiful Borneo Highlands and its morning vista 
Siniawan’s Night Market and its street food delights

A guided cycling holiday in the Azores, located in the Atlantic Ocean. The volcanic origins of the islands are reflected in the mountains and valleys covered by a rich and varied vegetation, lakes in ancient volcano craters, natural swimming pools by the sea, black sandy beaches, active steaming fumaroles, and thermal hot water cascades and fountains.

Our trip starts in Ponta Delgada, which is situated on the largest of the Azores islands, Sao Miguel, or as it is more commonly known, The Green Island. It is in Ponta Delgada that we will spend our first few days exploring the trails. These include the volcanic complex of Sete Cidades, with its amazing Blue and Green lakes and the heated pools of Ferraria - make sure to bring your swimming costumes as there's plenty of opportunity during the week for a swim!

We have scheduled in an optional non-cycling day and with the Azores famous for whales and dolphines, you can swap your cycling shades for binoculars and head out on a boat for a spot of whale watching! In the afternoon there is the option of a jeep safari to Caldeira Velha - a hot waterfall where you can take a dip.

Later on in the week we head to the village of Furnas, from where we're well placed to experience the volcanic origins of the Island around Furnas Lake, Caldeiras da Lagoa and the fumaroles! Our final day ends the trip in style - lovely cycling, amazing views over the whole island and the ocean, and a visit to the Gorreana Tea plantation.

Holiday Highlights
Taking in the stunning Blue and Green Lake of Sete Cidades 
Pedalling through Pinhal de Paz Park 
Sampling tasty Cozido de Furnas at the Caldeiras da Lagoa 
Sipping tea at the world famous Gorreana Tea Plantation 
Bathing in the thermal pools of Ferraria

For this tour across Sardinia we’ve chosen a beautiful route that alternates between gentle coastal roads, vast plains, steady climbs and thrilling descents. We take you deep into the heart of this magical island. Starting in the south-west of Sardinia, near Montevecchio, you’ll set off through hills carpeted with lush green maquis vegetation, towards the towering sand dunes of the Costa Verde, where your coast to coast adventure officially begins.

You’ll ride through olive groves and vineyards, unique and fascinating archaeological sites and lush green oak woods as you head off into a spectacular mountain landscape. Highlights along the way include a challenging but rewarding ascent into the stunning Gennargentu Mountains and an exhilarating descent of the limestone Supramonte Mountains of Baunei to the stunning Orosei Gulf.

You’ll spend your last night in the picturesque coastal resort of Cala Gonone, near Dorgali, where you can celebrate your achievements in style.

If you have a day or two to spare why not extend your trip with some trekking or sea kayaking. Our local team can join you for a day’s guiding or we can provide the information and equipment to allow you to enjoy the routes self-guided, just give us a call for further info.

Holiday Highlights
Exploring the UNESCO heritage site of Su Nuraxi at Barumini 
Taking a dip in the emerald waters of the Orosei Gulf 
Cycling just below the Perda Liana mountain range 
Dining on delicious home cooked food, washed down with tasty local wine! 
Enjoying the speedy descent to Cala Gonone on the east coast

During this stunning cycling holiday in Vietnam we'll explore its finest backroads, to get the full "surround-sound" effect - you'll be able to interact with local children cycling to school, smell delicious wafts of street food cooking, see stunning scenery and feel the incredibly varied Vietnamese weather on your skin.

Our journey begins in Vietnam's former capital Ho Chi Minh city, still often referred to as Saigon by locals and tourists alike. The city has managed to retain a lot of its historic charms while evolving in to a bustling modern city. From here we head north to the Cu Chi tunnels where we'll get a real insight into the Vietnam war from a local perspective. Next we're off to the stunning coastline at Miu Ne where we can enjoy a swim and a fantastic sunset across the South China Sea. From the coast we head inland to the former French colonial hillstation of Dalat and then we're descending all the way to Nha Trang - famed for its 6km beach, crystal clear water and fantastic seafood.

From Nha Trang our route follows the coast north, riding through tiny villages, past rice paddies and well away from the tourist trail, before heading on to the UNESCO world heritage site of Hoi An. From here we travel to Hue where we spend a couple of days exploring this fantastic area, before boarding a sleeper train to our final destination - Hanoi. We'll spend a day here exploring this fascinating city, taking in the sights and the sounds, before flying home at the end of the holiday.

It's more than 1100 miles (nearly 1800 kms) from Saigon to Hanoi, so in order to fit in the best bits of cycling and to miss out some of the busier urban sections, this cycling holiday in Vietnam uses transfers to get us out of the cities and onto the quieter backroads. Don't let this put you off however - it just means you can save your energy for the great riding that can be found off the beaten track.

Highlights

• Exploring the lesser visited parts of Vietnam by bike
• Stunning Saigon – the ‘Pearl of the Orient’
• Heading off the tourist trail in the Central Highlands
• Treating your tastebuds to Vietnam’s legendary cuisine
• Get your caffeine hit with a fresh roadside brew
• Soaking up the sunshine at beautiful Nha Trang

The heat and humidity means we set a reasonably leisurely cycling pace, and where possible we stick largely to quiet rural roads. While the majority of these are sealed, they are sometimes not in the best of condition and the verges particularly can give way to hard packed dirt. Where the main road is busy, we occasionally take dirt roads for a more scenic ride.

The route is a mixture of flat riding in the plains and hillier routes in the Central Highlands. There are occasional more challenging climbs of up to 1000m / 3280ft where our support vehicle will be on hand for those who prefer a lift.

This tour, which includes Alto de Letras, at 52 miles reputed to be the longest climb in the world, is possibly our most ambitious and exciting road trip to date, designed to appeal to adventure seekers who live to ride and love to climb.

Colombia has been through massive changes over recent years. Politically stable and with a well-developed infrastructure, the country has opened up to tourists and is safe to visit.

Whilst the rural regions remain delightfully unspoiled, traditional and rich in culture, the country's cities and larger towns are highly sophisticated. Due to the country's history however international tourism is still in its infancy and vast areas of the country have been largely untouched by foreign visitors. Beaming smiles, open arms and unrivalled hospitality await those adventurous enough to make the journey.

Cycling has been Colombia's national sport for decades and during the course of our tour we will encounter locals training on the roads on a daily basis, the same roads that, in recent years, have given us world class riders and Grand Tour winners such as Nairo Quintana, Rigoberto Urán and Egan Bernal. The annual Vuelta a Colombia is regarded as one of the toughest stage races in the world and a significant number of the country's top riders have gone on to do well on the international stage. Obviously we'll be taking things considerably gentler than the professionals, but we will get a taste of the magnificent Andean mountain roads which make those guys so strong.

It's not all climbing and hard work though as our journey takes us from the high mountain capital of Bogota at 2,625m above sea level to the warm waters of the Caribbean coast. Along the way we'll pass through some of the country's most beautiful landscapes, entering the famous Zona Cafetera, one of the world's primary coffee growing regions.

We'll also spend a couple of nights in Medellin, the 'City of Eternal Spring', a seductive city which will appeal as much to culture lovers as it will to those in search of nightlife.

The final stages take us into a coastal flatland and present a welcome change of pace to contrast with the challenges of the Andes and delivers us gently to the world-famous Caribbean resort and historic walled city of Cartagena, where we can relax in classic colonial style and soak up the wonderful atmosphere.

Highlights

• Exploring unspoiled Andean highlands
• The historic city of Cartagena
• The hospitality of locals, so proud to show off their country
• The challenges offered by Colombia’s dramatic mountains
• Cycling with the warm Caribbean breeze at your back
• Being amongst the first to ride in this emerging destination

Colombia offers a breathtakingly diverse landscape and our trip passes through everything from steamy lowland plains to lush rainforest and cloud forest to high altitude Andean mountain passes.

This fantastic supported cycling holiday in the UK utilises the National Cycle Network. This trip travels along the northern boundary of Britannia and the Roman Empire, starting and finishing at either end of Emperor Hadrian’s Wall.

During the ride you will be able to follow in the footsteps of Roman soldiers, whilst experiencing some of the rich heritage that Cumbria and Northumberland have to offer.
Hadrian's Cycleway is a great cycling alternative to our ever popular C2C cycling trip, and suitable for those looking for an easier C2C option.

This coast to coast holiday boasts open hill country, peaceful river valleys, and a finish on the seafront at Tynemouth next to the Priory and nearby impressive beaches - a favourite for local surfers. You will be supported by a vehicle and driver all the way, who will provide refreshments and lunch en-route, and will carry bike spares and tools.

Accommodation is in well-appointed bed and breakfasts, inns or small family run hotels. Breakfasts and lunches are provided, and evening meals enjoyed in restaurants or pubs close to the accommodation.

If you’re looking for a cycling holiday on quiet roads, traffic-free paths and National Cycle Network routes - then Hadrian's Cycleway is the holiday for you.

Highlights:
The well preserved Hadrian’s Wall forts of Birdoswald and Vindolanda 
The rugged beauty of the North Pennines 
The picturesque market town of Corbridge 
The view down the Tyne as you arrive into Newcastle 
The sense of achievement having ridden from coast to coast 

With an incredible abundance of wildlife, stunning scenery and quiet trails, Costa Rica makes the perfect destination for an exciting family cycling holiday. Costa Rica's mix of beautiful coastline, rainforest and lofty volcanic peaks give it a diversity which is hard to match anywhere in the world and this holiday gives you the chance to experience all of the best bits for yourself.

Our trip starts with a visit to the edge of Volcan Irazu's crater from where, on a clear day, you can see the Pacific Ocean in one direction and the Atlantic in the other. From here we jump on our bikes to see who will be the first to spot a capuchin monkey or tapir as we cycle though the Trapanti National Park. As the forest thins out and makes way to sugar and coffee plantations we reach Pacuare River where we can swap our pedals for paddles to enjoy some whitewater rafting.

Our expert guides are on hand to ensure everything is both safe and fun for everyone. This is also an excellent opportunity to observe more of Costa Rica's indigenous wildlife with several species of monkey, hundreds of varieties of birds and even jaguars! We also get the chance to see another side of the country with a visit to a local school and farm before our journey takes us on to the Pacific coast and the spectacular beaches of Samara, a great place to try out some of the watersports or just relax after a rewarding week.

If one of our standard dates doesn't suit you, or you want something especially for your family, contact us and we can help put together the perfect trip for you in what has to be the one of the best destinations for a family adventure anywhere in the world.

Holiday Highlights
Peering in to a volcanic crater 
Running the rapids on the Pacuare River 
Arriving at the Pacific paradise of Samara beach 
Trying a spot of surfing and impressing the kids 
Monkey spotting as you cycle along