Eden Valley and the North Pennines

Home to the country's most scenic railway, surrounded by lush green countryside and peppered with attractive traditional towns and pretty sandstone villages, the region has much to offer even the most casual day tripper.

For two-wheeled visitors with the time to spend a few days exploring its extensive network of quiet roads and country lanes however, the Eden Valley is an absolute joy.

We spend our time based in a pleasant rural hotel situated just a few minutes' drive away from Penrith, on the outskirts of the quaint Cumbrian village of Langwathby. Our hotel is ideally located for accessing some of the best riding in the north of England, as we head out to explore in different directions for each of the four days.

Being centre-based for the duration we can relax, forget about daily packing and unpacking and concentrate on what we came here to do; enjoy a few days of fantastic road cycling.

Holiday Highlights

• Admiring the rugged natural beauty of the North Pennines
• Riding up to the top of Hartside – a Tour of Britain favourite – from both directions
• Miles and miles of quiet picturesque valleys and dramatic moorland
• Pedalling up to Alston, the ‘joint highest market town’ in England
• Cycling through the Howgill Fells, perfectly situated between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks
• Enjoying a well deserved pint of Pennine Pale Ale at the end of a day in the saddle

From our base in the Eden Valley our route takes us over a variety of terrains, ranging from some classic climbs over the wide hills of the North Pennines to the punchiest of short steep climbs and descents.

Road surfaces are generally good, however, as is the case in all rural regions, it is not uncommon to encounter occasional gravelly sections and potholes in some areas. Similarly, cattle grids, wandering sheep and other livestock are frequent. Good bike handling skills and a reasonable level of fitness are required.