The UK Grand Tour - Biking
Country
Scotland, England
Region
Edinburgh & Glasgow, Lake District, Cotswolds, Devon & Cornwall
Theme
Iconic Journeys
12
Days
11
Nights
Accommodation
3* / 4*
Cycling from Scotland’s Borders to Cornwall’s coast, one unforgettable mile at a time.
A coast to coast style journey that begins among the lochs and forests of southern Scotland and ends beside the Atlantic in Cornwall. Along the way, we stitch together legendary cycling routes, quiet country lanes, cultural icons and handpicked hotels.
Designed for riders who want challenge this journey blends big landscapes with small, human moments. A pint in a Borders town. Sheep drifting across a Dales hillside. A Roman road leading straight into Bath. Every detail flows, because we’ve ridden it ourselves, guided it ourselves, and refined it over years.
As always, we design this together. Routes can flex. Distances can adjust. The experience is crafted around your clients, not a fixed menu.
Highlights
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Ride from Scotland into England via the remote wilderness of Kielder ForesrTackle Buttertubs Pass, a Tour de France climb deep in the Yorkshire Dales
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Cycle beneath England’s highest fells in the Lake District National Park
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Explore Shakespeare’s Stratford and garden perfection at Hidcote
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Lunch overlooking Blenheim Palace’s Capability Brown parklands
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Enter Bath via an ancient Roman road before a guided city walk
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Finish with coastal riding, fresh seafood and Atlantic sunsets in Cornwall
Handpicked Accommodation
Old Custom House, Padstow
Set on the harbour front, this former 19th-century customs house now offers relaxed coastal accommodation with views across the Camel Estuary.
Why we chose it
Stepping straight out onto the harbour allows guests to slip immediately into Padstow’s atmosphere, with boats rocking gently outside and the tide setting the tempo
The Francis, Bath
Occupying seven elegant Georgian townhouses on Queen Square. Central, walkable and steeped in Bath’s Georgian story, without feeling formal or museum-like.
Why we chose it
The Francis blends historic architecture with refined modern design, right in the heart of Bath.
Borrowdale Gates, Keswick
Set at the foot of Borrowdale Valley, this contemporary hotel sits among some of the Lake District’s most dramatic scenery.
Why we chose it
Floor to ceiling windows frame the surrounding fells.
The Stonehouse, Hawes
A relaxed, cyclist-friendly inn set in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, surrounded by limestone scenery and open moorland.
Why we chose it
Honest comfort, good local ale and a welcoming atmosphere.
Peebles Hydro, Peebles
Perched above the River Tweed, Peebles Hydro is a grand Victorian hotel with panoramic views across the Scottish Borders.
Why we chose it
Originally opened in 1878, it blends heritage architecture with modern comfort, spa facilities and sweeping grounds.
The Beaumont, Hexham
Occupying an elegant 19th century townhouse near Hexham Abbey, The Beaumont blends heritage architecture with thoughtful modern touches.
Why we chose it
Hexham is an ideal base for Hadrian’s Wall, and The Beaumont places guests right at the heart of the town’s historic fabric.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Edinburgh to Peebles
An early meet in Edinburgh and we’re soon heading south into the rolling Scottish Borders. Starting near Broughton, we ride a beautiful lochside route, threading quiet roads through Innerleithen before arriving in Peebles. Forests, open valleys and soft light set the tone for the journey.
Day 2 – Hawick to Hexham
A short transfer brings us to Hawick before we ride south into England through the vast solitude of Kielder Forest. Long stretches of empty road, deep pine woodland and wide skies make this one of the most memorable riding days of the trip. We roll into Hexham for the night.
Day 3 – Yorkshire Dales to Hawes
After transferring to Masham, we mount up and pedal straight into postcard country. Dry stone walls, sheep filled fields and quiet lanes lead us into the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Our destination is Hawes, one of England’s highest market towns, where we settle in for two nights.
Day 4 – Buttertubs Pass
Today we ride deep into the Dales, climbing Buttertubs Pass, a high moorland road made famous by the Tour de France. Views open in every direction as valleys and fells stretch away beneath us. We return to Hawes for a second evening, with time for a well earned pint of local Yorkshire ale.
Day 5 – North Lakes Loop to Keswick
We transfer to Penrith and begin riding immediately into the Lake District National Park. A circular route takes us beneath the imposing bulk of Skiddaw and Blencathra before we finish in the lively market town of Keswick.
Day 6 – Honister Pass and Buttermere
A morning transfer brings us to Stratford upon Avon. We explore Shakespeare’s birthplace and the church where he is buried before cycling into the Cotswolds. Rolling lanes lead us through Chipping Campden and on to the exquisite garden rooms of Hidcote. We overnight in Moreton in Marsh.
Day 7 – Blenheim Palace
We start with coffee at Daylesford Organic, then ride through gentle countryside to Blenheim Palace. Lunch overlooks Capability Brown’s sweeping parkland, followed by time to explore the palace and estate before cycling back to Moreton in Marsh.
Day 8 – Highgrove and Bath
We transfer towards Bath, stopping en route at King Charles III’s gardens at Highgrove. We cycle into Bath via an ancient Roman road, then explore the city on foot with our guide, from the Roman Baths to the Royal Crescent.
Day 9 – Bath at Leisure
A full day to enjoy Bath at your own pace. Museums, galleries, independent shops and cafés are all within easy reach. Our guides remain on hand for suggestions or quiet corners away from the crowds.
Day 10 – Cornwall and the Camel Trail
We transfer to Cornwall and base ourselves in Padstow. A ferry ride across the Camel Estuary brings us to Rock, from where we cycle to Wenford Bridge and join the Camel Trail. The mostly flat, 17 mile ride follows woodland, moorland and estuary back to Padstow, ending with fish and chips on the harbour wall.
Day 11 – Cornwall’s North Coast
A final ride along Cornwall’s dramatic northern coastline. Wild headlands, sea air and winding roads define the day. We celebrate the journey’s end with dinner at Rick Stein’s renowned seafood restaurant.
Day 12 – Departure
After a relaxed breakfast, we transfer to Bodmin Parkway railway station and assist with onward travel.
Itinerary Designer
In the spirit of the 18th-century ‘Grand Tour, ‘ we’ve crafted this North to South biking tour.
Harvey
Featured Experience
Honister Pass
Rising sharply between Borrowdale and Buttermere, the road threads through an amphitheatre of fells. It’s one of the toughest climbs in the UK.