5 Classic English Bicycle Trips

Day 1- 22 or 42 miles
From Plumber Manor we begin by cycling through Sturminster Newton's bustling town square. Its a gradual climb to the hilltop town of Shaftesbury and the view from Gold Hill is the first of many breathtaking panoramas on this trip. Next we coast to one of England's finest 18th C landscaped gardens Stourhead. The afternoon ride visits many charming villages on the return journey to Plumber Manor.

Day 2- 21 or 41 miles
Across the hills of North Dorset we meander through unspoilt villages pausing at Cerne Abbas to view the famous naked giant en route to the quiet village of Evershot, home of Hardy's Tess. Longer option cyclists will take up the challenge of the surrounding hillsides while others enjoy afternoon tea in the garden at Summer Lodge, our Relais & Chateau accommodation for the next two nights.

Day 3- Rest Day. Optional 21 miles
Relax in the heated outdoor pool, stroll up the lane to visit Tess' cottage or cycle to the neighbouring village of Powerstock. The choice is yours. This evening a local literary scholar entertains us with tales of the life of Thomas Hardy.

Day 4- 19 or 32 miles
We catch our first glimpse of the sea descending into the village of Abbotsbury with its magnificent thatched tithe barn and interesting swannery. From the coast it's inland to the ruins of Maiden Castle where we join the ancient Roman road to Dorchester. Our lodging is the aptly named Casterbridge Hotel in the centre of this busy county town. You are free to dine out this evening and there are many fine restaurants and pubs within walking distance.

Day 5- 20 or 40 miles
It's a mile to Stinsford Church, the resting place of Thomas Hardy's heart, and at Higher Bockhampton we visit the cottage where he was born. Our home for the next two nights is The Priory Hotel at Wareham in the Isle of Purbeck, a peninsula famous for its golden vellow stone. You may wish to spend the afternoon exploring this delightful Saxon market town. This evening a local historian joins us for dinner and an informative chat about the history of Purbeck.

Day 6- 25 or 36 miles
Today's circular route offers a wide range of activities: re-live ten centuries of history at Corfe Castle, stroll the sandy beach at Studland or hike the Dorset Coast Path to Old Harry Rocks. A visit to Swanage is not complete without a ride on the steam train and bicycles are welcome aboard this restored railway line. We disembark to ride through flat marshland to Arne Nature Reserve before returning to Wareham.

Day 7- 27, 36 or 50 miles
On our last day we cycle through Wareham Forest to Bere Regis where a 15th C window in the parish church bears the crest of the Dorset family Turberville on whom Hardy based his novel. Unspoilt countryside, peaceful villages and more fine views are enjoyed as we approach the 18 C model village of Milton Abbas. Returning to The Priory by way of the 'puddletowns' our journey through Hardy's Dorset ends with a farewell drink in the hotel's exquisite riverside garden.

Terrain: North Dorset is hilly with spectacular views, The terrain is gently undulating in the Purbeck region.
Trip start: We meet before dinner at Plumber Manor, Sturminster Newton, Dorset.
Trip finish: The Priory Hotel, Wareham, Dorset
Supported Group Tour: £1,850
Self-Guided: £1,500 Bicycle Hire:£105
2002 Group Dates: May 12, July 7, Sept. 15. custom dates available for groups of 8 or more.

DAY 1- 34 or 48 miles
We begin in the New Forest, Hampshire's ancient hunting preserve where animals have roamed freely since 1079. Pretty Forest pubs and villages give reason to pause, as do the gardens at Furzey. At Rhinefield House there's time for a swim before dining in the Grand Hall of this 19th century hunting lodge. We share dinner with a local commoner' who enlightens us on the traditions of the New Forest.

DAY 2- 13, 21 or 30 miles
Today's ride leads to Buckler's Hard, once the country's busiest shipyard and neighbouring Beaulieu, home to Lord Montagu. Garden enthusiasts will enjoy the side trip to Exbury Gardens before freewheeling into Lymington for the scenic ferry-crossing the Isle of Wight. We are guests for two nights on a bed and breakfast basis at the beautifully restored George Hotel situated adjacent to Yarmouth Castle on the seafront.

Day 3- Rest Day optional hike and bike
Relax and explore Yarmouth, with its pretty square of stone houses, 17th C church and a Castle built by Henry VIII. Our optional ride to The Needles, provides a visit to the restored Battery Station and museum, Cliff-top views await those who hike the Tennyson Trail before the riverside return ride to The George.

DAY 4- 25 or 39 miles
Our cross island ride visits the ghost-town of Newtown once the island's busy port and wealthy capital. The delightful villages of Calbourne and Brighstone are en route to today's historic highlight, Carisbrooke Castle. We'll uncover its 11th century origins before coasting along rolling hills to Seaview. a tiny seaside resort on the island's east coast. The swanky Seaview Hotel is ours to enjoy for two nights. Bedrooms are decorated with nautical flair and the sea is only a few hundred yards away. This evening a local historian gives us an entertaining insight into Island life.

DAY 5- 18, 27 or 65 (Round the Island)
Our loop from Seaview is full of choice: Enjoy a leisurely ride to the quiet fishing villages of St. Helen's and Bembridge, then climb Culver Down for the best view of the Island's south coast. At historic Brading, visit Nunwell House where Charles I spent his last night of freedom and visit the Roman villa before pedalling inland to the picture-postcard village of Godshill. Those seeking a challenge will do the Round the Island cycle ride. Back at Seaview there's time for a stroll along the beach before dining on some of the island's best seafood.

Day 6- 10 or 22 miles
On our final day we travel from Seaview to Ryde, a charming Victorian seaside town. Then it's on to the Isle of Wight's leading historic attraction and a trip highlight: Osborne House. Designed by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria, the House and Gardens are worthy of an extensive tour. From Osborne it's a short ride to the international yachting centre of Cowes where we board the ferry and enjoy a farewell drink before ending our Forest Coast & Downs tour in Southampton.

Terrain: The New Forest is flat. The Isle of Wight is undulating with a few long climbs.
Trip start: We meet before dinner at Rhinefield House Hotel, Brockenhurst, Hampshire.
Trip finish: Southampton, Hampshire
Supported Group Tour: £1,495
Self-Guided Tour: £1,195 Bicycle Hire: £90
2002 Dates: May 19, June 2, Sept. 1. Custom dates available for groups of 8 or more.

Day 1- 17, 33 or 42 miles
We are instantly captivated by the charm of the Cotswold villages of Ebrington and Blockley as we pedal, heads above the hedgerow, to Moreton-in-Marsh. the region's busy market town. Of the beaten track we discover the Rollright Stones, a lesser-known stone circle similar to Stonehenge. Back at Charingworth Manor it's tea in the scented girden or a refreshing dip in the pool before dining on four course cuisine.

Day 2- 23 or 35 miles
Both Kiftsgate and Hidcote Manor Garden can be visited en route to the wealthy wool market town of Chipping Campden, distinguished by its 14th century architecture. Pedalling along country lanes we reach idyllic Broadway, where for two nights we are guests of the Lygon Arms, one of the oldest hotels in England and twice-winner of the prestigious Queen's Award for service.

Day 3- Rest Day. Optional 16 miles
Browse for antiques in Broadway's fashionable High Street, hike the Cotswold Way to Broadway Tower or pamper yourself in the hotel's Health spa. Our optional ride visits the picture-postcard villages of Snowshill, Stanway and Stanton. Before dinner in the Great Hall the curator of Sudeley Castle joins us for an informative talk about the Castle's Royal history.

Day 4- 28 miles
Today's ride takes us past long harrows and through ancient woodlands to explore the area surrounding Winchchcombe and Sudeley Castle. At Humbebee How we park our bikes and set foot for Belas Knap - the finest example of a false-entrance long barrow in the Cotswolds. A gradual climb leads to Stow-on-the-wold, the hill-top town where our award-winning Grapevine Hotel hosts us for the next t\vo nights.

Day 5- 26, 35 or 49 miles
The ruins of a Roman villa at Chedworth, preserved by the National Trust, are the historic highlight on this ride. Then its on to the wealthy 13th C wool market town of Northleach and its beautiful church with some impressive brasses. The return journey to Stow is via the pretty riverside villages of Sherbourne, Windrush and the Great Barrington Deer Park. At The Grapevine we dine under clusters of the historic Black Hamburg grape that gives the hotel its name.

Day 6- 15 or 33 miles
On our final day we descend through the picturesque villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter to Bourton-on-the-Water where the River Windrush, enhanced by attrative low bridges of Cotswold stone, is the outstanding natural feature of the village. There is much to see in Bourton, so secure your bikes and explore on foot. Leaving the bustle of Bourton we soon reach a quiet country pub to share a pint with the locals before returning to Stow where our tour of the romantic Cotswolds comes to a close.

Terrain: undulating with some long grades and a few steep climbs.
Trip start: We meet before dinner at Charingworth Manor, Gloucestershire.
Trip finish: The Grapevine Hotel, Gloucestershire
Supported Group Tour: £1,795
Self-Guided Tour: £1,495 Bicycle Hire: £90
2002 Dates: June 9, July 14, Sept. 8. custom dates available for groups of 8 or more.

DAY 1 - On the Trail of Beatrix Potter: Hawkshead & Hill Top - You'll start your Lakeland tour by ferrying across Lake Windermere and peddaling along the west shore with fabulous views of the Lake and surrounding fells. The picturesque village of Hawkshead is an ideal place to enjoy a pub lunch, pick up a Lakeland souvenir and visit the Beatrix Potter Gallery Museum packed with original illustrations from her famous story books. Next is Hill Top - Beatrix Potter's home which has been kept exactly as she left it by the Hational Trust. From here it is back to Gilpin Lodge for a sumptuous dinner and relaxing evening.
Basic Route: 14.7 miles.
Terrain: Mostly gentle rolling countryside with a couple of steep climbs.
Accommodation: Gilpin Lodge, Windermere

DAY 2 - The Quiet Side of Windermere - Today you'll explore the quiet and scenic area to the south of Windermere taking in Crosthwaite and Knipe Tarn. After a steep climb (walking is allowed!) you're rewarded with panoramic views stretching to the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Traffic free bridleways and a glimpse of the sea in the distance provide a total escape. Challenge-seekers will enjoy the Strawberry Bank option with its up-valley climb and descent through woodland to a ford, with a footbridge for those not wanting to get their feet wet. The cycling ends at Pier 2 in Bowness-on-Windermere, where you and your bikes board a Lake Cruiser for the relaxing journey to The Lakeside Hotel, situated at the southern-most tip of England largest lake, Winderrmere.
Basic Route: 16.8 miles. Strawberry Bank option adds 2.9 miles
Longer Option: The Strawberry Bank option provides a stop at a rural pub serving beers from all around the world.
Terrain: Undulating country lanes and bridleways with 3 steep climbs on the basic route.
Accommodation: The Lakeside Hotel, Lakeside.

DAY 3 - Historic Sites on a Lakeland Peninsula - Bicycling south through less rugged countryside you are heading for Cartmel Priory, dating back to 1200 with a diagonally added tower it is an impressive building with the sumptuous 14th century tomb of the first Lord Harrington. From here you can take on a few extra miles to visit Holker Hall, a magnificent stately home surrounded by formal gardens with tranquil water features. Then climb through woodlands along bridleways and country lanes to make your way to Haverthwaite where you can catch the steam train back to the Lakeside Hotel.
Basic Route: 15.0 miles. Holker Hall option adds 4 miles
Longer Option: The Holker Hall option provides a visit to a magnificent stately home with wonderful gardens.
Terrain: Undulating country lanes and bridleways with a couple of steep climbs on the basic route.
Accommodation: Lakeside Hotel, Lakeside.

DAY 4 - Rest Day Optional Hike or Bike - Today is your rest day and The Lakeside Hotel provides the perfect opportunity you have a choice of activities. Leave the bike behind, catch the small ferry to Fell Foot Country Park and climb up to Gummer's How for the best panoramic view of the South Lakeland district. Uncover the region's industrial past with a short bike ride alongside the restored steam railway and old mills, now turned into hotels. Next it's up through the Rusland valley, the woodlands of which were exploited to make charcoal for smelting. Then you can visit a preserved industrial site at a Victorian bobbin making mill that made cotton reels for the Lancashire cotton mills.

Transfer again by Lake Cruiser back to Bowness to drop off your bicycles and then it is on to your final stop in the Lake District: the award-winning Holbeck Ghyll Hotel Country House Hotel, an 18th century hunting lodge.
Walking Option: 3 miles. A long uphill climb is involved.
Bicycling Option: 7 miles basic route. Grizedale Forest option adds 7.2 miles.
Longer Option: The Grizedale Forest option visits the Forest with open air sculptures
Terrain: Undulating country lanes with a long climb on the basic route.
Accommodation: Holbeck Ghyll Country House Hotel, Ambleside.

DAY 5 - Townend and Troutbeck - Today put on your boots and pound the footpath to the National Trust property at Townend. This 17th century house once belonged to a wealthy yeoman farming family and contains a fascinating collaction of carved woodwork, books, furniture and domestic implements. It's a short stroll into Troutbeck for refreshments before heading back along a bridleway to the Hotel where you can relax looking out over Lake Windermere or visit the on-site luxury Health Spa.
Basic Route: 5.5 miles.
Terrain: Undulating country lanes and bridleways
Highest Point: 250 metres; elevation gain 200 metres.
Accommodation: Holbeck Ghyll, Ambleside

DAY 6 - Wordsworth's Grasmere & Rydal - For your final day take a walk along fellside tracks, where the views will amaze you, down into the town at the heart of the Lake District, Ambleside. It's a short open top bus ride from Ambleside to Rydal Mount, Wordsworth's home from 1818 until his death in 1850. Near-by Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum provide insight into the poet's personal life and house a unique collection of original manuscripts and books. En route to Rydal Water is Grasmere, one of the Lake District's prettiest villages and an ideal pub lunch stop. At Rydal Water you'll be rewarded with beautiful lake views before catching the open top bus back to Holbeck Ghyll. The uphill return to Holbeck Ghyll provides once last look at Lake Windermere before your Hike & Bike tour ends with the private transfer to Windermere station.
Basic Route: 6.0 miles.
Terrain: Undulating country lanes and bridleways with an uphill walk to end.
Highest Point: 120 metres; elevation gain 70 metres.

Group Supported Price: £1,795
Self-GuidedPrice: £1,495
Bike Rental: 50 pounds
2002 Group Dates: April 21, June 23, Aug. 11, Oct. 6. Custom dates for group of 8 or more.

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