All our cycle tours are graded to help you in your selection as some routes offer more challenges than others. The grading is clearly marked in each tour description.
Please remember though that gentle holidays are what we do, so there are no ‘extreme’ days in any of our programmes.
Most routes on our English tours feature a range of detours or short cuts and all our descriptions detail minimum, maximum and recommended mileages. Some longer trips may offer rest days.
Options are also available on some of our European tours.
Grades 1-3 are suitable for the moderately fit. If you are planning to take the longer route options, it is advisable to be reasonably fit.
Grade 1 – Very Easy
Very short rides. Mainly flat terrain. Some small hills.
Grade 2 – Easy
Slightly longer rides. Mainly flat terrain. Some small hills.
Grade 3 – Moderate
Longer rides – generally same itineraries as ‘Easy’ tours, but with the longer route options selected. May include slightly more or bigger hills.
Grade 4 – More Challenging
Longer rides with more frequent climbs and descents and occasional (though possibly avoidable) challenging climbs.
Grade 5 – Going That Extra Mile
Significantly longer rides (up to about 70 miles / 100kms on some days), with climbs and descents and possibly occasional challenging climbs.
The mileages of the routes do vary, considerably at times, but we’ve tried to explain this clearly in the tour descriptions. As a guide ‘occasional’ cyclists should expect to cover between 6-10 miles an hour at a gentle pace, allowing for short stops on the way.
If you have any questions about what might sit in your comfort zone or serve to push your boundaries just a little, do contact us and we’ll be happy to chat things over to find what’s right for you.