Cycle Tour Grading / Difficulty

Cycling in the mountains
It can be hard to decide if a trip is right for you. So, to help you decide we have given all of our cycle tours a grade. Look out for the appropriate grade at the top of each tour page.

We have also included tips in the tour dossiers regarding grading and the typical cycling terrain that you can expect on your trip….. we are helpful like that!

Cycling Grade A Grade A (Easy)


A Grade A trip is perfect for anyone new to the concept of cycling holidays. You can expect to be cycling on flat ground for most of the time. Occasionally you may come across a more hilly terrain with some uphill sections.
These trips should appeal to anybody with reasonable fitness that perhaps enjoys a cycle ride at home every now and then.

Cycling Grade B Grade B (Easy to Moderate)


A Grade B trip is ideal for you if you are a more frequent cyclist. You will mainly be cycling on the flat and in hilly terrain, occasionally crossing steeper ascents and descents. These trips should appeal to anyone who enjoys regular cycling at home and has a reasonable level of fitness.

Cycling Grade C Grade C (Moderate)


If you want a bit more of a challenge then you should try a Grade C trip! You can still expect some cycling on flat ground, but generally you will be cycling in hilly terrain, with the occasional encounter of steeper ascents and descents.
These trips are suitable for regular cyclists with a good level of fitness.

Distance v Duration

Cycling the roads of Ireland

Cycling the roads of Ireland

On our cycling holidays the average speed is about 10 mph (16 km/h) when you are on flat ground

Daily distances vary from day to day and tour to tour. It will depend on factors such as the route you take, the quality of the road surface, accessibility for vehicle support and availability of accommodation.

To make it easier we have included a simple chart for each of our cycling holidays that will outline the distance covered each day. We also like to let you have the odd rest day, so we have popped those in too.

You have probably noticed that we don't tell you how long you will be cycling for each day. That's because the daily duration can vary from person to person.

The main thing to remember is that it's not a race. Take your time, breath the fresh air and enjoy the scenery.