We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
While our intention is to adhere to the day-by-day route as printed below, a degree of flexibility is built into the itinerary. Places visited and routes may vary depending on local road and weather conditions.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
England |
UK |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
|
£1.50 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
|
£1.50 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
|
£1.50 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
|
£3.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
|
£15.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
|
£20.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
|
£14.50 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
£5.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling within the UK although insurance cover for holiday cancellation, curtailment and personal effects is strongly recommended.
For all non UK nationals travel insurance is necessary and must cover medical and repatriation expenses.
Do you need to organise travel insurance for your holiday? If so, you can arrange Explore Travel insurance - which covers you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us on 0844 499 0901 for a separate quote. If you have purchased Explore Insurance you should carry the Master Certificate leaflet with you, which outlines the conditions of the policy together with a copy of your Confirmation Invoice, which is your proof of purchase of insurance. Explore Worldwide are an Appointed Representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority.
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Visa Requirements
Entry visas NOT required by UK, AUS, NZ, USA, CAN. Citizens Other nationalities should check with your consular office or your booking agent.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Additional Information for your Cycling Tour
Bike hire- Bike hire is included in the tour price and will be provided on arrival. If you wish to take your own bike with you then this is also possible.
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Cycling Safety
Our bikes are serviced frequently: spokes, tyres, gear and brake mechanisms are checked over and tested thoroughly by experienced mechanics before each tour begins.
We strongly recommend that you wear a helmet whilst cycling. We do not provide helmets locally; by bringing your own you can ensure a good fit and that it hasn’t been damaged.
Your tour leader will give a full safety briefing at the start of the tour, along with instructions on how to deal with any minor mechanical problems you may have along the way. Puncture repair kits will be provided locally, when and where necessary during the trip.
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Bike details
Bike hire is included on all Explore cycling trips: you don’t need to bring your own or pay extra to hire one locally. We also provide a support vehicle, spare parts and take care of day to day bike maintenance. All you need bring is your own helmet. If you prefer to use your own saddle or pedals please bring them too, as they can be fitted to your bike for the duration of the tour.
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| Bike Details |
Equipment Provided |
| Bike type: |
Hybrid |
| Bike model: |
Trek T10 Navigator
|
| Number of gears: |
21 |
| Brakes: |
V-Brake |
| Suspension: |
No Suspension |
| Frame range: |
17"-23" |
| Panniers/bike bag type provided: |
Rear Panniers |
| Water bottle holder provided: |
Yes |
| Water bottle provided: |
No |
| Adjustable handlebars: |
Yes |
| Female saddles provided: |
Yes |
| Gel saddles provided: |
No |
| Option to fit own saddle: |
Yes |
| Option to fit own pedals: |
Yes |
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Climate
The UK has a variable climate and the weather can change significantly from day to day. The spring months are generally mild in the Lake District and The Pennines, with average daytime temperatures around 10°C – 12°C but there can be a good deal of variation from this. Summers averages can reach the mid 20s and whilst rainfall is less between April and July, you should be prepared for showers at any time.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
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One main piece and a daysac. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs. Remember, you are expected to carry your own luggage – so don’t overload yourself.
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Clothing
Pack for essentially 'All Tours'. Light rainwear may be needed at any time of year, and a warm fleece/jacket is recommended for cooler evenings and nights. Other additions that you may find useful are tracksuit bottoms, cycle gloves, cycling shorts/trousers and a gel seat cover.
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Footwear
Trainers or light walking shoes are ideal.
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Equipment
A water bottle, sunhat and sunscreen are all essential, as is your own cycling helmet. Panniers are provided on the bikes for small items to be stored, and a small tool kit, lock, water-bottle holder and map-holder are also provided locally. You will also be given route notes on arrival. You may wish to bring a small knife, bungy cords and wrap around sunglasses with you. We also suggest you bring an easy pack towel.
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General Information
Country info
Area: 244,820 sq km.
Population: 61 million.
Language: English, Welsh and Scottish Gaelic, plus a number of ethnic and regional dialects.
Religion: Christian (72%), Muslim (3%), Hindu (1%), Others (1.6%), with the rest being made up of none specified.
Local Time: GMT.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 240V 50Hz.
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Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Toll Free Canada – 1 888 216 3401
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