Bit too much like hard work for me!

However, for advice I would suggest that if you go you check your insurance carefully. I've been going through several policies studying the fine print and noticed that a lot of them exclude Cycling Touring along with the BMX/mountain/trail bikes you might have expected.

I know this is way too late but thought I'd post it anyway as it seemed a coincidence that I read this old post today of all days!

Although this sort of holiday is a bit too much like hard work for me too we've just come back from the Algarve where my husband went off for a days cycling with a company. He came back raving about this type of holiday which they'd obviously told him about.

I'm afraid he's not convinced me but I have looked at the link today to please him!
http://www.activityalgarve.com/cycle-route.htm

My husband and I had a brilliant ...easy cycling holiday In Austria, cycling down the side of the Danube. We went independently carrying the minimal amount of clothes we needed for a week in panniers. It gave us much more freedom than if we were on an organized tour. We could stop when we were tired or if we found a really great spot. My advice is look very carefully at the terrain, how fit you are and the lengths the tour operators expect you to cycle each day! Or have you already been??

I am thinking of doing a cycling holiday in the UK. Anyone know of any good areas? I was planning on staying at hotels and then doing a days cycling. This is the first time I have ever done this so any advice greatly appreciated

Never been on one myself but alot came up when I googled Cycling holidays UK.

I haven't been on my cycling trip yet but have taken the plunge and booked an extended 15 day cycling tour with Freewheel holidays in Austria this summer. It seems to offer the best of both worlds in that you are free - independent to cycle during the day at your own pace, stopping when you want etc but with all the accommodation sorted and the luggage being transported on for you by the company. With thought this looked the best to meet our needs - we are going with children aged 10 and 12. I am really excited about it now but will keep you posted as to how it went.....

I am thinking of doing a cycling holiday in the UK. Anyone know of any good areas?

A lot will depend on how fit you are and whether you are a regular cyclist or not. I've done a couple of touring holidays in the Cotswolds, lovely scenery, nice pubs to stop off for lunch at and undulating rather than hilly country. I've also had a great time around East Anglia too but be warned that Suffolk is hillier than you'd think! The Derbyshire and Yorkshire Dales are a step up but careful route planning can keep distances and heights to be climbed fairly manageable.

If you are fit and used to cycling fairly long distances then of course Scotland is fantastic but unless you are into hillclimbs then again you need to be careful but a good tip that has stood me in good stead is to use canals and inland waterways to help you plan your routes. Almost be definition, any inclines are going to be gradual. Doing the length of the Great Glen and the Caledonian Canal would be a great trip.

SM