EBike Tour 1
Cycling along quiet country lanes and cycle paths, distances have been kept short enough to allow plenty of time to enjoy the many sights and changing scenery on this 2 night electric bike holiday. This electric bike holiday can be lengthened if required. Ask for more information.
NIGHTS
2
AV. DAILY MILEAGE
30 - 40
AVAILABILITY
Start any day, all year
PRICE
From £425 per person
Price includes
Electric bike hire, accommodation on a b&b basis, luggage transfer each day, car parking, detailed self-guide route to follow at your own pace, helmets. We're on hand to offer local support when required
Price excludes
Travel to your holiday starting point. Entry to attractions. Single supplement. Dinners. Extra nights. Travel insurance
ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS
2 wonderful National Trust properties. Hidden in the Charnwood Forest is the Arts and Crafts Stoneywell House, designed by Ernest Grimson. In contrast, Calke Abbey was a grand country house estate, owned by the Harpur family for 300 years and now in the care of the National Trust. Steam buffs will love exploring the Great Central Railway line.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Your holiday begins in the lovely village of Quorn, to the east of the National Forest and surrounded by beautiful countryside and villages. Wander down to the railway station and you may see the glorious sight of a steam engine, as Quorn sits on the heritage Great Central Railway line. Today we will meet you with your bikes and provide you with a briefing for your cycling route and answer any questions. There is a wide choice of restaurants and traditional pubs to suit all tastes, before you begin cycling tomorrow. We can also recommend suitable routes, should you fancy a practice ride this evening.
DAY 2: The first part of your journey takes you through Swithland, one of the most beautiful villages in the Charnwood area and a delightful place to stop for a wander. Spot a wide variety of waterfowl as you continue past Cropston Reservoir, towards Bradgate Park. Tracks take you through woodland and past another reservoir, as you continue towards the market town of Ashby de la Zouch. Enjoy a walk around the town and visit the castle, featured in Sir Walter Scott's novel, Ivanhoe. Quiet woodland and railway tracks will take you from Ashby de la Zouch towards the glorious Calke Abbey, described by the National Trust as the un-stately home and worthy of several hours exploration. This Grade 1 listed country house was owned by the Harpur family for nearly 300 years. During this time the family hoarded many of their possessions and the house slipped into decline. Today the National Trust displays the house in the state it was handed to them and every corner is packed with interesting things to see. Keen gardeners will love the gardens at Calke, which have been lovingly restored to their former glory. And the courtyard cafe is a real sun-trap. From Calke Abbey it is a short cycle ride to your evening accommodation in the unspoilt market town of Melbourne and where your luggage will be waiting for you. In summer months we recommend a walk around Melbourne Hall Gardens. This was the seat of the Victorian Prime Minister William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne, after whom the Australian city of Melbourne is named. The town supports a lovely selection of local independent shops, restaurants and bars, making this a perfect stopover.
DAY 3: Melbourne to Quorn Today's route begins on a peaceful track which follows the route of an old railway line. You will then pass by the ruins of the Augustinian priory, Grace Dieu. The romantic ruins sit in fields, backed by woodland and are reputed to be the most haunted venue in Leicestershire. Continuing the ecclesiastical theme, your cycling journey will also take you past Mount St Bernard's Abbey, the first Catholic Abbey to be founded in England after the Reformation and still a working abbey. Passing through the beautiful Charnwood Forest, you will arrive at the National Trust owned Stoneywell House. This lovely Arts and Crafts property is hidden from view amidst the rocky crags and has been designed to blend in with the landscape. Knowledgeable guides take you around the house, sharing the history of the building and the Gimson family. The next part of your cycling break takes you through the magnificent Beacon Hill Park, one of the highest places in Leicestershire and a mix of moor, rocks and woodland. Look out for a series of sculptures along the path and park up and enjoy the unique rhododendron labyrinth. From Beacon Hill your route will take you around Swithland Reservoir. Look out for the water filter beds, designed to look like the gardens of a grand stately home and see how many bird species you can spot in this peaceful setting. From here it is a short cycle ride back to your starting point in Quorn.
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