EBike Tour 11
This gentle 3 night electric bike holiday takes you to some of the hidden treasures within the Naional Forest. The cycling is diverse and includes both quiet lanes and off-road sections. The National Trust property of Stoneywell is set in mature woodland and offers wonderful views over the surrounding countryside. Beer lovers will enjoy tasting Tynt Meadow, the only Trappist beer brewed in England and the newest brewery in the National Forest. The gardens at Melbourne Hall are a delight, with plenty of quiet corners to explore. Ashby Castle was a major stronghold in the Civil War before its destruction. It was later made famous by Sir Walter Scott, in his novel Ivanhoe. Lovers of steam, will delight in a journey on the Battlefield Line Steam Railway.
NIGHTS
3
AV. DAILY MILEAGE
< 20
AVAILABILITY
Start any day, all year
PRICE
From £522 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
Arts and Crafts cottage Stoneywell. Explore the ruins of Ashby Castle. Taste England's only Trappist beer. Take a ride on a steam train. Find one of the David Nash Noon Columns, hidden in the National Forest.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Your first night's accommodation is on the edge of Bradgate Park, in the heart of the lovely Charnwood area of the National Forest. When you have settled in, we will bring the electric bikes to your hotel, show you how they work and answer any questions. Enjoy a late afternoon or early evening stroll around nearby Bradgate Park, or a gentle cycle to one of the pubs in the area.
DAY 2: Your first stop today is the wonderful National Trust Stoneywell Cottage. This Arts and Crafts style house is tucked deep into the countryside and is a delight to explore. Due to the size of the property, it operates a timed visit policy, ensuring that the grounds are never over-crowded. As your electric bike tour continues through the hilly Charnwood countryside, enjoy putting your electric bike to the test. Your next stop id the only Cistercian monastery in England – Mount St. Bernard Abbey. The abbey recently became the only English brewer of Trappist beer, Tynt Meadow ale, joining an elite group of 11 other breweries throughout the world. Visitors are welcome to wander through the grounds of the Abbey and can of course purchase the beer at the onsite shop. An old railway line has been converted into an off-road cycle track and will take you to on to Melbourne, your overnight stop for the night. A walk around the gardens at Melbourne Hall is the perfect way to end your day. The hall was home to Lord Melbourne, the namesake for Melbourne Australia. The gardens include lots of interesting corners to explore and are home to some of England's oldest yew trees. You will find a range of craft businesses in the surrounding hall buildings. There are a wide range of restaurants and pubs in Melbourne, catering for all tastes.
DAY 3: Today's electric bike tour begins with a cycle alongside a small reservoir, taking you to the craft workshops at Staunton Harold Hall. Built around a courtyard, the workshops and neighbouring cafe are a popular stop off with cyclists. The next part of your trip is off road, on an all-surface path. Hidden in the woodland, you will find the oak Noon Column. Carved by renowned sculptor David Nash, the noon column is one of 5 within the National Forest. At true noon sunlight shines through a needle-like slit within the column. Next stop is the bustling town of Ashby de la Zouch. Tucked away on the edge of the town you will find Ashby Castle. Managed by English Heritage, the castle was the family seat of the Hastings family. During the English Civil War, the castle provided a base for Royalists and was visited twice by Charles I. The stronghold was destroyed by the Parliamentarians and left in ruin. Ashby Castle found fame in the 19th Century, when it featured in Sir Walter Scott's novel, Ivanhoe. You will find numerous places for lunch or a coffee and cake in Ashby de la Zouch, before continuing your electric bike tour. A slightly longer route will take you past the Grade 1 listed Sir John Moore School, which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Both options will take you to the Battlefield Line steam railway in the canal-side village of Shackerstone. The railway runs through flat open countryside to the little town of Market Bosworth. You could choose to put your bike in the goods van and enjoy a train ride for the last part of your journey. Alternatively, race the train as you criss cross the Ashby Canal on your way to Market Bosworth, tonight’s overnight stop.
DAY 4: History lovers may wish to begin the day with a slight diversion to the Bosworth Battle Visitor Centre, where you will learn more about the death of King Richard III. Your electric bike tour will then take you to Thornton Reservoir, where an all-weather track follows the water's edge. The reservoir is a haven for a wide variety of birdlife, including heron and Great Egret. It's a pleasant cycle ride to Newton Linford and Bradgate Park. You will find a range of cafes and pubs to enjoy before the last leg of your electric bike ride takes you through Bradgate Park, back to your starting point. Although Bradgate Park is far from unknown nor hidden, it is easy to find your own secret spot in the 830 acres of parkland. The highest point of the park is marked by the Old John folly. Elsewhere in the grounds lookout for the remains of Bradgate House, which was the brief home of Lady Jane Grey.
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11