Self Guided Coast to Coast Mountain Bike Holiday Reviews

By J, P, J, Hfrom Toronto on 2012-04-02

Pros:  Great Accommodations,Once in a Lifetime Experience,Fun,Well Organised
Describe Yourself:  Avid Adventurer
Best Uses:  Trying Something New,Holiday,Thrill Seeking
Bottom Line:  Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Self Guided Coast to Coast Mountain Bike Holiday :

Four of us came from Toronto to tackle the C2C 6-day self-guided tour. The scenery was stunning. The towns and accomodation were perfect for apres-bike. Our bags were always waiting for us at the next town. The riding was great, but there could have been a bit more singletrack. I would highly recommend this adventure to any group of mountain bikers. You will not be disappointed.

By Pommie Piratefrom Forster, Australia on 2011-09-14

Pros:  Once in a Lifetime Experience
Cons:  No cons
Bottom Line:  Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Self Guided Coast to Coast Mountain Bike Holiday :

Six days of great riding in very mixed terrain. Although some days were quite a stretch it never reach the stage of discomfort. Last year I did a ride through the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, and although nothing can quite beat that scenary, but the variety of riding on the coast to coast would be even harder to beat. You’ll experience highly technical single track, heaps of river crossings, long up hills and even better downhills. Take some good advice, try to wear some quality hiking/rafting sandals (my Keens were excellent) as most of the time we had wet feet and the sandals dried off very quickly.Make sure you get a good handle on the GPS before you leave – and believe in it! [...]

Images shared by: Pommie Pirate

By Susanfrom North Dakota on 2011-06-09

Pros:  Once in a Lifetime Experience,Fun,Great Accommodations,Well Organised
Cons:  Exhausting
Describe Yourself:  Occasional Traveller
Best Uses:  Holiday
Bottom Line:  Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Self Guided Coast to Coast Mountain Bike Holiday :

We had especially bad weather on day one of our ride, and very high winds. We received cautions from Mac regarding river floodings for the following day, which were very much appreciated. We were offered road alternatives, which we ended up staying on–no easy task on Mt. Bikes. We were still in the Highlands on very minor roads with very little traffic.

By Nigelfrom Surrey/Sussex on 2011-05-25

Pros:  Once in a Lifetime Experience,Fun
Cons:  Luggage not always ontime,Average accomodation
Describe Yourself:  World Traveller,Avid Adventurer,Keen Mountain biker
Best Uses:  Trying Something New,Test yourself and bike,Thrill Seeking
Bottom Line:  Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Self Guided Coast to Coast Mountain Bike Holiday :

Getting there is painful by train. Make sure you book bike spaces on all legs. Cheaper than flying and the sleeper is ideal.In mid May we got sun rain wind and snow!But no midges. First class accom at Distant Hills Spean Bridge the rest distinctly average with little sign of a bike wash other than the occasional hose pipe and some didnt have undercover storage so take a lock. 6 days was about right, I think we could have done it in 5 easily if the wether held but you take a chance as its not funny in a 60mph wind! The scenerey is nothing short of spectacular with snow tops and often we didnt see anyone person for 6 or 7 hours. Look out for Adders off trail!and herds of mountain Deer. Laggan and Ballater were the nicest places we stayed . The GPS is a must but do take instructions or read up first as its a little confusing to start with. The facility to get your grid reference was invaluable if you find yourself off trail as you can instantly find the position on the map but do practice this if you are not used to navigation as in poor conditions this would be a life saver.Its a long climb up Mt Keen with a bike so keep weight down in the bike and rucksack dept and stay left when the track splits. You then have the option near the top to take the side route as we did as discretion was the better part of valour in the force 9 wind. I wouldnt attempt this on a hardtail or hybrid, full sus is the only way. Having said that there was more road than i expected and less single track. Im sure if you look harder MACS you can find more single track and add optional way points for it?

[ 1 of 1 customers found this review helpful ]

By S & Gfrom London on 2010-01-15

Pros:  Beautiful scenery,Hassle-Free,Well Organised,Great Accommodations,Fun,Once in a Lifetime Experience
Cons:  Expensive for small group
Describe Yourself:  Backyard Adventurer,Thrill seeker
Best Uses:  Pushing your Limits,Exploring,Exertion,Trying Something New,Thrill Seeking
Bottom Line:  Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Self Guided Coast to Coast Mountain Bike Holiday :

The trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we enjoyed every second of it, even the ones when we were soaking wet, freezing cold or just plain exhausted. The route was well planned to include beautiful scenery, epic views, great climbs and exhilarating single track. The information pack included lots of helpful information that allowed you to tailor the route, making it harder or easier as you wanted. The GPS unit provided was tricky to get the hang of, but with some basic map reading skills, and some patience, it worked perfectly. Make sure you take a few AA batterys with you, just in case they run out. The accommodations were (for the most part) excellent, comfortable and full of character. Bike and clothes washing were always available when you needed them, and the owners were always happy to make you well priced packed lunches. All in all, it was a fantastic trip, and I just wish that there were more biking trips available so I could try them all.

By The 4 Canucksfrom Toronto, Canada on 2010-05-10

Pros:  Once in a Lifetime Experience,Well Organised,Fun
Cons:  Exhausting
Describe Yourself:  Avid Adventurer
Best Uses:  Thrill Seeking,Trying Something New,Holiday
Bottom Line:  Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Self Guided Coast to Coast Mountain Bike Holiday :

Amazing trip. Great scenery and riding. You get remote, but there is nothing too scary. Great pubs and the accomodations are just fine. Doing this in 6 days puts the pressure on but makes the evenings all the more rewarding.