Out and about on two wheels with the National Trust Cycling Festival

If you're stuck for something to do with the family this summer, why not take advantage of some of the National Trust's Cycling Festival events? Kicking off on 16th July and running through until 24th July, the festival aims to encourage the enjoyment of National Trust properties and locations on two wheels and includes both family events and sportives.

With events ranging across the whole of England, including Cambridgeshire, Kent, the Peak District, Devon, Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Surrey, East and West Sussex, Hertfordshire, Dorset, Shropshire  and Tyne & Wear, there should be something going on nearby. Some rides are road based, while many are off-road on estate paths and countryside. Most are accessible to small cyclists as well as grown-up ones, with some specifically targeting youngsters such as the event at Killerton in Devon which includes workshops for children on riding unusual and trick cycles and unicycles. 

Guided rides will be organised, but visitors can also choose to go it alone on waymarked paths instead. Routes are available to download from www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cycling Cycle hire is available at some of the locations. 

Booking in advance is crucial for these events. Details can be found on the National Trust website 

In addition to the family orientated events of the festival itself, the National Trust has just started its season of sportives. Events still to come are:

24th July- Dunstable Downs

11th September - Wimpole, Cambridgeshire

2nd October- Parke Estate, Devon

9th October- Sizergh Castle, Cumbria