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Our 1-7 cycling activity grades are based on a detailed 15-point route assessment, considering everything from distance and ascent to riding surfaces and route conditions. Each level now has a plain-English name, from Relaxed to Challenging, so it is easier to understand the difference between holidays and choose the right trip first time.
We grade each holiday according to its hardest day’s route. Some days may therefore feel easier, but no route will be harder than the holiday’s stated grade. Daily distance, elevation profiles and terrain information are all available online for each trip.
All our cycling holidays offer e-bikes either as standard or as an optional upgrade. Where an e-bike is included as standard, its assistance has already been factored into the activity level. Where an e-bike is available as an upgrade, it can make climbs and longer distances feel more manageable and may help you feel comfortable choosing a slightly higher level. E-bikes can also work well for couples or friends with different fitness levels, as we can often arrange one e-bike and one regular bike.
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Our customers say:
The holiday was very enjoyable and well organised .Unfortunately we did have a problem on the first day cycling as the app stopped working about half way . This happened on both our phones at the same time and whilst we still could see the route all the information ,directions and % left and distance left all disappeared .Read all trip reviews
Level 1 - Relaxed | |
| Description | Easy, flat rides with time to explore |
| Distance | Up to 35km |
| Elevation | Up to 350m |
| Ascents | Mostly flat |
| Terrain | Quiet lanes and cycle paths |
| Fitness | Light fitness |
| Other info. | Ideal for first timers |
| View our relaxed cycling holidays | |
Level 2 - Leisurely | |
| Description | Gentle cycling at a relaxed pace |
| Distance | Up to 55km |
| Elevation | Up to 350m |
| Ascents | Light undulations |
| Terrain | Quiet lanes and cycle paths |
| Fitness | Light fitness |
| Other info. | Relaxed pace, often with rest days |
| View our leisurely cycling holidays | |
Level 3 - Steady | |
| Description | Comfortable rides on varied terrain |
| Distance | Up to 60km |
| Elevation | Up to 450m |
| Ascents | Rolling hills |
| Terrain | Mixed surfaces, including roads and gravel sections |
| Fitness | Regularly active |
| Other info. | Our most popular level |
| View our steady cycling holidays | |
Level 4 - Moderate | |
| Description | Longer days with steady climbs |
| Distance | Up to 70km |
| Elevation | Up to 600m |
| Ascents | Larger climbs |
| Terrain | Mixed surfaces, including roads and gravel sections |
| Fitness | Regularly active |
| Other info. | A good challenge |
| View our moderate cycling holidays | |
Level 5 - Demanding | |
| Description | Demanding rides with reagular hills |
| Distance | Up to 80km |
| Elevation | Up to 800m |
| Ascents | Enduring uphill's |
| Terrain | Mixed surfaces, with potentially busier road sections |
| Fitness | Active lifestyle |
| Other info. | Good confidence on a bike is required |
| View our demanding cycling holidays | |
Level 6 - Strenuous | |
| Description | Intense rides with sustained climbs |
| Distance | Up to 100km |
| Elevation | Up to 1000m |
| Ascents | Significant climbs |
| Terrain | Uneven paths, steep climbs and descents and some technical sections |
| Fitness | Active lifestyle |
| Other info. | Potentially Alpine or remote routes with long, fast descents |
| View our strenuous cycling holidays | |
Level 7 - Challenging | |
| Description | Testing routes for experienced cyclists |
| Distance | Up to 120km |
| Elevation | Up to 1200m |
| Ascents | Steep climbs |
| Terrain | Uneven paths, steep climbs and descents and some technical sections |
| Fitness | Good fitness |
| Other info. | Potentially Alpine or remote routes with long, fast descents |
| View our challending cycling holidays | |
The table above is a guide to the average metrics of each level, please see individual trips pages for specific details, including individual distances, terrain information and elevation profiles. Some routes may include busier roads or urban sections where these are unavoidable, particularly when riding into or out of centrally located hotels.
Our seven cycling activity levels are based on a detailed 15-point route assessment. This considers not only distance and ascent, but also gradients, descents, terrain, altitude, remoteness, estimated cycling time and whether an e-bike is included. It provides a clearer picture of what each holiday will feel like, helping you choose with confidence.
Find your ideal self-guided cycling holiday.
Our expert activity level assessment explained. When assigning an activity level to a self-guided bike ride we use our 15-point route assessment to consider factors such as ascent, gradient, distance, as well as the quality of the surface terrain and even the destination itself.
Yes, they are one of the factors we use in our route assessment. Where it is specified as an e-bike holiday we will have already factored in the extra assistance an e-bike provides to our activity level grading. For all other trips where there is a pedal bike as standard, the grading does not reflect use of an e-bike. Upgrading to an e-bike provides assistance on climbs and longer distances and may help you feel comfortable choosing a slightly higher level, but they are heavier and require confident handling. Where e-bikes are suitable for upgrade or included as standard, is clearly shown on individual trip pages.
Choosing the right cycling activity level depends on your fitness, cycling experience, typical weekly mileage and comfort with hills. Our self-guided cycling holidays are graded from Level 1 (Relaxed) to Level 7 (Challenging) based on daily distance, ascent, terrain and road surface, not speed. Use our handy guide (above) to gauge your preferred activity level and then use the carousel to see the pre-filtered results for self-guided cycling holidays that match.
It varies, depending on the activity level chosen. The handy ‘At A Glance’ table gives an indication of the approximate distances you can expect. For example, a level 4 self-guided cycling holiday can be up to 70km a day. This information is on each individual trip page, so please familiarise yourself with this information for your chosen holiday. Routes on e-bike trips will generally cover greater distances due to the added support the e-bike provides the rider.
Read our top 5 tips if it is your first time riding an e-bike click here
The more technical the terrain, the slower the pace and as such the longer the ride will take, similarly with altitude change. Both factors can also put extra effort on the muscles and lungs, so the harder we assess a route to be, the higher its activity level grading.
No specialist navigation skills are required for our self-guided cycling holidays. Routes are provided via our navigation app with clear turn-by-turn audio cues meaning you don’t need to stop pedalling to clearly see your next turn. Our level 1 self-guided cycling holidays are perfect for people wanting to experience their first self-guided cycling holiday. The navigation is easy to follow, and the routes are generally on well-ridden and often quiet cycle paths. Our navigation app even alerts you if you have gone off route and with data usage it can reroute you back on track.
To learn more about our Navigation App please click here
You get lots of support from Headwater on a self-guided cycling holiday. From useful terrain, elevation and distance information about each trip on the website. Our knowledgeable and helpful UK-based sales consultants can also help you find the perfect holiday to match your preferred activity level. On holiday, your trip starts with a bike fitting and often a briefing, and you will be equipped with simple to use, straightforward navigation. In case you need it, we also provide local emergency contact details plus we have a manned 24/7 emergency helpline.
Yes – absolutely we can help. Please give one of our friendly UK-based sales team a call, they will be more than happy to discuss your requirements, answer your questions and make suitable suggestions. This personal approach is why customers have been trusting us with their active cycling holidays since 1985.
Yes, lots of our cycling holidays are suitable for people travelling solo and we also offer some valuable tips for solo cyclists in our customer documentation. However, there are a few trips we deem unsuitable, for example where the routes take you to more remote locations.
To view our shortlist of recommended cycling trips for solo travellers click here
All cycling activity levels are assessed by experienced Headwater route specialists. Routes are personally tested, annually reviewed and refined using customer feedback to ensure gradings remain accurate and realistic.
