London to Dublin 4 Day Picture 1
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Best Time of Year: Year Round
Cycle London to Dublin via Holyhead
Bike Adventure
This version of our London to Dublin itinerary sees us catching the Holyhead to Dublin ferry after an epic ride across England and north Wales, taking in the Snowdonia National Park. Join us from one historic capital to another, riding through some of the UK's most spectacular scenery, all in 4 days!
This route sees us head north-west out of London, soon passing through the beautiful Chiltern Hills and skirting Oxford, before entering the Cotswolds and overnight in the medieval market town of Chipping Norton. Day two is our longest day, and has us leaving the Cotswolds behind, to instead follow the river Severn to Shrewsbury through many historic villages and towns, including Ironbridge, birthplace of the industrial revolution. Our third day takes is into Wales and the Snowdonia National Park. We’ll spend the day taking in some of the UK’s most spectacular scenery, including views of the highest mountains, and the largest lake, in Wales. We’ll spend the night in the seaside town of Porthmadog to rest up before our final day on the bikes. We set off and ride under the shadow of Mount Snowdon itself, before descending down and riding onto Anglesey and the final push for our ferry to Dublin. Don’t be late; a cool pint of Guinness awaits you on the other side!
Itinerary
Day 1 - Cycle London to Chipping Norton - 85 miles / 1000m+
Highlights: The Chiltern Hills, the Cotswolds.
Day 2 - Cycle Chipping Norton to Shrewsbury - 93 miles / 1400m+
Highlights: Cotswolds, River Severn Valley, Ironbridge.
Day 3 - Cycle Shrewsbury to Porthmadog - 72 miles / 1700m+
Highlights: Snowdonia National Park, Bala Lake.
Day 4 - Cycle Porthmadog to Holyhead - 49 miles / 900m+
Ride Highlights: Snowdonia National Park, Anglesey.
FERRY FROM HOLYHEAD TO DUBLIN PORT
4 miles / 10m+
Ride Highlights: Dublin!
Day 5 - Return Day
Accommodation
Our accommodation will be in comfortable hotels/bed and breakfasts on a twin room basis.
What is a Level 4.0 Cycling Challenge Like?
You are now moving into the realms of serious cycling challenges. Cycling days will be up to 10 hours (stops included), or slightly less if the event stretches over several days. You should have very good cycling fitness, with good leg strength, and you should be used to putting in regular training rides most weekends - with some good long rides. Most folks will consider these rides very long, and very challenging. Expect a mixture of length and terrain (think hilly!).
How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 4.0 ‘Bike Ride’?
To participate in these events you need to be in good cycling fitness. You probably are capable of riding at high speeds for 2 to 2.5 hours, around 23 - 25 km/hr. And you should be used to riding long distances and over hilly terrain. If you do not cycle regularly you must be of very high fitness level - and should think about converting as soon as possible and getting on to a bike - you will need to develop your specific strength and cycling technique. Do not come on these challenges without having spent plenty of time in the saddle. Training rides should be up to 60 or 70 miles, and you should have done a few like this. You should be getting out on your bike most weekends in the run up to your event, seeking out longer climbs to improve your climbing fitness for the event.
Visas / Redtape
Non EU passport holders should seek travel advice
Included In Trip
4 Nights Accommodation in comfortable hotel accommodation in twin rooms
(a limited number of single rooms may be available on request)
4 Breakfasts
4 Picnic style lunches
Ferry from Holyhead to Dublin
Bicycle Return to London
Cycle leader(s)
Support Vehicle
Baggage Transfers
Medical and Mechanical Assistance
Excluded From Trip
Return transport from Dublin
Pre event accommodation in London
Evening Meals (a table will be reserved for the group)
Equipment Required
Kit lists specific to your trip dates and location will be issued upon enquiry...below is our guide advice to give an idea of what you should bring on a multi--day ride in Europe
Bike Items
Road Bike / Hybrid Bike (with puncture resistant tyres) - please call us for guidance on type of bike on a trip by trip basis
2 X Water Bottles (bladder system/cycle water bottles)
Cycling Gloves, Bike Lock, Neck Scarf, Inner Tubes*, Multi-Tool (with allen keys)*
Day Bag for support vehicle, Small Holdall (for overnight gear)
Bike Lights (front and rear, head torch can be worn)
Saddle Bag (recommended - can be used to carry asterisk* items)
Puncture Repair Kit*, Spare parts for your bike (specialist parts and spokes), Pump (suitable for your valve type)
Helmet (compulsory)
Personal Medikit Suncream, Plasters, Vaseline, Painkillers, Sunbloc, Insect Repellant
Washkit
Warm Clothing Medium Weight Softshell, Long sleeve Jersey / insulating layer Lightweight Gloves.
Cycle Clothing
Padded Lycra Cycling Shorts, Cotton Shorts, or Long Cycling Trousers (Tights/Tracksuit Bottoms)
Short Sleeve Cycling T-Shirts (wicking type material) or Cycle Top with rear pockets
Cycling Shoes (approach shoes or sturdy traners suitable),
Spare Shoes/Sandals for after ride
Casual Evening Wear - tracksuits, jeans, T shirts, fleece ...
Waterproof Clothing
1 Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (gore-tex, e-vent) - comfortable to cycle in
Other
Travel Documents, EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) Credit Cards, Cash, Local Currency, Mobile Phone, chargers, EU plug adaptor, Sunglasses
Snacks for Cycling Days (dried fruits, nuts, flapjacks, cereal bars etc)
Travel insurance (not included), Passport
Important
Make sure you do not ‘over pack’ - bring only what is essential for the trip. It is advisable to check that your travel insurance covers the value of any expensive items of kit that you chose to bring along with you.
A final kit list will be provided in your ‘Final Joining Instructions’ pre-departure
Weather
Although we hope for good weather, you should come prepared for all conditions. The weather, especially in the Welsh mountains, can be very changeable.
Notes on Cycling Events
This is our standard range of Cycling Challenges in the UK, Europe and further afield. However, we offer completely tailormade itineraries to your specification. Call us to discuss!
Please note that for overseas point to point cycling challenges we can transport soft cases for bike transport - but not hard cases, due to space limitations on board our support vehicles.
On all our cycling events, please pack sensibly and bring a reasonably sized soft holdall type bag.
To participate in an overseas Adventure Cafe challenge - you must carry Travel Insurance (to be for the activity you are participating in, and to include repatriation to the UK).
Please also note that you should have a good level of cycling experience and be competent to handle your bike. We ride on roads shared with other vehicles - and you need to be able to deal with this safely.
Adventure Cafe Booking Terms and Conditions
By booking an event with Adventure Cafe, you agree to these standard terms of booking. Please ensure that you read the appropriate document for your type of event carefully.
Adventure Cafe Terms & Conditions - For all types of event
To Reserve Your Space on this Challenge
You should fill in the Google Form - linked here below, and then please call us on 01823 444 246 to advise of your payment method. We can accept card payments over the phone, or Bank Transfer.
Please note that your space is not confirmed until you have received your booking receipt.
CLICK HERE:
Adventure Cafe Challenge Booking Form - For Challenge Events