Hadrian's Wall cycling holiday, England

Planet

Cycling holidays are a relatively sustainable way to travel as they have less negative impact on the local infrastructure, environment and people while encouraging positive interaction with local people. We cycle on routes that are removed from mass tourism, creating less pollution, noise and traffic. When using motorised transport we work with small, locally owned transport companies.

As part of our Responsible Travel policy, we advise customers to take reusable water bottles with them on tour. Our local leaders actively do not distribute single-use plastic water bottles. Tap water is safe to drink all along the route and our Leader encourages customers to refill their bottles along the way, advising them of where this is possible each day.

As a travel company we are continually looking for ways to improve and are proud to be ‘Responsible in everything we do’. Education is key, and so all staff, Tour Leaders and partnering suppliers are trained in responsible and sustainable tourism. At our Head Office, we continually strive towards a sustainable and planet-friendly working environment, including having solar panels installed and a company commitment to reducing our plastic usage.

People

Along the Hadrian's Wall cycle route, we stay in small, locally-run hotels and guesthouses, and frequently stop off en route to enjoy a cup of coffee or some home-made cake in a local cafe. As well as providing fuel for our ride, this helps us learn more about the small settlements we pass through, and provides important economic support for these communities. We’ll also pass through local market towns, where you can purchase local delicacies and crafts, and when you hang up your wheels in the evenings, you may even be tempted by a well-earned pint of local real ale. We work with a local company and employ local staff to lead the trip.

As a company we have valuable and longstanding partnerships with UK charities Toilet Twinning and Send a Cow, plus many smaller initiatives and projects around the world. We’re members of the UK travel industry body AITO because we believe it’s important to share our knowledge and experience, as well as learn from other operators.