LGBTQ+ South West cycling weekend

Get a taste of Pedal with Pride with our South West Weekend. Bristol, Bath and the Bristol Channel

Introduction

Discover the best of the South West on a relaxed cycling weekend combining two great historic cities, beautiful countryside and a seaside escape. Based in a 4-star hotel in Bristol’s Old City, we’ll explore the region over two days, with plenty to enjoy along the way.

Arriving on Friday evening, you can take the opportunity to explore Bristol and meet your fellow riders over a welcome meal.

On Saturday, we’ll cycle to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath. We’ll have our own guided tour around one of Britain’s most beautiful cities before cycling back along the traffic-free Bristol and Bath Railway Path.

On Sunday, we’ll ride along quiet country lanes to the historic seaside town of Clevedon. Cool off with a dip in the Marine Lake, then warm up in a wood-fired sauna, before rounding off the weekend with a well-deserved Sunday lunch.

The trip in 60 seconds

What makes this holiday special?

2 nights / 2 cycling days: Arrive Friday evening, depart Sunday.

Relaxed, scenic cycling: 26–40 miles per day on mostly flat, quiet routes

Small inclusive groups: Max 7 riders in an LGBT-led, welcoming environment

Connect from day one: Welcome dinner included with your fellow riders

Fully guided: Ride leader to handle navigation, support, and local insight – no map reading required!

Not just cycling: A guided tour of Bath, swim and wood-fired sauna in Clevedon

Stay in comfort: 4* hotel accommodation, single occupancy as standard

Community: For LGBTQ+ people, friends and allies

Cathédrale Sainte-Croix d'Orléans
Château d'Ussé: the Sleeping Beauty chateau
Vineyards near Turquant in the Loire Valley
View of saumur
Arrival at Hotel Le Blason, Amboise
View of the Loire river
Streetscene in Blois
Cycling past Chateau Usse, Loire
Cycling along the Loire a Velo
View from the hotel window in Orleans
Picturesque lunch stop
Taking a rest from cycling
Cycling through vineyards along the Loire a Velo
Wine country!
Cycling along the Loire a Velo
Chateau d'Usse

Day by day

Friday: Arrive in Bristol

Settle in to your room at the 4* Clayton Hotel, situated in the heart of Bristol’s Old City. Check in is from 3pm, so you can leave your things and take some time to explore the city, including the historic harbourside and St Nicholas Market.

In the evening, we’ll meet for a welcome meal at award winning brewpub the Left Handed Giant.

Saturday: Bristol to Bath

Distance: around 34 miles/ 55km

Visit one of the UK’s most beautiful cities and a UNESCO world heritage site. Our route takes in traffic-free former railway lines (including the famous Bristol Bath Path), and peaceful Somerset villages.

We’ll stop at a cafe for lunch, before enjoying our own guided tour. etc etc.

Sunday: To the sea

Distance: around 34 miles/ 55km

Clevedon is a historic Victorian seaside town on the Bristol Channel. We’ll cycle there along quiet roads through the beautiful Somerset countryside. There’s the option to cool off in the Marine Lake, which fills at high tide (at around 12m, the Bristol Channel has the second highest tidal range in the world). We’ll also have a session booked at Suvi, a traditional wood-fired Swedish sauna, with views across the estuary to Wales. Or, if you prefer, take a stroll along the scenic clifftop Poet’s Walk.

We’ll have a pub booked for lunch, before cycling back to Bristol.

The Cycling

Route and riding requirements

This is a relaxed, guided cycling holiday, with plenty of time for breaks and exploring the countryside along the way. We travel around 34 miles (55km) each day, riding at a steady pace of around 9-10 mph (14–16 km/h) on the flat.

This trip is a good fit if you:

  • Ride your bike fairly regularly (e.g. commuting, or weekend leisure rides).

  • Enjoy steady social riding rather than fast-paced, road cycling

The routes have been chosen to be as enjoyable as possible, prioritising quiet country lanes and traffic free cycle paths. However, as with any route involving city cycling, there are some busier sections.

There are a few short hills, but rest assured: we always wait at the top! Rides are led by Laurie, and a second support cyclist is always on hand

Bikes

You’ll need to bring your own bike for this trip - either a hybrid or a gravel bike is suitable. There is secure bike parking at the hotel.

Your hosts

Your host for the trip is Laurie (on the right) who will lead the rides and look after the overall experience. Nick (on the left) will join as support rider, helping ensure that the trip runs smoothly.

What’s included

Included

  • Two nights’ accommodation in the 4* Clayton Hotel. Single occupancy as standard (couple places, based on sharing a double room, are also available)

  • Breakfast each day and dinner on Friday night

  • Fully guided cycling tour, including ride leader and support rider

  • Guided tour in Bath

  • Session at Suvi wood-fired sauna in Clevedon

Not included

  • Transport to and from Bristol

  • Travel insurance

  • Meals other than those stated (you’ll need to budget for lunch on Saturday and Sunday and dinner on Saturday evening).

  • Drinks

  • Personal clothing and equipment

  • Personal expenditure

  • Entry to museums and attractions other than those listed

Ready to book?

Choose from two booking options:

  • Single booking: Single occupancy of a double bedded room, £XX

  • Couple/ friends booking: Sharing a double bedded room, £XX for two

Click on the link above to book securely online through WeTravel, our booking and payment platform

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We can advise on cycle hire shops in Bristol.

  • Yes. Your safety is our priority, so helmets must be worn at all times while cycling. Helmets are provided with hire bikes, or you’re welcome to bring your own.

  • In a word: yes! If you’re travelling solo, our small groups and inclusive atmosphere make it easy to get to know others.

    If you’re travelling as a couple, you can book a couple’s place, sharing a double bedded room.

  • Whatever you feel comfortable in! A suggested packing list will be sent to you before departure. Cycle shorts are a comfortable option, and it’s a good idea to have a few layers so you can adjust during the day.

  • The easiest route is via Paris. Regular trains run from Paris Gare d’Austerlitz to Orléans (around 1 hour 5 minutes).

    For the return, trains run from Saumur to Paris (usually with one connection), taking approximately 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes depending on the route.

    We recommend booking in advance via SNCF Connect.

  • While we can’t guarantee the weather, early September in the Loire Valley tends to be mild, with daytime temperatures peaking around 22°C - perfect for cycling!

    Layered clothing is recommended, and we provide a suggested packing list when you book.

  • The tour leader is qualified in outdoor first aid and as a British Cycling Ride Leader. Our route passes through towns and villages, so assistance is never far away if needed.

  • Of course! Everyone with an inclusive and respectful attitude is welcome

  • This trip is about enjoying the journey, not racing! We ask that you meet the minimum cycling requirements, but we ride at a relaxed pace with regular stops, and no one is left behind.

    If you’re looking for a high-speed or performance-focused trip, this probably isn’t the right fit.

    If you have any questions or concerns, do get in touch via the contact form.

  • When you book, you’ll be redirected to WeTravel, a secure third-party booking platform used by independent travel companies worldwide. Your payment is processed safely through their system.

    If the trip is cancelled by Pedal with Pride, you will receive a full refund.

  • Refunds and cancellations are handled according to our policy - please see our Terms & Conditions  for full details.

  • Then drop us a line and we’ll get back to you