The small print, kept small
What you can expect from us, and what we ask of you. Last updated October 2026.
In short
- Jaunts are paid in full when you book. Weekenders need a 25% deposit, with the balance due 6 weeks before.
- Cancel a Jaunt 14 days or more before and you get a full refund. You can pass your place to a friend for free up to 48 hours before.
- If we cancel or move a ride, for low numbers or unsafe weather, you choose a full refund or another date.
- Everyone wears a helmet, and we ask you to follow your guide’s lead on the road.
1. Who we are
Wayside Rides is an independent guided cycling business based in England. In these terms, “we” and “us” mean Wayside Rides and “you” means everyone named on a booking. You can contact us at hello@waysiderides.co.uk.
2. Your booking
Your booking is confirmed when we have your payment and have sent you a confirmation email. The person who makes the booking is responsible for passing on our information to everyone in their group and for paying for all their places.
By booking, you confirm that everyone in your group has read these terms and is fit enough for the ride they have booked.
3. Paying
Jaunts are paid in full when you book.
Weekenders and Journeys need a deposit of 25% of the price per person when you book, with the balance due 6 weeks (42 days) before the ride. We’ll send you a reminder a couple of weeks before it’s due. If you book within 6 weeks of the ride, the full price is due straight away. If the balance isn’t paid on time, we may cancel your booking and the cancellation terms in section 5 apply.
4. Prices and what’s included
The price is the one shown when you book, and it includes what is listed on the ride page under “Included”. Train fares, meals (other than breakfast on Weekenders), drinks and entry to paid sights are not included unless we say so.
5. If you cancel
Please tell us by email. What you get back depends on how long before the ride we hear from you:
| When you cancel | Jaunts | Weekenders and Journeys |
|---|---|---|
| In good time | 14 days or more before: full refund | 42 days or more before: full refund, less your deposit |
| Closer to the ride | 7 to 13 days before: 50% refund | 21 to 41 days before: 50% refund |
| At the last minute | Less than 7 days before: no refund | Less than 21 days before: no refund |
You can pass your place to someone else at no charge up to 48 hours before the ride, as long as they complete a rider form and, if they’re under 18, ride with a parent or guardian.
If something serious like illness or a family emergency means you can’t come, talk to us. We’ll always try to find you a place on another date.
6. Changing your booking
If you’d like to move to another date, ask us and we’ll do our best, subject to space. If you need to change your hire bike, let us know as early as you can.
7. If we change or cancel a ride
Low numbers. Each ride needs at least 4 riders to go ahead. If a ride doesn’t reach that number, we’ll let you know at least 7 days before a Jaunt or 14 days before a Weekender, and you can choose a full refund or a place on another date.
Weather. If the forecast is dangerous, such as strong winds, ice or a storm, we may shorten or reroute the ride, or move it to another date. We’ll decide by 6pm the day before and let you know. If we move or cancel a ride because of the weather, you can choose a full refund or a place on another date.
Other events. If something outside our control stops a ride running safely, the same applies: a full refund or another date, whichever you prefer.
On the day. Your guide may change the route to keep everyone safe, which doesn’t affect the price. We can’t refund train tickets or other travel you’ve booked yourself, so we suggest flexible tickets.
8. Fitness, health and safety
Our rides are for people who can ride a bike confidently on quiet roads and keep going for a few hours with stops. Please tell us on the rider form about any medical condition, injury or allergy that could affect you on the day.
On the road, please follow your guide’s instructions and the Highway Code. Everyone must wear a helmet while riding. Your guide may ask a rider to stop if they believe that rider is putting themselves or others at risk. Under-18s are welcome when they ride with a parent or guardian.
9. Bikes and equipment
If you hire a bike, please look after it as if it were your own. You may be charged for loss or damage beyond normal wear and tear. Your own bike must be roadworthy, and we may ask you not to ride it if it isn’t safe.
10. Photos
We sometimes take photos on rides to share on our website and Instagram. We’ll always ask before using a photo where you can be recognised, and you can say no at any time.
11. If something goes wrong
Please tell your guide on the day so we can try to put it right there and then. If you’re still not happy, email us and we’ll get back to you as quickly as we can.
12. The law
These terms are governed by the law of England and Wales. Your personal information is handled as set out in our privacy policy.