Good questions

Am I fit enough?

Almost certainly. If you enjoy a bike ride and can keep going for an hour or two at a gentle pace, you’ll love it. Jaunts are 20 to 25 miles spread over a whole day, with lots of stops, and Weekenders are 25 to 30 miles a day.

If you’d like a little help on the hills, an e-bike is a lovely way to ride. You still pedal, it just makes the climbs feel easy, and you’ll keep up with everyone without trying.

How fast do we go?

Slowly enough to chat. This isn’t a race or a training ride. We stop for coffee, for lunch, for the views and for the stories, and nobody is ever in a hurry.

How big are the groups?

Small and friendly: never more than 12 riders, led by a guide trained in ride leadership and first aid. We ride together and look out for each other, so nobody gets left behind.

Can I come on my own?

Of course, and you’ll be in good company. Lots of people come on their own, and it’s easy to get chatting over a coffee stop or a pub lunch. By the end of the day you’ll feel part of the group.

Can younger riders come?

Yes, under-18s are very welcome when they ride with a parent or guardian.

Do I need my own bike?

Not at all. Book a hybrid or an e-bike with your place and we’ll have it waiting for you at the start, set up and ready to go, with a helmet. Just tell us your height on the rider form so we can get the size right.

Can I bring my own bike on the train?

You’re very welcome to. Space for bikes on trains is limited, though, and some busy peak-time trains in and out of London don’t take full-size bikes. Travel off-peak if you can, reserve a bike space if your train offers one, and let us know when you book so we can help you plan.

What should I wear?

Whatever you feel comfortable in. There’s no dress code and definitely no need for Lycra. Comfortable layers work best, with a waterproof jacket just in case and padded shorts if you have them. Your Information Pack has a simple kit list, so you won’t forget anything.

Do I need to wear a helmet?

Yes, everyone wears a helmet on our rides. If you’re hiring a bike, we’ll have one ready for you.

Do I have to come from London?

Not at all. Every ride starts at a railway station, which makes it easy to reach from London, but you can join us from anywhere. If you live nearby or you’re staying in the area, just meet us at the start.

Are train tickets included?

We leave tickets to you, so you can travel from wherever suits you. We’ll always tell you the best train to catch, so you arrive with time for a coffee. Off-peak or flexible tickets are usually the way to go.

What if my train is running late?

Don’t worry. Give your guide a call on the number in your Information Pack. We’ll wait if we can, or let you know where to catch us up.

Can I drive?

Yes. Some of our rides finish at a different station from where they start, so get in touch and we’ll help you work out where to park and how to get back to your car.

What about food?

Good food is a big part of the day. Coffee and snacks at our stops are on us. For lunch we book a table at a pub or café so we can all eat together, and you just pay for your own. A packed lunch is fine too.

I have a dietary need or allergy

Just let us know on the rider form. We’ll pass it on to our lunch stops and, on Weekenders, the inn, so there’s something good waiting for you.

What if it rains?

A bit of British weather is all part of it, so bring a waterproof and we’ll ride on. If the forecast looks genuinely unsafe, such as strong winds, ice or a storm, we’ll shorten the route or move the date, and let you know by 6pm the day before. If we do, you can choose a full refund or a place on another date.

What if I can’t finish?

That’s absolutely fine. Our routes stay close to the railway, so your guide will help you get to the nearest station or, on a Weekender, to the inn.

What happens to my bag on a Weekender?

We take care of it. Hand one soft overnight bag to your guide at the start, and it’ll be waiting for you at the inn that evening and at the finish the next day. You only carry what you need for the ride.

When can I book?

Jaunt bookings open on 1st January 2027, for rides from March. Weekenders follow later in the spring. Pop your name on the list at the bottom of this page and we’ll remind you.

What if I need to cancel?

Plans change, and we understand. What you get back depends on how close to the ride you cancel, and our booking terms set it out clearly. You can also pass your place on to a friend.

Can I book a ride just for my group?

We’d love that. Any of our rides can be run just for you, on a date that suits, for friends, family or a club. For work groups, have a look at Wayside for Teams.