fbpx
Close
Articles by Year

<<     >>

Articles by Category
866 740 3890

Activities

Locations

Selected Trips

    FILM: Celebrating the bicycle’s 200th birthday

    5 min read

    By Rupert Shanks, Chief Storyteller
    More by Rupert

    Celebrating the bicycle’s 200th birthday – Riding the 5 Countries Tour

    The humble bicycle turns 200 this year. To celebrate our love for two wheels we’ve been on an epic road cycling journey through all 5 countries of the UK and Ireland.

    The history of the bicycle (or two-wheeled machine requiring balance by the rider) began 200 years ago in Germany.

    Since then this humble machine has been developed from a novelty to a verifiable mode of transport to a source of joy to billions! To celebrate this momentous year we decided to go on an epic bike ride.

    We’ve devised a route to travel by bike through all 5 countries of the UK and Ireland. Cycling in the UK has long been a favourite pastime for many but in recent years has seen a massive upsurge in popularity and renown worldwide.

    British riders have been taking home Olympic medals and yellow jerseys. We’ve also seen major cycling events such as the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia host events on the best of British and Irish roads.

    The 5 Countries Road Cycling Tour

    This 5 Countries ride is about celebrating the bicycle and also the best of what these islands offer the cyclist. Watch the film of our ride:

    See the trip itinerary for the 5 countries tour

    Our epic 5 countries road cycling route starts in the Yorkshire Dales National Park in northern England.

    These quiet rolling roads include various sections from Tour de France 2014. From there we head south west and cross the border into Wales to ride through Snowdonia National Park. This is a sweeping section through quiet villages and mountain passes. We reach the coast and a short hop by boat leads to the Isle of Anglesey. From there we head across the Irish Sea to Dublin for a day of rest and relaxation in one of Europe’s greatest capitals.

    bicycle's 200th birthday

    Riding in the Yorkshire Dales

    Our route heads west to explore the roads of Donegal before crossing the border into Northern Ireland.

    We ride along the spectacular Antrim Coast, some say the best stretch of coastline in Ireland. We pass the remarkable Giant’s Causeway and ride along the challenging Torr Road – featured in Game of Thrones. From Northern Ireland it’s a boat journey to our final country – Scotland. Here we ride through the country’s undiscovered gem – Dumfries & Galloway. Rolling roads, farms, green hills and gentle coastlines provide the background to the end of our journey. Our final day passes through Keir Mill where the first pedal bicycle was invented back in 1839. We roll into the 17th century Drumlanrig Castle – a majestic end to our memorable five countries bike tour!

    bicycle's 200th birthday

    Riding the Antrim coast

    bicycle's 200th birthday

    Final stop at Drumlanrig castle!

    We’re now offering the 5 Countries Road Cycling Tour as a fully guided itinerary. Come join us and celebrate the bike on the UK and Ireland’s most stunning roads this year.

    Related Departures

    Trip & Departure DatesAvailabilityStatusPriceBook
    Road Cycling – The Five Countries Tour

    16th Jun - 28th Jun 2024

    1 place(s) leftGuaranteed 4,995Book Now

    Meet the Author: Rupert Shanks

    “After a spell in the corporate world in London Rupert decided to find a more rewarding way of life involving a closer connection to the outdoors and to his camera! Rupert produces a lot of the photography and video for Wilderness Scotland and works within the Marketing team.”

    View profileMore by Rupert

    Want more Wilderness in your life?

    Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to hear about trip news, blogs and offers.