Day of arrival

There will always be things to see and do in the towns and cities we chose to start and end our tours and often the hotels will often have leisure and spa facilities. This gives time to relax and recover from any travel or jetlag because guests arrive at various times with some arriving earlier than others, so, nothing can be formally planned.

If you are hiring a bike through us we shall arrange to either have it delivered to the hotel or take you to the collection point. There you can check over your machine and ensure all is to your satisfaction. You can take a brief ride to familiarise yourself with the machine.

Chester to Ross on Wye ~ 160 miles ~ 5 hours riding

We depart Chester heading south to the charming and historic town of Whitchurch, the oldest continuously inhabited town in Shropshire. Artifacts found show it this area, which lies just a few miles east of the Welsh border and named Mediolanum by the Romans, has been inhabited for over 5,000 years. Alfred the Great’s daughter Aethelflaed was also bond here.

Our journey continues in a southerly direction taking a narrow hedge lined road that leads to the outskirts of Market Drayton than onwards to the ancient standing stones near Norton in Hales and those who are up for a short walk can go to see The Devil's Ring and Finger two Neolithic stones together about 6 ft tall and 7 ft wide. The ring stone is holed, about 18 inches in diameter, the finger rests on the ring. The stones are an Historic England listed site.

Zigzagging across the countryside we make our way towards Telford first passing Newport (not to be confused with the town of the same name near Cardiff) and onwards to the Ironbridge that crosses a deep gorge carved out by the River Severn. No vehicles are permitted on the bridge, so we simply walk over for photographs then break for lunch before we get on our way to a newer bridge crossing a little down river. At 220 miles long, the River Severn is the longest in the British Isles, over this tour we shall cross it many times. The river begins in the Cambrian Mountains, in Wales and flows into the Sea at Bristol.

This bring us into the Shropshire Hills National Landscape a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty where we next break at Bishops Castle, a town of medieval origin, Several ancient drovers trails converge here.

we cross the border into Wales at Knighton where we take a short break before crossing back into Herefordshire where we loosely follow the course of the Wye to Ros on Wye.

Ross-on-Wye circuit 1 ~ 200 miles ~ 6 hours riding

Continuing our route loosely along the course of the River Wye we make our first stop at the ruins of Tintern Abbey which was founded in the 12th century and was dissolved during the reign of Henry VIII. It is also where Brass was first made in 1568. Our journey along the Wye continues until it flows into the Severn. This is where me momentarily join the M48 motorway to cross the estuary and make our way around the north of Bristol and onwards to Bath where we take a short break, some might want to visit the Roman Baths but be aware the queues can be lengthy and this can make that visit challenging to work into our schedule.

As we leave Bath to tour the Cotswolds that has so many pretty villages, it can be a challenge to pick a few that offer the best examples of what this area has to offer. We make our first visit to Castle Combe a quintessentially English village that many say it is "the prettiest village in England" then onwards to Bibury that nestles in a valley along the banks of the River Coln. In 1726 Alexander Pope wrote about Bibury's pleasing prospect and little over a century later William Morris said the village was surely the most beautiful in England. We break for lunch here.

Our journey progresses to Bourton-on-the-Water the premier tourist hot spot in the Gloucestershire Cotswolds. Next we visit the Diddly Squat Farm Shop, from Clarkson’s Farm TV Series, then on to Broadway that is often referred to as the "Jewel in the Cotswolds".

We end the day leaving the Cotswolds to make our wat west to the Malvern Hills and back into the Wye Valley returning to our hotel in Ross-on-Wye in time for dinner.

Ross-on-Wye to Hedsol ~ 140 miles ~ 5 hours riding

We make our way into Wales on the B4521 taking a brief photo stop at the remains of a Norman stronghold, Skenfirth Castle, one of the oldest standing castles in the country then onwards to the market town of Abergavenny, the gateway to Wales, though it is about 6 miles from the border. Over the centuries there has been a Roman Fort, a Medieval walled Town, and a Castle here. It makes a nice place to take a break.

Crossing the Brecon Beacons we make our way to Hay on Wye, a historic market town where we shall take another break because some might want to browse the many bookshops in town before we meander through the Welsh countryside passing through Painscastle (little remains of the 12th c Castle) followed by another market town, Builth Wells where you shall see a large mural depicting the battle of Orewin Bridge that ended the autonomy of Wales. A little later we alter course near Garth to make our way south over the Brecon Beacons National Park to Brecon where we break here for lunch after which some might wish to ride the Mountain Railway. The town walls that remain intact in parts and gatehouse at Brecon date from 1240.

Making our way to our hotel resort we drop into Rhondda Valley which makes a great ride end the day just west of Cardiff.

Hedsol to Aberystwyth ~ 180 miles ~ 5 hours riding

We head west to Swansea passing the ruins of the castle and the Tudor style buildings nearby and onwards around Swansea Bay to Mumbles where the Victorian Pier has amusements and dining facilities. We shall stop here for morning coffee.

Our route continues west towards by hugging the coast and crossing the Gower National Landscape and onwards to Laugharne where we find much Dylan Thomas association and another ruined castle. This is where we break for lunch.

Departing Laugharne we begin our route north to Cardigan passing through the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and from there follow the coast road to Aberaeron, a pretty seaside town. This is a coastal road but note that if you want to see the sea because this coast road largely runs along a hilly area with farmland between the road and the sea meaning the sea is rarely visible. It makes a great ride though.

We end the day at Aberystwyth where some might want to take the Cliff Railway up to a great viewpoint with views over the town and out to sea. Our hotel is located on the sea front and we shall stroll into the town to dine most likely on a fish supper.

Aberystwyth to Portmeirion ~ 3 hours riding ~ 112 miles

The journey continues north to the Museum of Modern Art at Machynlleth then we cross the Dyfi bridge to enter the Eryr National Park (Snowdonia) the location of the highest mountain in Wales. There are only 15 mountains in Wales that are over 3000 ft high and they are all located within this national park.

We take the Pen Y Pass and onwards to two lakes; Llyn Padarm and Llyn Peris where there are a choice of attractions. Dolbadarn another ruined castle, The National Slate Museum, the Ceunant Mawr Waterfall to name a few then we continue to Caernarfon Castle constructed by Edward I in 1283 to control the newly conquered welsh population. It is now a UNESCO Wordl Heritage Site.

We now turn south where the Indigo Jones Slate Works another attraction we could stop at before continuing to Portmeirion which was designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis in an Italian style. 

We deliberately made the travelling today shorter to allow ample time to explore Portmeirion where we will be staying overnight.

Anglesey circuit ~185 miles ~ 6 hours riding

We shall probably have a late start today because you will no doubt want to take a visit to Portmeirion. A Minibus will take you to the village and back though it is not a long walk. Depending upon how much time is taken on that tour we may adjust the planned route around the Lleyn Peninsula and the Isle of Anglesey. The route is about 185 miles and would take 6 hours in the saddle though it can be significantly reduced so we have great flexibility.

About 45 minutes after leaving the hotel we shall reach the fishing port of Abersoch a small town with under 1k regular residents but this grows greatly during the summer because the town is a popular holiday destination with water sports largely featuring as tourist attractions. From hear we cross to the north coast of the peninsula and make our way to the Menai Strait to Anglesey taking a short refreshment break at Caernarfon another popular tourist resort with harbour and marina. The castle of medieval origin dominates and was used for the investiture of the Prince of Wales in 1911 and again the current prince in 1969.

We continue along the shores of the strait to the crossing. Here we can see the Britannia Bridge designed and built by Robert Stephenson as we cross the Menai Suspension Bridge as designed by Thomas Telford. Two feats of engineering in their day by world renown engineers. We head to the south of Anglesey passing many coastal villages and crossing onto Holy Island where we break for lunch at Trearddur Bay.

Next, we cross over to Holyhead, the UK’s second largest freight port before crossing back over to Anglesey and completing our circuit of the Island taking another short break at Moelfre, a village with small harbour and some evidence of Neolithic settlements nearby.

The return journey to the hotel at Portmeirion crosses the Menai Strait, passes several lakes and cuts through the Gwydid Forrest Park as we circle the east side of Snowdonia.

Snowdonia National Park Meander ~ 195 miles ~ 6 hours riding

This route moves in and around the Snowdonia National park. As we depart Portmeirion we head south to the seaside town of Barmouth of which William Wordsworth stated "With a fine sea view in front, the mountains behind, the glorious estuary running eight miles inland, and Cadair Idris within compass of a day’s walk, Barmouth can always hold its own against any rival." From here there is a ferry crossing over the Afon Mawddach estuary but the road around is a nice ride so we head inland and cross at Penmaenpool before returning to the coast and progressing onwards to another Wessh seaside resort, Aberfdyfi, where we shall take a short break.

Heading east, back inland, we later turn to the north then move in a north easterly direction as we move through the Dovey Valley and Dyfi Forest as we make our way to Lake Vyrnwy and the Rhiwargor Waterfall which can be reached by a short walk from the car park for those so inclined to stretch their legs. We stop a little further on at the market town of Bala on the shores on the largest natural lake in Wales. One of the town features is an old moat hill.

As we head South Westerly, we almost touch the point where we crossed the Afon Mawddach before altering course to the North and East to reach Cerrigydrudion where we take another rest break at a garden centre just outside the village.

The final leg of this route brings us back into the Snowdonia National Park and through the Gwydir Forest as we make our way back to Portmeirion.

Day of departure

Homeward bound or onward travel. After breakfast you will checkout of the hotel and be transported to the airport or station for onward travel. Those who have come on their own bikes will ride off.

CFMOTO 650GT

The CFMOTO 650GT with its parallel twin 650cc engine, Bosch fuel injection, SHAD panniers and top box, taller windscreen and adjustable suspension with longer travel; this bike will be a perfect partner for long distance journeys. The 650GT utilises the same base engine used in their TT racer with proven reliability and offering smooth power through the Bosch fuel injection system, you'll enjoy riding the CFMoto 650GT. These bikes are equipped with the latest TFT dashboard, LED lights front and rear, plus LED indicators, Continental ABS, Spanish J.Juan brakes and Metzeler tyres. They were designed by Kiska, the powerhouse behind the designs for KTM. Built to take on the open roads and made to last those longer journeys. Using the super reliable 650cc engine, paired with high specification auxiliary parts the CFMOTO 650GT is a perfect grand tourer for those on a tighter budget. 795mm seat height, 60 BHP, 56 NM, 218kg. Supplied with 2 x Shad Panniers (side cases) and a Garmin Zumo GPS. Low rental cost plus £0.25 per mile. If carying a pillion an age restriction of 35-70 with a minimum of 3 years riding on simiar machine applies.

Restrictions: Minimum age 25, minimum experience 1 year, Excess £1500

Weekly Hire From: Pound £675

CFMOTO 650MT

The CFMOTO 650MT is a great rival to the Kawasaki Versys 650 and Suzuki VStrom 650 offering a comparable parallel twin 650cc engine, Bosch fuel injection, engine protection bars, wind deflecting windscreen, integrated handguards and SHAD panniers and top box, we think this bike offers all a rider needs if on a tighter budget. Styled by the Austrian design team Kiska and with close association with KTM the CFMoto 650MT is available for hire and is perfect for a diverse range of riding and rider skill levels. Supplied with removeable panniers the 650MT also have an adjustable windscreen and engine protection bars and features the following. 60.35HP - 45kW at 8,750rpm Torque: 56Nm at 7,000rpm 650cc parallel twin cylinder liquid cooled engine Bore x Stroke: 83 x 60mm 6 speed gearbox Bosch ECU and fuel injection CST tyres. Front: 120/70R17 Rear: 160/60R17. J.Juan brakes Dual channel ABS USD front forks and adjustable rear monoshock On the fly mapping with dual riding modes 2180 long x 835 wide x 1332 high (in mm) 1425mm wheelbase 840mm seat height 218kg 18 litre fuel tank capacity 2 x Shad Panniers (side cases) Garmin Zumo GPS Low rental plus £0.25 per mile. If carying a pillion an age restriction of 35-70 with a minimum of 3 years riding on simiar machine applies.

Restrictions: Minimum age 25, minimum experience 1 year, Excess £1500

Weekly Hire From: Pound £675

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

A naked middleweight retro motorbike fitted with saddlebags and flyscreen. It produces 47bhp and 39lb f torque. 806mm seat height and 202kg. Mileage charge £0.25/mile. If carying a pillion an age restriction of 35-70 with a minimum of 3 years riding on simiar machine applies.

Restrictions: Minimum age 25, minimum experience 1 year, Excess £1500

Weekly Hire From: Pound £675

Triumph Tiger Sport 660

A comfortable sports touring bike with a sporty 80bhp tripple cylinger engine . Equipped with two side panniers and top case. Seat Height is 835 mm. Mileage charge is £0.30 per mile. If carying a pillion an age restriction of 35-70 with a minimum of 3 years riding on simiar machine applies.

Restrictions: Theft-Damage deposit £2500, Minimum age 25, 2 years riding

Weekly Hire From: Pound £995

Triumph Tiger1200 Alpine Edition SE

The Tiger 1200 Alpine Edition was inspired by epic alpine adventures. Supplied with top box and 2 panniers. We have 2 saddles; a low heated one and regular comfort. These provide a versatile saddle height from 815mm up to 855mm to suite a variety of leg lengths. Mileage charge is £0.30 per mile. If carying a pillion an age restriction of 35-70 with a minimum of 3 years riding on simiar machine applies.

Restrictions: Theft-Damage deposit £2500, Minimum age 25, 2 years riding

Weekly Hire From: Pound £1,395

Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro

The world's most capable, agile and manoeuvrable large capacity adventure motorcycle. Supplied with top box and 2 panniers. We have 2 saddles; a low and regular comfort (both heated). These provide a versatile saddle height from 830mm up to 870mm to suite a variety of leg lengths. Mileage charge is £0.30 per mile. If carying a pillion an age restriction of 35-70 with a minimum of 3 years riding on simiar machine applies.

Restrictions: Minimum age 30, minimum experience 2 year, Excess £2500

Weekly Hire From: Pound £1,575