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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Got a question? Have a look at our frequently asked questions, and if you still can't find what you are looking for, please get in touch.
General questions about our tours
- Are your tours suitable for children?
Most of our tours are ideal for kids, as distances are not huge. On our cycling tours, one option is to use a trailer, or tag-a-long
, which attaches to an adult bike. Even if your child is used to riding a bike at home, they may still get tired after several hours' cycling in an unfamiliar environment. The trailer bike provides a good combination of freedom and control – your child pedals, and then you can tow them when they tire!
- What is the size of the group on a guided tour?
We take between four and eight guests on each guided tour. With this size of group, we can cater for individual needs and still ensure the whole party is well looked after.
- Is there a single supplement?
Our guided tours are a great opportunity for singles to potentially meet a like-minded soulmate! There is no surcharge for individuals joining a guided tour, but on self-guided routes, a single person supplement may apply. For bike hire with delivery and collection, a minimum booking value of £30 applies. Please contact us for further details if you are a single traveller.
- Do I need to do any training to come on a Drover Holiday?
To get the most our of your holiday, it helps to be reasonably fit. Our walking and cycling tours are graded according to how strenuous they are, and if you are new to either activity, we recommend that you opt for a “Grade 1” itinerary.
- Who carries my luggage?
We do! On all tours, whether guided or self-guided, your luggage is transferred to your following night's accommodation. We recommend taking a small day-pack on walking tours. Bicycles are fitted with bar bags and we can also provide a rack and seat pack. So you'll have plenty of space for your camera, packed lunch, waterproof and any small items you might need during the day.
Questions about cycling
- What type of bikes do you use?
Our adult bicycles are quality hybrids, made by TREK. The model is the FX 7.3, and we have a range of sizes to ensure there is a good match between you and your hire bike. These are very comfortable bikes, with quality components, ideally suited for roads and gravel tracks. The bikes have 27 gears, operated by easy-to-use gear shifters.
The tandem is hand-built in the UK made by specialist bike firm Thorn Cycles. The Explorer model is ideal for those new to tandem riding, and is very comfortable and robust.
Our youth bikes are made by Giant. These are smaller than the adult bikes and have front suspension and a slightly more rugged appearance. We find mountain bikes are more popular with teenagers, and the bikes can cope with the odd knock and impromptu off-road foray. Ideal for young, exuberant riders!
For children, we use another model from Giant's kids range, the MTX. With wheel sizes of 20” and 24”, these rugged little bikes are ideal for children between the ages of 6 and 11. The bikes have multiple gears, and are suitable for boys and girls.
- Do I need to be a proficient cyclist to come on one of your tours?
All our holidays are designed for leisure cyclists, so you don't need to be a superhero even for the hardest routes. If in any doubt, give us a call and we'll be happy to discuss the most suitable route for you.
- How are the routes graded?
Easy - suitable for anyone able to ride a bike. Low daily distances, and few steep climbs. These would be the most suitable routes for families with young children.
Moderate - a little more fitness and familiarity with cycling is required. Daily distances may be longer and/or the route encounters a few more hills. These are still suitable for families, as long as the children are confident cyclists.
Strenuous - you don't need to be a cycling fanatic, but a reasonable level of fitness will help you enjoy your break more. These tours tend to involve longer days in the saddle and sometimes hilly terrain, while still leaving you plenty of time to enjoy your surroundings. Families with teenage kids would probably enjoy these tours
- How far will I cycle each day?
Mileages vary according to the tour – anything from 10-12 miles for our easier routes up to 35-50 miles on the more challenging tours. Alternatively, hire bikes from us and we can tailor-make your itinerary with daily distances to suit.
- Can I use my own bike?
We spend a lot of time choosing bikes that combine comfort and performance, so you enjoy your cycling with us. However, after riding our own bikes through Africa for twenty months, we understand how attached you can be to your own steed! So of course you are welcome to ride your own bike on one of our tours, and we even offer a 10% discount if you do.
- What equipment/clothing do I need to bring with me?
All our bikes are fitted with bar bags and we can also provide racks and seat packs, so you don't need to bring anything of that nature. We supply helmets, pumps, first aid kits, puncture repair kits, cycle computers (measuring speed, distance etc.) and bottled water for all our tours and bike hire packages.
We recommend that you bring a lightweight waterproof in case of showers. On longer tours, you might like to, wear cycling shorts or padded under-shorts, cycling gloves and cycling shoes (or stiff-soled trainers) as these will make your ride more comfortable. Sunglasses protect your eyes from bright light, and also from airborne insects – a particular hazard if you are speeding downhill on a bike! If you need any advice or product recommendations, just get in touch and we'll be happy to help.
Questions about walking
- How are the routes graded?
Easy - mainly on good footpaths and waymarked trails with few steep hills or other major difficulties. Particularly suitable for families or anyone looking for a gentle, relaxing holiday.
Moderate - paths may be a little more tricky, with some steep sections or difficult ground underfoot. Although the way will usually be marked, some navigation may be required on self-guided walks. Well-suited to active families.
Strenuous - paths will be more difficult to follow and sections of the route may cross open hillside where good navigational skills will be needed. Going underfoot may be rocky, boggy, or otherwise potentially treacherous and these routes are best suited to individuals or families with some experience of hill-walking.
- How far will I walk each day?
Distances vary according to the tour, ranging from 5 to 18 miles per day. Also remember to take the route grading into account – what might seem like a high mileage can be comfortably achieved in one day if the walk follows a river valley and involves little ascent, for example.
- What equipment/clothing do I need to bring with me?
We recommend that you bring a waterproof jacket and possibly waterproof trousers, to keep you dry if it rains. Comfortable walking boots or shoes are essential and on routes involving a lot of ascent and descent, you may find trekking poles useful as they take the weight off your knees.
A small day pack is useful for carrying your camera, binoculars, wallet and other small items. We provide you with a first aid kit so there's no need to bring your own. A hat, sunglasses and a bottle of sunscreen are recommended in the summer.
If you suffer from blisters, you might like to try hapihike. This is a pack of natural, biodegradable, loose wool from lowland Oxfordshire sheep. The cleaned wool is infused with pure peppermint oil, renowned for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The wool compacts and 'felts' to the shape of the foot, which helps to prevent blisters forming and puts a spring back in your step.
If you need any advice or product recommendations, just get in touch and we'll be happy to help.
Questions about Wales
- Doesn't it always rain in Wales?
This part of the UK has a reputation for wet weather. We do get plenty of rain in the winter - it's what makes the valleys so green! But the truth is that unpleasant conditions rarely last for long. The best idea is to bring a waterproof jacket and be prepared for the odd summer downpour, and then it won't put a dampener on your trip.
- Do I need to speak any Welsh?
No, although Welsh is widely spoken throughout Wales, virtually 100% of the population also speaks English. Areas with a particularly strong Welsh language tradition include North Wales, Carmarthenshire and the coastal zone from Cardigan all the way to Snowdonia in the North. Road signs are bilingual throughout the country, so you will soon pick up a few words of Welsh. And if you make the effort to learn a few phrases, locals will appreciate the gesture!
- Does Wales harbour any gastronomic delights?
Definitely, and the great thing about an active holiday is that you can indulge and not worry too much about the calories! A number of food festivals take place throughout the year, showcasing the best Welsh food, and giving local producers a chance to promote their produce, whether it's organic dairy ice-cream, Welsh lamb, hand-made potato chips or cider. Get in touch if you would like to know the dates of upcoming festivals.
Can't find what you are looking for? Drop us an email to info@droverholidays.co.uk or give us a call on 01497 821134 and we'll be happy to answer any other questions.
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