We don't think so! Everyone should be able to enjoy the thrill of riding a bike regardless of age. As long as you fit the bike and are able to ride, you are good to go. We don't provide stabilisers and unfortunately will not hire to novice riders who are unable to ride.

The only age restriction is for electric bikes, you must be at least 14 years of age to legally ride an electric bike in the UK, so we can't hire an eBike to anyone younger. Proof of age may be required for younger looking riders, so please come prepared and don't be offended if asked for it.

Our two venues are not far apart, but offer different bike types, and different trail access.

- Our Bowness venue is more appropriate for families and nervous cyclists, with no requirement to ride on busy roads. It's straight onto the ferry (unless out of service) and onto the quieter western shoreline.

- Our Windermere venue has a wider choice of bicycles, with Premium options for most types. There is some use of roads required initially from this venue, and they can be busy at times.

Your choice of venue may simply be based on what type of bike you need, or proximity to your accommodation. For more detailed info please scroll back up the page to the venue section.

We offer a few different types of bike:

MTB's

• Standard MTB's for general use on roads and trails up to intermediate level.
• Premium hardtail MTB's for those looking for something lighter and a little more agile over more adventurous terrain.
• Full suspension MTB's are a better choice for more advanced trails snd are equipped with a dropper post to make tricky descents safer.

Electric bikes

• Electric hybrids are suited to quiet lanes and gentle bridlepaths and will provide gentle support on the hills to make the ride easier.
• Electric hardtail MTB's are a well specced and powerful machine, suited to roads and trails up to intermediate level.
• Electric Full Suspension MTB's are the best choice for rough off-road rides on trickier terrain. With big wheels, supple suspension, powerful brakes and a dropper post, they suit trails better than tarmac.

Gravel

• Gravel bikes are a good all-rounder for seeing as much of the Lakes as poss in the smallest amount of time. They'll cover ground well on tarmac, and take basic off-road trails in their stride. But don't be tempted to try picking off terrain that is too ambitious, that is what an MTB is for.

During the booking process you will find a height guide next to each size offering. This is here to help guide you to the correct size option.

• Bike
• Helmet
• Lock
• Safety briefing and quick tutorial prior to riding
• Children's seat/trailer/tag-along available for an additional cost 
• Advice on routes, access to downloadable self-guided route information.

On the day you will need to bring with you:

• ID - We require Photo ID (Passport/Driving Licence/Official ID Card) that matches the name the booking is made in. WE ALSO NEED TO SEE YOUR PAYMENT CARD, whether paying by cash or card, which must also match the name the booking was made in, or the payment details provided online.
• Water - Plenty of it especially in the summer months. Our bikes are equipped with bottle cages where possible, bottles are available to purchase in store. 
• Appropriate footwear - No open toed footwear, wear trainers/trail shoes/cycling shoes with sufficient grip for flat pedals.
• Appropriate clothing - Suited to the weather forecast, it is always best to carry a lightweight waterproof, and bring waterproof clothing, with additional warm layers for the winter months.
• Helmets are compulsory (No Helmet = No Bike!), so these are provided to you at no additional charge. You are very welcome to bring your own provided you arrive to the hire point with it.

We understand that sometimes plans change, and you may need to cancel your booking. Our cancellation policy is that we require a clear 48 hours notice of your cancellation by email, or by phone, with a member of the management team, in order for you to qualify for a refund.

If you cancel with less than 48 hours notice, we will not be able to refund you unfortunately.

Please click HERE for our full cancellation policy.

We have two cycle hire venues, so please make sure you know where you have booked from and that you arrive at the correct location on the day.

Our two venues are:

• Total Adventure Bikes, Windermere
• Windermere Canoe Kayak, Bowness-on-Windermere

Yes, but it is subject to availability. We will do our best to get you out on a bike if you just turn up. However, during the summer busy periods we recommend booking to avoid disappointment. 

Unfortunately we are unable to offer bike delivery. They must be collected from the booked venue and returned to the same venue at the end of the hire period.