Cycle Touring Festival 2025: The UK’s Premier Bicycle Touring Event
The Cycle Touring Festival is the UK’s only dedicated event for people passionate about long-distance, self-supported bicycle travel. Whether you’re planning your first overnight ride or reminiscing about months on the road, this festival brings together a vibrant community of cycle travellers from around the world.
Planning a ride of your own? Read My Bootstrapped Bicycle Touring Philosophy
What to Expect at the Cycle Touring Festival
The 2025 edition was held online from 3rd to 9th February. This virtual format made the festival more accessible than ever, welcoming riders from across the globe. Talks, panel discussions, and Q&As were all streamed live and are now available to watch on YouTube.
Previous events have included workshops on bike maintenance, touring with children, selecting the best touring setup, and sharing firsthand accounts of cycling across continents.
If you missed the live sessions, don’t worry — recordings and updates are still available via the official website.
I loved Tim and Laura’s book about cycling around the world; With the Sun on Our Right*
Who Is the Festival For?
This event is for anyone who loves, or is curious about, cycle touring, bikepacking, and overland travel. From weekend adventurers to globe-trotting nomads, everyone is welcome.
New riders will find heaps of support, while experienced cyclists often use the festival to reconnect, share knowledge, and plan their next epic trip.
Why I Love the Cycle Touring Festival
I first attended in 2017, fresh off a long ride across Central Asia. I wasn’t sure what to expect — but I found my people. Storytellers. Wanderers. Folks who’ve eaten roadside noodles in Tajikistan or wrestled with flat tyres in Welsh downpours. It’s a weekend of swapping tales, sharing advice, and plotting new lines on the map.
If you’re a reader of the Really Big Bike Ride blog, you’ll feel right at home.
How to Join or Support the Festival
Head over to the Cycle Touring Festival website to stay in the loop. You can sign up to their mailing list, make a donation, or browse the video archive. It’s a grassroots, volunteer-driven event — and every bit of support helps keep it rolling.
Watch the Talks Online
The entire 2025 event is now live on the Cycle Touring Festival YouTube channel. Catch up on inspiring rides, gear tips, solo journeys, and group adventures from riders all over the world.
FAQs About the Cycle Touring Festival
Is the Cycle Touring Festival just for UK riders?
No — while based in the UK, the festival welcomes cycle travellers from all over the world. The online format has made it even more accessible internationally in recent years.
How much does it cost to attend?
The festival operates on a donation model. There’s no fixed fee — you pay what you can, which helps keep it inclusive and community-powered.
Can I attend in person?
In-person events have been held in the past, usually in Lancashire. The team updates plans each year, so check their website for the latest announcements about physical gatherings or hybrid events.
What kind of talks are featured?
Talks range from practical how-tos (packing, visas, gear) to epic journey tales (London to Cape Town, solo rides through South America, family tours in Europe). There’s something for every type of rider.
Related Reading
10 Things to Know About the Cycle Touring Festival
A Gathering of Cycling Enthusiasts
The Cycle Touring Festival is the go-to event in the UK for cycle tourists. A vibrant gathering of like-minded individuals who share a passion for adventure and exploration on two wheels.
Diverse experiences and hard-earned insights are shared among cyclists from all walks of life. Adventurers coming together to celebrate the art of cycle touring.
A Haven for Adventure Seekers
Immerse yourself in a world where adventure knows no bounds. From gripping tales of global expeditions to practical tips on planning the perfect cycle tour.
As a result, the festival offers a plethora of resources for seasoned cyclists. Plus inspiration for aspiring adventurers.
A Platform for Knowledge Sharing
One of the festival’s highlights is its emphasis on knowledge sharing and community building. Attendees have the opportunity to learn from experienced cyclists, industry experts, and fellow travellers.
Wonderfully, this generosity of spirit fosters a supportive environment. One that encourages camaraderie and the exchange of invaluable insights and advice.
Workshops and Interactive Sessions
The festival’s itinerary is packed with engaging workshops and interactive sessions that cover a wide range of topics. Helpfully, past talks include gear maintenance, route planning, and the art of mindful cycling.
Usefully, these sessions offer practical guidance and hands-on learning experiences. Particularly, the information is tailored to both novice and seasoned cycle tourists.
Cultural Experiences and Global Perspectives
The festival celebrates cultural diversity and global perspectives. An international showcase of the rich tapestry of experiences and insights from cyclists who have traversed continents.
Seasoned veterans who immersed themselves in the vibrant cultures and landscapes of the world. Attendees are treated to a kaleidoscope of narratives that capture the essence of the global cycling community.
Networking and Community Building
Beyond the workshops and seminars, the festival serves as a networking hub. Attendees can forge meaningful connections with fellow cyclists and industry professionals.
It’s a space where friendships are forged and collaborations are born. The spirit of camaraderie thrives among kindred spirits who share a love for adventure and cycling.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Practices
The festival is committed to promoting sustainable and eco-friendly practices within the cycling community. From discussions on eco-conscious travel to showcasing environmentally friendly gear and initiatives.
Generally, the festival advocates for responsible tourism and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Camping and Outdoor Activities
Embrace the joy of outdoor living and camping at the festival. Attendees can immerse themselves in the serenity of nature and the convivial atmosphere of communal camping.
From bonfire storytelling sessions to stargazing and nature walks. Notably, the festival provides a range of outdoor activities that promote a deeper connection with the natural environment.
Inspiration and Empowerment
Above all, the Cycle Touring Festival is a celebration of inspiration and empowerment. It encourages attendees to embrace the spirit of adventure. To push the boundaries of exploration, and discover the transformative power of cycle touring.
It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The Cycle Touring Festival speaks to the endless possibilities that unfold when one embarks on a journey fueled by passion and a thirst for discovery.
Cycle Touring Festival 2017
The Cycle Touring Festival in 2017 was something of a homecoming. In 2015 I set off on my most recent journey. My first big solo trip: UK – Vietnam – UK.
There was a beautiful symmetry to the 2017 event. I was there to give a talk about my experiences from the last two years on the road.
I gave two talks; one about cycle touring in Burma, India and Nepal and the second talk titled The Consciousness Cycle, is about the life-affirming effect of long-distance bike travel.
Visit the Cycle Touring Festival to learn more about adventurous journeys by bike at home and abroad
The Cycle Touring Festival is held at Waddow Hall in Clitheroe, Lancashire. It is a beautiful old building on the banks of the River Ribble, mainly used for Girl Guiding Groups.
Camping on-site is included in your ticket. If you would prefer not to rough it, you have the option to upgrade your ticket to comfortable B&B accommodation.
Beer, bicycles and banter
There is a reasonably-priced bar on site and we are a short walk or cycle into Clitheroe, where there are plenty of cafes, pubs and supermarkets if you forget anything.
If you’re on the fence and wondering what it’s all about, read my thoughts on the weekend as a newbie at the event in 2015 below.
The Cycle Touring Festival 2015.
The first-ever Cycle Touring Festival took place at Waddow Hall in Clitheroe, Lancashire on May 1 – 3.
Organised by Laura Moss, with a bit of help from husband Tim, the event was designed to celebrate all things cycle touring.
During the weekend there were talks by recently returned cyclists such as the lovely Pikes on Bikes who specialise in Peru and the Puna in South America.
Additionally, there were various workshops with Q&A sessions including my particular fave Yoga for Cyclists. The itinerary leaves room for plenty of tea and cake. And set in a beautiful part of Lancashire.
Sold out!
Tickets sold out which meant that there were just over 200 cycle tourists in attendance – a lot of lovely people come together to share their stories, offer advice and even go out for a ride…
The opportunity to ask questions about the places I intended to visit was reassuring. I would leave the CTF 2015 to pedal East on my first solo adventure.
My visit was a useful last chance to learn all the latest information from the road ahead. A direct download from those with fresh perspectives from recently completed cycle tours.
Tom Allen hosted a useful talk about the Middle East.
Neil and Harriet Pike co-hosted a panel on South America with William Fulford-Jones and Ruth Jarvis which was a very interesting and detailed summary of the possibilities for that continent.
The extreme conditions session was valuable insofar as I can now confirm that I’ll be avoiding places of extreme cold. Props to Helen Lloyd for her amazing expeditions.
Lord of the Rides
On this visit, I was fortunate enough to meet Stephen Lord over lunch. Stephen wrote the original Adventure Cycle Touring Handbook and has a wealth of experience.
A great guy and I feel like we’re on a similar wavelength.
Stephen and I invested a few minutes with a young guy called Tim. Chiefly, we offered advice on when/how/what his first tour could be.
Consequently, the lad was positively bursting with energy and enthusiasm for the road. I understood his urgency and I look forward to hearing what he decides to do.
Of the evening talks, I particularly enjoyed that of Emily Chappell. Her selection of photographs features her vast array of bikes in exotic locations. Emily tells a great anecdote. I encourage you to seek her out.
Finally, the evening concluded with an open-mike section. A chance for guests to tell a story in a 3-minute timed slot. Thus, I jumped at the chance to speak and chose a condensed version of this glorious anecdote.
Fully loaded
At length, Laura thanked everyone who had helped with the logistics.
Generously, the delicious homemade cake was given to those leaving the festival for a trip. I loaded up with the best muffins in Lancashire. Gifted by the team as sustenance for the road ahead. Thank you, Laura – they got me to Hull!
Happily, a few strangers ventured into the town for a few beers and a curry. It was a marvellous way to end a super weekend.
Thanks, Ben, Barry, Lucy, Catherine and Kyle, for sharing that final meal, it was a joy. There’s a dedicated community on the Facebook – join the group.
If you’ve attended the Cycle Touring Festival, I’d love to hear from you. Drop your thoughts in the comments or share your favourite talk!
