Good questions.
Straight answers.
Everything you need to know about hiring a bike from Total Adventure Bike Hire.
Booking & hire
Do I need to book in advance?
We recommend booking online to secure your preferred bikes and dates. Walk-ins are welcome, subject to availability, but booking ahead is best during busy periods.
What time can I collect and return? (Seasonal hours)
Collection begins at 09:30. Return times change through the year as daylight hours shorten.
| 1 March to the October clock change | 16:30 |
| October clock change to 15 November | 16:00 |
| 16 November to 31 January | 15:30 |
| 1 February to end of February | 16:00 |
You may collect later or return earlier. Please follow the return time confirmed for your booking.
Can I hire a bike for several days?
Yes. Multi-day hire is available at discounted rates after the first day. Mountain bikes can be booked for up to seven days; for electric bike hire over several days, please contact us directly.
Which venue should I choose?
Windermere is a great starting point for longer rides and mountain bike adventures. Bowness offers family-friendly routes and ferry access. Our two venues offer different bike types, so check the fleet before booking.
Four essentials for collection
Also bring the payment card used to book. Read the full hire requirements
Collection & bikes
What is included with bike hire?
Your hire includes a bike, helmet, lock, puncture pack, safety briefing and route advice. Children's accessories cost extra where available.
Can children hire bikes?
Yes, we offer children's and youth mountain bikes. Every group must include an adult aged 18 or over. Riders must be at least 14 to use an electric bike.
Do you have child seats and trailers?
Child seats, trailers and tag-a-longs are available at Bowness, subject to availability and compatibility with our standard mountain bikes. View hire bikes
What should I wear and bring?
Wear closed-toe footwear and suitable clothing. Bring a waterproof layer, water, a charged mobile phone and additional warm clothing for colder days.
Routes & venues
Can you recommend a route?
Yes. We offer route advice, free GPX downloads and PDF guides for a range of rides. Professionally printed route maps are available to buy. Explore cycle routes
Can I use the Windermere Ferry?
Yes. The ferry is useful for reaching the western shore from Bowness, but operation can be affected by weather or mechanical issues. Check the service before relying on it for your return journey. Windermere Ferry information
Where can I park?
See our Windermere venue and Bowness venue pages for directions and nearby parking.
Can I return my bike to another venue?
No. Bikes must be collected from and returned to the same venue selected when booking.
Changes & weather
What if the weather is bad?
We operate in most weather conditions, so please come prepared. If we cancel your hire due to unsafe weather, we will offer the opportunity to rebook or request a full refund under our policy.
Can I cancel or change my booking?
Cancellations made at least 48 hours before the booking start qualify for a refund less a 3% administration fee (minimum £1.50). Later cancellations are non-refundable. Rescheduling has separate conditions.
What if I have a mechanical problem?
Contact us as soon as possible. We're always ready to provide advice and support and help you decide on the best next steps. Do not continue riding if the bike is unsafe.
Off-site attendance, where available, may be chargeable if the issue results from customer error or misuse. Recovery or attendance cannot be guaranteed in every situation.
Do you provide rider insurance?
No. Personal accident or rider insurance is not included in our bike hire.
We strongly recommend arranging suitable travel or activity insurance to cover injury, accidents, cancellations and unexpected costs. Please also check whether your policy covers damage, theft or loss of a hired bicycle, as standard travel policies may exclude this.
Our business liability insurance is not personal accident insurance and does not mean that your liability for damage or loss of hire equipment is covered.
What happens if my hire bike is damaged, lost or stolen?
You are responsible for looking after the bike and accessories during your hire. Our hire terms and waiver make customers liable for the costs associated with damage to or loss of hired equipment, including theft.
Always secure the bike when unattended using the lock provided. If something happens, contact us promptly so we can advise on the next steps. Theft should also be reported to the police.
We recommend checking that your own insurance specifically covers hired bicycles and any liability for their damage or loss.
Your adventure starts here.
Choose your venue, find your bike and make the most of your day.
Book your bike hire