Has anyone been on an easy peasy cycling holiday in the Netherlands?

[MorrisZapp]

I really fancy this, for me and my sister and our kids aged 12 and 15. My concerns are that the pre arranged accommodation might be really crap, and that in areas without cycle paths we might need to use eg dual carriageway. I'm not an experienced cyclist though my sister is.

Is it brilliant/ shit? Any insight? Also is it feasible to get there from Scotland without flying?

No idea about the actual cycle, but if you get the train to Newcastle you can get the overnight ferry to Amsterdam.

Totally doable! If you’re able to drive to Hull you can get the ferry, I think to Rotterdam or Ijmuiden? The LF1 long distance cycle route takes you along the coast through the dunes, lots of beaches to stop at. Stayokay hostels are basic but good for kids, we did Hook of Holland to Texel in a couple of days and it was easy and fun. Never had to cycle on a dual carriageway, look for the cycle path (fietspad) adjacent to the road, it’s usually red.

Cycling is so so so easy here. There's absolutely no way you'll end up anywhere dangerous. All major roads have completely segregated cycle ways. The only place I wouldn't recommend cycling is central Amsterdam because of trams and tourists who step out without looking!

What do you want to do? The easiest option is to to find a hotel or cottage with bikes included and use it as a base. You can take bikes on the train for an extra fee so it wouldn't limit you.

Otherwise, what sort of accommodation and distances do you fancy? Anywhere you particularly want to go?

Thanks! I'm looking at organised trips where the accommodation is booked for you, and the luggage is transported every day. Want to start/ finish in Amsterdam and do a circular tour for about 5 nights.

Two fairly annoying teenagers, I assume burgers/chips/pasta/pizza easy to get in Dutch towns?

And how rainy is it? Looking at July or August.

Weather normally slightly better than the UK, but pretty comparable. You're unlikely to get 6 hours of rain straight.

Eating out is more expensive than the uk but every village will serve burgers and pizza somewhere. Most have an ice cream shop too. Everyone everywhere speaks English. If you're in villages there's still a chance your British cards won't work so make sure you have some cash. Only maestro and the visa equivalent reliably work, master and normal visa don't.

I think you'd be unlucky to get dodgy hotels. Quirky maybe, but most places are kept to a pretty high standard here.