The Western Front Way

Cycle-touring, Expeditions, Adventures, Major cycle routes NOT LeJoG (see other special board)
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Tiggertoo
Posts: 475
Joined: 2 Jun 2021, 4:52pm

The Western Front Way

Post by Tiggertoo »

I have no doubt many of you are very aware of this route, but I just read it today and thought I'd post it here. It seem a great way to explore parts of France many of us have heard about but maybe have visited:

https://thewesternfrontway.com/
simonhill
Posts: 5226
Joined: 13 Jan 2007, 11:28am
Location: Essex

Re: The Western Front Way

Post by simonhill »

I rode my own Western Front in 2018 as a personal tribute. I followed the line of the 1916 front as near as possible as this was the main 'stalemate' front.

I met some Dutch cyclists who were doing an official route and their distance was much more than mine. Their route (and presumably this) diverts down to Compiegne, the site of the Armistice signing and the French surrender a few years later.

The southern end of the front was very interesting, with the really weird full stop at the Swiss border. Also the climb over the Vosge, where it was mountain fighting and the Chemin des Dames, where the war nearly turned (French mutiny). I pretty much knew it from Verdun on and was disappointed at Thiepval to be met by a young English girl who was my 'guide' but knew little. Fortunately, it was nearly lunch and everybody disappeared leaving me on my own to place my single poppy.

The biggest disappointment was the Menin Gate. I had been a few times before and am always moved by the evening event. However this time it was more like a circus with coach loads of school kids snapping selfies and not showing much reverence.

Sadly, I thought that many of the main sites had been commercialised to appeal to a younger generation. Nonetheless, a moving and enjoyable tour.
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