Cycling UK Forum

Hi,
I'm just canvassing for some ideas for a cycle tour in Europe this summer. Last year I went to Ecuador for my first cycling trip and loved it although I think it was pretty hilly and the roads were sometimes bad. I learned a fair bit from this about what to take, distances that I could cover etc, over there I just hired a bike but I think I might like to take my own as I'm closer to home. I only have two weeks holiday this summer so thought somewhere nearer might make more sense (and perhaps not quite as hilly!). Are there any must-see parts of Europe? I thought perhaps something in the Baltics, or northern Sweden / Norway / Finland. I love beautiful nature, less keen on cities, love lakes and mountains but as I'll have the panniers maybe the Alps are a bit too much climbing. But these are just vague ideas; maybe not southern Europe as I'll melt in the heat. I might try and find some cycle buddies too to do the trip with so if you're interested in taking part also I'd be happy to hear from you. Last year we had a nice little group of a me and a Scottish girl and a Czech guy from the internet! Worked really well.
Kathryn

If you do not like it toohot then don't head for the Med countries/Southern Europe.
Likewise too far north and you could be heading back into winter, one guy I met travelling had been north of the Arctic Circle and found the weather was closing in behind him as he headed back south in August, likewise Iceland.

What about Ireland? Easy to get to and some lovely cycling country. My first 'overseas' tour; I took Ferry and stopped Dublin YHA 1st night then worked my way thru the Wicklows and down the coast to Waterford and then across to Cork, up part of the west cosast then zig zagged back across to Dublin.

The climbs are steady but not as long as the Alps. There are lots of independant hostels in Ireland.

Alternatively northern France, the low countries, Luxembourg?

katajenka wrote:Hi,
Are there any must-see parts of Europe? I thought perhaps something in the Baltics, or northern Sweden / Norway / Finland. I love beautiful nature, less keen on cities, love lakes and mountains but as I'll have the panniers maybe the Alps are a bit too much climbing.

Norway is very, very nice indeed. Lots of varied (official) cycle routes to choose from and tremendous variation in terrain and scenery. Nothing as high as the Alps but cycling can still be quite demanding. Other road users are generally very considerate, just watch out for 'foreign' tourists. The weather in southern Norway in August can range from 30'c down to 5'c. Irrespective of the temperature, Norway is beautiful, rain or shine. My partner and I have done a few routes in Norway since 2005 and liked it so much that we moved here last summer. Our next cycling goal is a trip up to the Lofoten Islands, which are supposed to be lovely.
Cheers
Stan

You could follow a northern canal route in France - maybe the Nantes-Brest?
Or try a green way - generally flat and pretty routes. There's a good map here: http://www.voiesvertes.com/
The Loire has some wonderful cycling too - see http://www.cycling-loire.com/

It won't be (quite) as hot in northern France in August as it would be in the south - say, the Med or the Canal du Midi, and many of the green ways are shaded anyway.

Have fun.

What about the Northern Coast of Germany?

I am biased as my wife is German, but the coastline of Germany is stunning in my opinion. Even the big cities like Kiel are nice places to visit. The countryside is lovely and although I haven't been up there for many years I would love to go again. The coastline in what was the old East Germany is also very nice from what I have been told.

I was in the Moselle region last year and that is also a very nice area with some lovely routes along the river. The wine is also another great reason for going there!

cheers

Simon

Thanks so much for your tips... Ireland is def a good idea and easy to take my own bike on the ferry. I'm also tempted by Germany as I speak German and love the country. I'm going to look into all these ideas and get my plan together. Thanks for helping me out.
Kathryn