Best Cycling Routes in the World
Friday, 10 Mar 2017
Send My Bag brings you the best cycling routes in the world to help you choose something different for this year's holiday. Don’t just opt for any run of the mill cycling route. Why not tackle one of the routes found on many cyclists’ bucket lists? You can choose to do just part of the route, or challenge yourself to complete the entire course, and get to witness some amazing landscapes while you’re at it.
Land’s End to John O’Groats, UK
This famous route runs from the most south-westward point of England in Cornwall to the top of mainland Scotland. The journey covers 1,406 km by road, but longer if you take the scenic route. Along the way you will pass through the Lake District and the stunning Scottish Highlands. If you are an experienced cyclist, you will probably need about two weeks to complete the journey.
The Pacific Coast, Canada and USA
The Pacific Coast route starts in Vancouver, Canada and ends near the US border with Mexico in Border Field State Park, California. To complete the whole route you will need about 40 days. This route covers 2,988 km and will treat you to fantastic coastal scenery. There are also numerous fascinating cities for you to visit along the way, including San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego.
Route des Grandes Alpes, France
This route goes from Lake Geneva to the city of Nice and the Mediterranean Sea, cutting through several mountain passes. This challenging route is not for the faint-hearted given the many uphill climbs. But, you will be rewarded by the views over stunning mountain ranges, valleys, lakes, and woodland. This 684 km route is open between June and October when the snow has melted.
Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
This 1,200 km route takes you from Hanoi in the north of Vietnam to Ho Chi Minh City in the south. This is a great way to experience rural Vietnamese life and the route will take you through diverse landscapes, from rice paddies, to forests, to stunning beaches and through mountain passes, including the majestic Hai Van mountain pass. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are both vibrant cities that you will be able to spend hours exploring.
The Dead Sea to the Red Sea (King’s Highway), Jordan
Travelling along this ancient trading route will take you to some amazing places. These include the ‘lost’ city of Petra ? filming location for the ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’ film ?, and Wadi Rum, where makers of ‘Star Wars: Rogue One’ set the fictional moon of Jedha. Before you begin your journey you can experience what it’s like to float on the Dead Sea and, once the route is completed, you can swim among the coral in the Red Sea to ease your tired and aching muscles.
If you have been inspired to take a cycling holiday, you can send your bike with Send My Bag. This avoids any problems with your airline regarding oversized baggage and means you don’t have to bring your cumbersome bike with you when taking public transport. Instead, Send My Bag can have your bike waiting for you on your arrival at your first hotel, ready for you to take off on your cycling adventure. Read our guide to sending bicycles to find out how to safely package your bike for shipping. You can also ship the rest of your luggage with Send My Bag.
If reading our guide to the best cycling routes has got you in the mood for a sports holidays, you should also have a look at our blog on the Best Sporting Holiday Destinations.
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