The cycle of life: Places to visit in 2019
Two wheels can add more magic to travels in wondrous locales. Here’s where you could go exploring this year
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You would never guess from looking at the majestic, jagged rock walls of this mountain range in northeastern Italy that any bike paths could exist through it, let alone a paved one. The splendid route overlooks deep green meadows, acres of fragrant apple orchards and, further south, the lush vineyards of Trentino. Start with the trail that goes from the Dolomites to Lake Garda, which is the perfect route for a quiet escape: 180 km without cars and noise, just some other cyclists for company. For families, we recommend the 42 km paved cycling route that runs gently downhill from San Candido, in the Sud Tyrol region of Italy, along the river Drava to Lienz, in Austria. Admire the typical Tyrolean gingerbread-trimmed homes, some right by the path, and do stop at the Loacker factory shop near Sillian, in Austria, to sample and stock up on their chocolate wafers.
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An awe-inspiring bike route, this connects the main island of Honshu with the smaller island of Shikoku. A network of roads and bridges strings together six islands to create Shimanami Kaido, a special cycleway over the scenic Seto Inland Sea. Start at Onomici for the great day trip, at 60 km, but we’d advise you to take a few days and detour to take in the ancient shrines, famed citrus groves and a lemon-infused spa bath.
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Europe’s first cycle path follows the beautiful Danube river as it meanders from Germany to the Black Sea via Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. This route provides a fantastic introduction to leisurely, family-friendly cycle touring, with safe and easy rides along flat paths that are well maintained. The most popular, a 340 km-long trail downstream starts in Germany, in the town of Passau, and goes all the way to Vienna, along a delightful countryside past Benedictine abbeys, medieval castles and the Wachau region, which is a world heritage site. And why stop in Vienna? Continue on to Budapest in Hungary, and compare the contrasts between the Western and more exotic Eastern European sides.
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This spectacular, moderately difficult trail takes you through a rhododendron region that borders Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet, and is enriched by Buddhist culture. Starting in Gangtok, the trail takes you to the iconic Rumtek monastery, the only tea estate in the state Temi, through picturesque Ravangala and Yuksam, the stunning vistas of the Kanchenjunga mountain range to Pelling and the Holy Lake at Khecheopalri, and on to Darjeeling. Experience the warmth of the local people, sample delicious momos and chhang along the way, and make a wish at Sikkim’s holiest lake.
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Yes, great wine is definitely on the menu when travelling through Burgundy’s cycling trails, but it isn’t all. The cycling trails from the region’s elegant capital Dijon, down to the celebrated wine towns of Nuit Saint Georges and Beaune can take you way beyond the vineyards, through a rich historic heritage of lakes, canals and clifftop villages. For the pedaling wine lover, there’s the 44-km ride from Beaune into the spectacular Ouche valley along the villages of Nantoux and Bessey-en-Chaume. Catch a wine auction on your way and try the wine pairings with the cuisine of this region, like Bresse chicken with Époisses sauce and a pot of Burgundy snails with ground hazelnuts.
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Escape the tourist-heavy beaches and plush resorts, and take a leisurely ride in Bali’s hilly interior with its Unesco-listed rice terraces. Easily accessed from Ubud, these sleepy villages provide a unique opportunity to experience the pastoral life of the Balinese farmer. A one-track path takes travellers through rice fields, tropical rainforest valleys, and along the river to Sebatu village, renowned for its artisans: Woodcarvers, sculptors, and musicians can be found plying their craft against sweeping views of coconut plantations. One of Bali’s most picturesque landscapes, just north of Ubud, is the rice terraces of Tegalalang, showcasing a masterful use of rich mountain water for cultivation. For a more challenging ride, try the ride up the foothills of Bangli (with its local market full of exotic fruit and spices), leading to Pura Kehen, the second largest temple in Bali.
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For the fun adventure family, what better way to push the boundaries than cycle through the wild Berber heartland of casbahs and oases in the shadow of the High Atlas mountains? With its roots in Africa, but charged with Eastern exoticism, Morocco represents an incredible and truly different destination. From Marrakech, the cycling route takes you to the Ouirgane, a village along red-earth hills and pine forests; and Agafay Desert, a wild, barren landscape of light-hued rocks and green oases; and involves camping in the desert under the shadow of the mountains until the Atlantic coast. Combine it with camel rides, surfing and treasure hunt in souks for a memorable journey.
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It is a wild coast-to-coast ride along the northern boundary of the old Roman Empire, with low hills that don’t rise above 250m. The rich heritage of Cumbria, the rugged beauty of Northumberland and the Roman forts of Birdoswald and Vindolanda en route are vivid lessons in ancient history. We recommend the 135-km coast-to-coast section, from Carlisle to Newcastle, which has the best scenery and is the easiest to get to. Be the first to spot the ‘Blinking Eye’ bridge in Newcastle and get a well-deserved pint of local ale at Corbridge.
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Norway is expensive, but a priceless experience for a gently-paced family cycling holiday. The Lofoten Islands in the far north offer an impossibly scenic—and largely flat—way to explore fjords and picturesque fishing hamlets like Henningsvær, Nusfjord and Reine under the glowing, magical light of the midnight sun. Jagged peaks sweep down to the sea, leaving a narrow brim of coastal road with breathtaking views. Go past Stone Age settlements and old boathouses, a doll museum and innumerable art galleries. Stay at lovely quayside rorbus (traditionally-painted, fishermen’s wood cabins perched on stilts). And brave a fjord dip for an invigorating experience, Scandinavian style.
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