8 of the World’s Best Cycling Routes
For the travelling cyclist, there’s nothing better than getting out on the open road on the world’s most beautiful cycling routes. Here, we’ll take a look at the 8 best cycling routes in the world, along with recommended hotel accommodation:
1. Alpe D’Huez, France
The views are some of the most amazing you’ll ever see, but don’t get too comfortable — this Tour de France special is one of the most challenging climbs in the world with the gradient ranging from 7.7 per cent to 12 per cent for 14km. Complete it, however, and you’ll be in some of the finest cycling company in the history of the sport.
Recommended Accommodation: Hotel Ancolie
2. West Coast, Tasmania, Australia
Separated from mainland Australia, the island (and state) of Tasmania is wild and untamed, and this makes its amazing west coast cycling route all the more attractive. You can see Cradle Mountain (it’s most famous peak), the coastal town of Strahan, the beautiful Lake St Clair and much more along the way.
Recommended Accommodation: Tullah Lakeside Lodge
3. La Farola, Cuba
Not a traditional hotspot for cycling enthusiasts but, nonetheless, Cuba’s La Farola highway possesses one of the most spectacular descents in the world. Set against the backdrop of the magnificent Baracoa Mountais, it’s located at the far east of this Caribbean nation.
Recommended Accommodation: Hotel Gaviota El Castillo
4. National Highway 1, Vietnam
Vietnam is a fiercely independent nation that has emerged with optimism from the conflict that defined its recent history, and with so much natural beauty along its thousands of kilometres of coastline it’s not hard to see why. The route from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is highlighted by the coastal route from Da Nang to Dong Hoi, and Vietnam hotels are plentiful along the way.
Recommended Accommodation: Swiss Belhotel
5. Otago Peninsula, New Zealand
For a ride that can be completed in a single day, the Otago Peninsula really has everything. Kick things off in the southern town of Dunedin and wind your way east along the shore with incredible ocean views — that is, of course, until a sharp right turn brings you into far more challenging terrain. The Otago Peninsula is the wildlife capital of New Zealand and you’re bound to see plenty.
Recommended Accommodation: Fletcher Lodge
6. Cape Breton Island, Canada
Separated from the Nova Scotia peninsula by the Strait of Canso, Cape Breton Island is still linked by the Canso Causeway. Once on the island there is so much to see, from rocky coastlines to the amazingly clear Bras d’Or inland sea.
Recommended Accommodation: St Anns Motel
7. Jotunheimen National Park, Norway
Norway’s fjord-ridden coastline is one of the world’s true natural wonders, but follow the Sognefjord inland towards Jotunheimen National Park and you’ll find wonders of an entirely different variety. Undisturbed nature and incredibly fresh air is the order of the day, and at sunset the views have to be seen to be believed.
Recommended Accommodation: Fossheim Turisthotel, Lom
8. Isle of Wight, England
This small island off the south coast of England has been attracting cyclists for decades. With deep gullies, high cliffs and hills that roll into the sea being just some of the amazing features that comprise the island, what you’ll get is some of the most varied terrain in the world all bundled up into one small, picturesque setting.
Recommended Accommodation: The Wight Mouse Inn
For cycle enthusiasts all over the world, there’s no excuse for not taking on some of these world famous tracks or at least adding them to your ‘to do’ list on your next trip abroad.
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