Best CyclingTrip

All spots

Switzerland

Albulapass: Graubünden's balcony climb above the UNESCO railway

Climbing Albulapass from Tiefencastel: 22.5 km, 1,360 m of elevation gain, 6.1% average to 2,312 m — an ascent running alongside the UNESCO-listed Albula railway line.

RoadHard
Alpe d'Huez: the 21 hairpins of the Tour's most famous climbFrance

Alpe d'Huez: the 21 hairpins of the Tour's most famous climb

Climbing Alpe d'Huez from Le Bourg-d'Oisans: profile, the 21 numbered hairpins, difficulty and tips for this legendary ascent.

RoadHard
Spain

Alto de Abantos: the Madrid summit above the Escorial monastery

Climbing Alto de Abantos from San Lorenzo de El Escorial: 14.2 km, 803 m of elevation gain, a Vuelta classic overlooking the royal monastery.

RoadModerate
Spain

Alto de Aitana: the Costa Blanca's highest, hardest climb

Climbing Alto de Aitana from Alcoleja: 22.3 km, 1,260 m of elevation gain, 5.8% average — the Vuelta a España's toughest Costa Blanca summit finish.

RoadHard
Spain

Alto de la Farrapona: the wild climb to the Somiedo lakes

Climbing Alto de la Farrapona from Pola de Somiedo: 18.6 km, 1,100 m of elevation gain — a remote Vuelta a España climb in Somiedo Natural Park.

RoadHard
Spain

Alto de Velefique: the Vuelta's arid, wild climb in the Sierra de los Filabres

Climbing the Alto de Velefique from the village of Velefique: profile, hairpins, difficulty and tips for this harsh, demanding Vuelta a España climb.

RoadHard
Spain

Alto del Fito: the Asturian viewpoint above the Picos de Europa

Climbing the Alto del Fito from Arriondas: 7.8 km, 580 m of elevation gain, a Vuelta a España climb with views over the Picos de Europa.

RoadHard
Spain

Alto del Naranco: Oviedo's landmark urban climb

Climbing Alto del Naranco from Oviedo: 6.8 km, 422 m of elevation gain, 6.2% average — a Vuelta a España classic starting right in the city centre.

RoadModerate
France

Ax 3 Domaines: Ariège's relentless Tour de France ramp

Climbing Ax 3 Domaines from Ax-les-Thermes: 8.6 km, 663 m of elevation gain, a gradient that barely dips below 7-8% all the way to the resort.

RoadHard
United Kingdom

Bealach na Ba, the UK's highest road climb

Climbing the Bealach na Ba from Tornapress in the Scottish Highlands: the UK's highest road, hairpins and 20% gradients, all the way to Applecross.

RoadExtreme
Biokovo, from the Adriatic Sea to the Sveti Jure summitCroatia

Biokovo, from the Adriatic Sea to the Sveti Jure summit

Climbing Biokovo from Makarska to Sveti Jure: profile, a climb from sea level, difficulty and practical tips.

RoadExtreme
Italy

Blockhaus: the legendary Apennine climb that launched Eddy Merckx

Climbing the Blockhaus from Roccamorice: 13.6 km at 8.4% average, Eddy Merckx's first Giro d'Italia stage win, in the heart of the Maiella massif.

RoadExtreme
Spain

Bola del Mundo: the Vuelta's hardest final ramp from Navacerrada

Climbing Bola del Mundo from Navacerrada: 12.3 km, 1,058 m of elevation gain, 8.6% average — up to 23% on the final concrete access road.

RoadExtreme
Box Hill, the Olympic climb on London's doorstepUnited Kingdom

Box Hill, the Olympic climb on London's doorstep

Climbing Box Hill via the Zig Zag Road from Dorking: profile, the London 2012 Olympics circuit, difficulty and practical tips.

RoadModerate
United Kingdom

Buttertubs Pass: the 2014 Tour de France Grand Départ climb in the Yorkshire Dales

Climbing Buttertubs Pass from Hawes: 4.6 km, 250 m of elevation gain, 5.4% average — the first categorised climb of the 2014 Tour de France in Yorkshire.

RoadModerate
United Kingdom

Bwlch y Groes: the Welsh wall known as 'Hellfire Pass' from Llanymawddwy

Climbing Bwlch y Groes from Llanymawddwy: 3.4 km, 387 m of elevation gain, 11.3% average, up to 24% in places, on the edge of Snowdonia.

RoadExtreme
United Kingdom

Cairnwell Pass: Britain's highest main road

Climbing Cairnwell Pass from Spittal of Glenshee: 8.4 km, 352 m of elevation gain, 4.2% average — Britain's highest A-road.

RoadModerate
Royaume-Uni

Camel Trail: Cornwall's family-friendly cycle path

Riding the Camel Trail between Padstow and Bodmin: a flat, traffic-free former railway line, the quintessential family cycling route in Cornwall.

FamilyEasy
Italy

Campo Imperatore: the giant Gran Sasso climb

Climbing Campo Imperatore from L'Aquila: 40.2 km, 1,660 m of elevation gain, 4.1% average — the Giro d'Italia's high plateau finish in the Abruzzo Apennines.

RoadExtreme
France

Canal du Berry à Vélo: the Cher's family-friendly greenway

Riding the Canal du Berry à Vélo from Saint-Amand-Montrond: a flat greenway along a former canal, ideal for a family outing.

FamilyEasy
France

Canal du Nivernais by bike: Burgundy's family-friendly cycle route

Riding along the Canal du Nivernais from Clamecy: a flat towpath, locks and stone villages, an ideal cycling route for a family outing.

FamilyEasy
Cap de Formentor, Mallorca's cliffside ride to the lighthouseSpain

Cap de Formentor, Mallorca's cliffside ride to the lighthouse

Cycling to Cap de Formentor from Port de Pollença: profile, the cliffside road to the lighthouse, difficulty, summer restrictions and practical tips.

RoadHard
Cat and Fiddle: the legendary road of the Peak DistrictUnited Kingdom

Cat and Fiddle: the legendary road of the Peak District

Climbing Cat and Fiddle from Macclesfield: profile, England's second-highest pub, difficulty and practical tips.

RoadModerate
France

Cauterets - Pont d'Espagne: a Pyrenean classic with a wall in the middle

Climbing to Pont d'Espagne from below Cauterets: 18 km, 981 m of elevation gain, 5.4% average — including the steep 'Mur de Cauterets' hairpins.

RoadHard
France

Chamrousse: the forgotten Tour climb from Saint-Martin-d'Uriage

Climbing Chamrousse from Saint-Martin-d'Uriage: 19.2 km, 1,383 m of elevation gain, hors catégorie, between Armstrong's legendary time trial and Nibali's win.

RoadHard
France

Col d'Agnès: Ariège's wide-open pass

Climbing Col d'Agnès from Aulus-les-Bains: 10.2 km, 826 m of elevation gain, 8.1% average — an Ariège col exposed to sweeping Pyrenean views.

RoadHard
France

Col d'Allos: the historic pass on the Route des Grandes Alpes

Climbing Col d'Allos from Barcelonnette: 16.9 km, 1,105 m of elevation gain, 6.5% average — a Tour de France classic since 1911 in the Ubaye valley.

RoadHard
Col d'Aspin: the gentlest pass between the Tourmalet and ArreauFrance

Col d'Aspin: the gentlest pass between the Tourmalet and Arreau

Climbing the Col d'Aspin from Sainte-Marie-de-Campan: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this Tour de France classic.

RoadModerate
Col d'Aubisque: the great Pyrenean ride by bikeFrance

Col d'Aubisque: the great Pyrenean ride by bike

Climbing the Col d'Aubisque from Laruns: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this legendary Pyrenean ascent.

RoadExtreme
France

Col d'Èze: the legendary Paris-Nice final time trial climb

Climbing the Col d'Èze from Nice: profile, the history of Paris-Nice's final time trial, difficulty and tips for this pro training climb on the Riviera.

RoadModerate
Col d'Ispéguy: the green passes of the Basque CountryFrance

Col d'Ispéguy: the green passes of the Basque Country

Climbing the Col d'Ispéguy from Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this Basque border pass.

RoadModerate
Col d'Izoard: the Casse Déserte and the legends of the TourFrance

Col d'Izoard: the Casse Déserte and the legends of the Tour

Climbing the Col d'Izoard from Briançon via Cervières: profile, the Casse Déserte, difficulty and tips for this legendary Hautes-Alpes pass.

RoadHard
France

Col d'Ornon: the quiet gateway to the Oisans from Bourg-d'Oisans

Climbing Col d'Ornon from Bourg-d'Oisans: 11.6 km, 643 m of elevation gain, 5.8% average — a pastoral pass with a Tour de France past.

RoadModerate
Col de Bavella: highland Corsica by bikeFrance

Col de Bavella: highland Corsica by bike

Climbing the Col de Bavella from Zonza: profile, difficulty, the Bavella needles and tips for this spectacular Corsican pass.

RoadHard
France

Col de Braus: the historic hairpins of the Nice hinterland from Sospel

Climbing Col de Braus from Sospel: 10.3 km, 700 m of elevation gain, 6.8% average — a celebrated switchback road in the Nice hinterland.

RoadModerate
Col de l'Iseran: one of the highest paved passes in EuropeFrance

Col de l'Iseran: one of the highest paved passes in Europe

Climbing the Col de l'Iseran from Val-d'Isère: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this Haute-Maurienne giant.

RoadExtreme
Col de la Bonette: Europe's highest through-roadFrance

Col de la Bonette: Europe's highest through-road

Climbing the Col de la Bonette from Jausiers: profile, the 2,802 m Cime de la Bonette loop, difficulty and tips for this legendary road.

RoadExtreme
France

Col de la Cayolle: the wild crossing between the Var and the Ubaye

Climbing the Col de la Cayolle from Saint-Martin-d'Entraunes: 20.3 km, 1,282 m of elevation gain, 6.3% average — a border pass at 2,326 m.

RoadHard
Col de la Colombière: the great Tour de France classic above Le Grand-BornandFrance

Col de la Colombière: the great Tour de France classic above Le Grand-Bornand

Climbing the Col de la Colombière from Le Grand-Bornand: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this iconic Tour de France pass.

RoadHard
France

Col de la Core: Ariège's Pyrenean crossroads

Climbing Col de la Core from Seix: 13.8 km, 885 m of elevation gain, 6.4% average — a recurring Tour de France col deep in the Ariège Pyrenees.

RoadHard
Col de la Croix de Fer: the Maurienne giantFrance

Col de la Croix de Fer: the Maurienne giant

Climbing the Col de la Croix de Fer from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne: profile, views of the Aiguilles d'Arves, difficulty and tips for this legendary climb.

RoadExtreme
France

Col de la Croix Fry: the Aravis companion between Manigod and La Clusaz

Climbing Col de la Croix Fry from Manigod: 11 km, 800 m of elevation gain, an uneven ascent at the heart of the Aravis massif.

RoadHard
Col de la Croix Morand: the Sancy massif by bike from Le Mont-DoreFrance

Col de la Croix Morand: the Sancy massif by bike from Le Mont-Dore

Climbing the Col de la Croix Morand from Le Mont-Dore: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this Sancy massif pass.

RoadModerate
Suisse

Col de la Forclaz (Valais): the Swiss gateway to Chamonix

Climbing Col de la Forclaz from Martigny: 13 km, over 1,000 m of elevation gain, 7.9% average — a sustained Alpine pass seen in the Tour de France.

RoadHard
France

Col de la Loze: the highest cycling path ever built for the Tour

Climbing the Col de la Loze from Brides-les-Bains: 21.5 km, ramps up to 24%, the highest road ever used by the Tour de France, at 2,304 m altitude.

RoadExtreme
France

Col de la Machine: the road carved into the Combe Laval cliff face

Climbing Col de la Machine via Combe Laval from Saint-Jean-en-Royans: 12 km, 745 m of elevation gain, a vertiginous cliffside road in the Vercors.

RoadHard
Col de la Madeleine: the giant linking Maurienne and TarentaiseFrance

Col de la Madeleine: the giant linking Maurienne and Tarentaise

Climbing the Col de la Madeleine from La Chambre: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this Tour de France giant.

RoadExtreme
France

Col de la Madone: the pros' secret testing climb above Menton

Climbing the Col de la Madone from Menton: profile, difficulty, best season, and why this quiet pass is the pros' favourite fitness test on the Riviera.

RoadHard
France

Col de la Ramaz: Haute-Savoie's understated giant

Climbing Col de la Ramaz from Mieussy: 14 km, 982 m of elevation gain, 7% average — a recurring Tour de France climb above the Giffre valley.

RoadHard
France

Col de la Schlucht: the historic crossing of the Vosges from Munster

Climbing Col de la Schlucht from Munster: 15.3 km, 690 m of elevation gain, a former Franco-German border high in the Vosges mountains.

RoadModerate
France

Col de Larche: the Alpine gateway to Italy

Climbing Col de Larche from Barcelonnette: 23.5 km, 775 m of elevation gain, 3.5% average — a long border pass into Italy's Stura valley.

RoadModerate
France

Col de Marie-Blanque: the short, sharp Pyrenean wall from Escot

Climbing the Col de Marie-Blanque from Escot: 9.1 km, 705 m of elevation gain, 7.75% average — one of the most uneven climbs in the Pyrenees.

RoadHard
France

Col de Menté: Ocaña's storm

Climbing Col de Menté from Saint-Béat: 9.2 km, 801 m of elevation gain, 8.7% average — the col where Ocaña's 1971 crash changed the Tour de France.

RoadHard
France

Col de Péguère: the Ariège Wall of the Tour 2012 tack incident

Climbing Col de Péguère from Massat: 9.4 km, 747 m of elevation gain, a narrow road topped by the infamous Mur de Péguère.

RoadExtreme
Col de Peyresourde: the classic climb of the Luchon valleyFrance

Col de Peyresourde: the classic climb of the Luchon valley

Climbing the Col de Peyresourde from Bagnères-de-Luchon: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this legendary Tour de France pass.

RoadHard
France

Col de Portet-d'Aspet: a Pyrenean memory

Climbing Col de Portet-d'Aspet from Aspet: 14.3 km, 594 m of elevation gain, 4.2% average — a col steeped in history above the Comminges.

RoadModerate
France

Col de Portet: the Pyrenees' newest hors catégorie giant

Climbing Col de Portet from Saint-Lary-Soulan: 16 km, around 1,420 m of elevation gain, 8.7% average to 2,215 m — the road that made its racing debut at the 2018 Tour de France.

RoadExtreme
France

Col de Romme: the feared warm-up before the Colombière

Climbing Col de Romme from Cluses: 9.3 km, 813 m of elevation gain, 8.7% average — often paired with Col de la Colombière at the Tour de France.

RoadHard
France

Col de Sarenne: the climb made famous by the Tour de France near Alpe d'Huez

Climbing Col de Sarenne from Mizoën: 12.8 km, 954 m of elevation gain, 7.5% average — a narrow, wild road in the heart of the Grandes Rousses.

RoadHard
France

Col de Turini: the legendary climb of the Monte Carlo Rally

Climbing the Col de Turini from Sospel: 24 km through the Nice hinterland, difficulty, best season and practical tips.

RoadHard
France

Col de Val Louron-Azet: the Pyrenean wall

Climbing Col de Val Louron-Azet from Génos: 7.5 km, 620 m of elevation gain, 8.3% average — ten Tour de France crossings between Saint-Lary and Peyragudes.

RoadHard
Col de Vars: the overlooked link on the Route des Grandes AlpesFrance

Col de Vars: the overlooked link on the Route des Grandes Alpes

Climbing the Col de Vars from Guillestre: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this key pass on the Route des Grandes Alpes.

RoadHard
France

Col de Vence: the pros' classic training climb above Nice

Climbing the Col de Vence from Vence: 9.7 km at a 6.6% average, a Paris-Nice classic with views of the Baous cliffs and the Mediterranean.

RoadModerate
France

Col des Aravis: the Tour de France classic between La Clusaz and Beaufortain

Climbing Col des Aravis from La Clusaz: 11 km, 600 m of elevation gain, a steady ascent at the heart of the Haute-Savoie Alps.

RoadModerate
France

Col des Saisies: the uneven Beaufortain climb

Climbing Col des Saisies from Flumet: 14.6 km, 807 m of elevation gain, 5.5% average — a Beaufortain pass with a constantly changing gradient.

RoadModerate
Col du Galibier: the roof of the Tour de FranceFrance

Col du Galibier: the roof of the Tour de France

Climbing the Col du Galibier from Valloire: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for tackling one of the highest passes in the Alps.

RoadExtreme
Col du Glandon: the Savoie giant that ends at the Croix de FerFrance

Col du Glandon: the Savoie giant that ends at the Croix de Fer

Climbing the Col du Glandon from Allemont: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this pass often combined with the Croix de Fer.

RoadHard
France

Col du Granon: the climb that flipped the 2022 Tour

Climbing the Col du Granon from Saint-Chaffrey: profile, brutal gradients, Vingegaard's 2022 attack, difficulty and practical tips.

RoadExtreme
France

Col du Lautaret: the great Alpine crossroads to the Galibier

Climbing Col du Lautaret from Briançon: 26 km, 800 m of elevation gain, 3% average — the long gateway to the Galibier and the Oisans.

RoadModerate
France

Col du Mont-Cenis: the great reservoir lake above the Maurienne from Lanslebourg

Climbing the Col du Mont-Cenis from Lanslebourg: 9.9 km, 686 m of elevation gain, 6.9% average, up to the Mont-Cenis reservoir lake.

RoadHard
France

Col du Petit-Saint-Bernard: the historic crossing into Italy from Bourg-Saint-Maurice

Climbing the Col du Petit-Saint-Bernard from Bourg-Saint-Maurice: around 30 km, 1,380 m of elevation gain — a border pass between Savoie and Aosta Valley.

RoadHard
Switzerland

Col du Pillon: the long Vaud climb to Glacier 3000

Climbing Col du Pillon from Aigle: 23.4 km, 1,136 m of elevation gain, 4.8% average — a Tour de Suisse classic at the foot of Glacier 3000.

RoadHard
Col du Tourmalet: the Pyrenean giant by bikeFrance

Col du Tourmalet: the Pyrenean giant by bike

Climbing the Col du Tourmalet from Luz-Saint-Sauveur: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this Tour de France legend.

RoadExtreme
Andorra

Coll de la Gallina: Andorra's hardest climb

Climbing Coll de la Gallina from Aixovall: 12.2 km, 1,019 m of elevation gain, regularly decisive in the Vuelta a España's Andorran stages.

RoadExtreme
Coll de Rates: the pro cycling classic on the Costa BlancaSpain

Coll de Rates: the pro cycling classic on the Costa Blanca

Climbing the Coll de Rates from Parcent: profile, difficulty, best season and why this climb is a winter training staple for pro teams.

RoadModerate
Spain

Coll de Sóller: the historic road through the Serra de Tramuntana

Climbing Coll de Sóller from Bunyola: 13 km, 470 m of elevation gain, a switchback ascent along Mallorca's old historic road.

RoadModerate
Colle del Nivolet: the high pass (almost) closed to carsItaly

Colle del Nivolet: the high pass (almost) closed to cars

Climbing the Colle del Nivolet from Ceresole Reale: mountain lakes, the car-traffic quota and tips for this pass in Gran Paradiso National Park.

RoadHard
Italie

Colle del Sommeiller: Europe's highest carriage road

Climbing Colle del Sommeiller from Bardonecchia: 26 km, nearly 1,700 m of elevation gain up to 2,993 m, split between asphalt and extreme gravel.

GravelExtreme
Colle dell'Agnello: Europe's highest paved border crossingItaly

Colle dell'Agnello: Europe's highest paved border crossing

Climbing the Colle dell'Agnello from Casteldelfino: 2,744 m summit, Giro and Tour history, difficulty and practical tips.

RoadExtreme
Italy

Colle delle Finestre: the legendary Giro climb, gravel included

Climbing the Colle delle Finestre from Susa: profile, 8 km of unpaved track, difficulty and tips for this iconic Giro d'Italia pass.

RoadGravelExtreme
Italy

Colle di Sampeyre: the Hors Catégorie giant of the Cottian Alps

Climbing Colle di Sampeyre from Sampeyre: 15.8 km, 1,325 m of elevation gain, up to 2,284 m, rated Hors Catégorie in its Giro appearances.

RoadExtreme
Italy

Colle di Superga: Turin's cobbled-steep wall

Climbing Colle di Superga from Sassi: 4.8 km, 449 m of elevation gain, 9.3% average — a Turin ramp up to the basilica and its view of the Alps.

RoadHard
Colle Fauniera: the overlooked giant dedicated to Marco PantaniItaly

Colle Fauniera: the overlooked giant dedicated to Marco Pantani

Climbing the Colle Fauniera from Pradleves: profile, the Pantani statue at the summit, difficulty and tips for this Piedmont pass.

RoadExtreme
Ireland

Conor Pass: the highest paved pass in the Republic of Ireland

Climbing Conor Pass from Dingle: 7.1 km, roughly 400 m of elevation gain, 5.6% average — Ireland's highest paved mountain pass.

RoadModerate
Denmark

Copenhagen by bike with kids, on the harbour's bicycle snake

A family bike loop around Copenhagen's harbour, on some of Europe's finest cycle infrastructure: Cykelslangen, Nyhavn, practical tips.

FamilyEasy
Cormet de Roselend: the climb beside the turquoise lakeFrance

Cormet de Roselend: the climb beside the turquoise lake

Climbing the Cormet de Roselend from Beaufort: profile, views of the turquoise Lac de Roselend, difficulty and tips for this Tour de France classic.

RoadHard
France

Cycling around Lac du Bourget with the family

Family-friendly loop on the Lac du Bourget greenway, France's largest natural lake: route, distance and practical tips.

FamilyEasy
Hungary

Cycling around Lake Balaton with the family

A family cycling loop around Lake Balaton in Hungary: a nearly flat dedicated cycle path, beaches, vineyards, and practical stage-by-stage tips.

FamilyEasy
Cycling Bornholm, Denmark's granite islandDenmark

Cycling Bornholm, Denmark's granite island

Cycling the island of Bornholm from Rønne: medieval round churches, the Hammershus ruins, distance and practical tips.

RoadModerate
Cycling Cheddar Gorge: Somerset's limestone cliffsUnited Kingdom

Cycling Cheddar Gorge: Somerset's limestone cliffs

Climb Cheddar Gorge from Cheddar village: 4.6 km at 4.2% average, between limestone cliffs and prehistoric caves.

RoadModerate
Cycling Fleet Moss from Hawes: the highest paved road in YorkshireUnited Kingdom

Cycling Fleet Moss from Hawes: the highest paved road in Yorkshire

Climb Fleet Moss from Hawes: 6.2 km at 5.6% average up to 588 m, the highest road in the Yorkshire Dales.

RoadHard
Cycling from Bratislava to Devín Castle with the familySlovakia

Cycling from Bratislava to Devín Castle with the family

A family cycling loop along the Danube, from Bratislava to Devín Castle: flat, safe cycle path, practical tips.

FamilyEasy
Greece

Cycling from Litochoro to Prionia: at the foot of Greece's Mount Olympus

Climb from Litochoro to Prionia on Mount Olympus: 18 km through the Enipeas gorge to the trailhead for hikes toward Mytikas.

RoadModerate
Bosnia and Herzegovina

Cycling from Mostar to Blagaj, along the Neretva and Buna rivers

An easy 12 km ride between Mostar and Blagaj, Herzegovina: an almost flat paved road along the rivers, ending at the dervish Tekija.

RoadFamilyEasy
Cycling Gotland, from the medieval walls of VisbySweden

Cycling Gotland, from the medieval walls of Visby

Cycling the island of Gotland from Visby, a UNESCO medieval city: raukar rock formations, distance and practical tips.

RoadEasy
Cycling Governor's Beach, between white chalk cliffs and black sandCyprus

Cycling Governor's Beach, between white chalk cliffs and black sand

Ride the Governor's Beach coastline near Limassol: white chalk cliffs above beaches of black volcanic sand.

RoadEasy
United Kingdom

Cycling Holme Moss: the Peak District moor made famous by the Tour de France

Climb Holme Moss from Holmbridge: 4.7 km at 7.3% average, the Yorkshire ascent made famous by the Tour de France's 2014 Grand Départ.

RoadHard
Cyprus

Cycling Kakopetria: a loop to the Troodos painted churches

A loop ride through the Solea Valley from Kakopetria, between a preserved village and UNESCO-listed Byzantine churches.

RoadModerate
Finland

Cycling Lake Saimaa, from Savonlinna's castle

Cycling around Lake Saimaa from Savonlinna: the Punkaharju ridge, the endemic ringed seal, distance and practical tips.

RoadModerate
Luxembourg

Cycling Luxembourg's Moselle Wine Route

A family cycling route along Luxembourg's Moselle valley, from Schengen to Wasserbillig: flat cycle path, vineyards, practical tips.

FamilyEasy
Greece

Cycling Meteora, between perched monasteries and rock pillars

Cycling around Meteora from Kastraki: UNESCO-listed monasteries atop rock pillars, distance and practical tips.

RoadModerate
Italy

Cycling Monte Grappa from Romano d'Ezzelino: a Veneto giant

Climb Monte Grappa from Romano d'Ezzelino: 26.4 km at 5.9% average, an hors-catégorie ascent with a WWI memorial at the summit.

RoadExtreme
Cyprus

Cycling Mount Olympus (Chionistra): Cyprus's rooftop from Platres

Climb Mount Olympus by bike from Platres, Cyprus's highest point at 1,952 m: black pine forest, radomes, winter skiing.

RoadHard
Bosnia and Herzegovina

Cycling Mount Trebević from Sarajevo: up to the abandoned Olympic bobsled track

Climb Mount Trebević from Sarajevo: around 10 km up to the abandoned bobsled track from the 1984 Winter Olympics.

RoadMTBModerate
Cycling the Aurlandsfjellet from Aurland: Norway's Snow RoadNorway

Cycling the Aurlandsfjellet from Aurland: Norway's Snow Road

Climb the Aurlandsfjellet, the Snow Road, from Aurland: 16.2 km at 7.7% average up to over 1,300 m elevation.

RoadHard
Cycling the Ballon d'Alsace: the very first Tour de France mountain passFrance

Cycling the Ballon d'Alsace: the very first Tour de France mountain pass

Climb the Ballon d'Alsace from Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle: 9 km at 6.9% average, the first mountain pass ever tackled by the Tour de France in 1905.

RoadHard
Cycling the Camargue with kids, among pink flamingos and salt marshesFrance

Cycling the Camargue with kids, among pink flamingos and salt marshes

Family-friendly cycling loop in the Camargue from Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer: sea dike, pink flamingos, distance and practical tips.

FamilyEasy
Cycling the Cape Greco coastal path, between Ayia Napa and ProtarasCyprus

Cycling the Cape Greco coastal path, between Ayia Napa and Protaras

A family-friendly bike path along Cape Greco, between Ayia Napa and Protaras: white cliffs, sea caves and turquoise water.

FamilyEasy
Cycling the Col de Joux Plane from Morzine: the climb that has shaped the Tour de FranceFrance

Cycling the Col de Joux Plane from Morzine: the climb that has shaped the Tour de France

Climb the Col de Joux Plane from Morzine: 10.7 km at 7% average, a cult Tour de France pass between the Chablais and Faucigny.

RoadHard
Cycling the Col de la Faucille: the Jura facing Mont BlancFrance

Cycling the Col de la Faucille: the Jura facing Mont Blanc

Climb the Col de la Faucille from Gex: 10 km at 6.5% average, with a summit view over Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc.

RoadHard
Cycling the Col du Soulor from Ferrières: the great Pyrenean balconyFrance

Cycling the Col du Soulor from Ferrières: the great Pyrenean balcony

Climb the Col du Soulor from Ferrières: 12 km at 7.5% average, with panoramic views over the Cirque du Litor and the high Pyrenean peaks.

RoadHard
Lithuania

Cycling the Curonian Spit: dunes and pines between Nida and Juodkrantė

Cycling the Curonian Spit from Nida: a paved bike path through pine forest and dunes, UNESCO heritage, practical tips.

FamilyEasy
Cycling the Dingli Cliffs from Mdina: Malta's highest point above the seaMalta

Cycling the Dingli Cliffs from Mdina: Malta's highest point above the sea

Ride to the Dingli Cliffs from Mdina: around 10 km across Malta's limestone highlands, with views of the islet of Filfla.

RoadFamilyEasy
Cyprus

Cycling the Larnaca Salt Lake loop, winter refuge of the flamingos

A family-friendly loop around Larnaca Salt Lake: wintering flamingos, the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque, a flat and easy ride.

FamilyEasy
Cycling the loop around the Gorges du Verdon: Corniche Sublime and Route des CrêtesFrance

Cycling the loop around the Gorges du Verdon: Corniche Sublime and Route des Crêtes

Cycling a full loop around the Gorges du Verdon from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: the Corniche Sublime and Route des Crêtes route, profile and tips.

RoadHard
Italy

Cycling the Madonna del Ghisallo from Bellagio: cycling's own shrine

Climb to the Madonna del Ghisallo from Bellagio on Lake Como: 10.6 km at 5.2% average, with a chapel and cycling museum at the top.

RoadModerate
Luxembourg

Cycling the Mullerthal, Luxembourg's Little Switzerland with the family

A family bike ride through the Mullerthal from Echternach: sculpted sandstone rocks, forests and villages, distance and practical tips.

FamilyGravelEasy
Switzerland

Cycling the Nufenenpass from Ulrichen: one of Switzerland's highest paved passes

Climb the Nufenenpass from Ulrichen: 13.7 km at 8.3% average up to 2,478 m, between the Valais and Ticino.

RoadExtreme
Cycling the Passo di Costalunga (Karerpass) from Vigo di Fassa: the Dolomites' gentle passItaly

Cycling the Passo di Costalunga (Karerpass) from Vigo di Fassa: the Dolomites' gentle pass

Climb the Passo di Costalunga from Vigo di Fassa: 9.3 km at 4.7% average, between the Val di Fassa and Lake Carezza.

RoadModerate
Spain

Cycling the Puerto de la Ragua from La Calahorra: Andalusia's great pass

Climb the Puerto de la Ragua from La Calahorra: 13.4 km at 6.3% average, a 2,041 m pass between Granada and Almería.

RoadHard
Germany

Cycling the Wallberg from Rottach-Egern: Bavaria's wall above Lake Tegernsee

Climb the Wallberg from Rottach-Egern: 4 km at nearly 10% average, a toll road for cars but free to ride for cyclists.

RoadExtreme
Cyprus

Cycling to Kykkos Monastery and Cedar Valley, home of the Cyprus cedar

Ride from Pedoulas to Kykkos Monastery through the Troodos forest, with an optional detour to Cedar Valley.

RoadGravelModerate
Liechtenstein

Cycling to Malbun from Vaduz: Liechtenstein's one great climb

Climb to Malbun from Vaduz: 14.6 km at 8.8% average, Liechtenstein's only mountain road, up to 1,600 m.

RoadExtreme
North Macedonia

Cycling to Popova Šapka from Tetovo: climbing into the Šar Mountains

Climb to Popova Šapka from Tetovo: 18.3 km at 6.8% average through the Šar Mountains in North Macedonia.

RoadHard
Cyprus

Cycling to Prodromos: climbing to Cyprus's highest village

A loop ride between Pedoulas and Prodromos, Cyprus's highest village at 1,400 m, through the Troodos cherry orchards.

RoadHard
San Marino

Cycling to San Marino from Dogana: climbing to the summit of a thousand-year-old republic

Climb to the City of San Marino from Dogana: 9 km at 5.5% average up Monte Titano, a historic Giro d'Italia stage climb.

RoadModerate
Norway

Dalsnibba: the road viewpoint above the Geirangerfjord

Climbing to Dalsnibba from Geiranger: about 20 km up to 1,500 m of elevation, the highest road viewpoint over a Norwegian fjord.

RoadHard
Netherlands

De Hoge Veluwe National Park by bike with kids, on the famous white bikes

A family bike loop through De Hoge Veluwe National Park, on the famous free white bikes: heathland, forest and dunes, practical tips.

FamilyEasy
United Kingdom

Ditchling Beacon: the legendary climb of the London to Brighton

Climbing Ditchling Beacon from Brighton: 1.45 km, 143 m of elevation gain, the highest point in East Sussex and highlight of the London to Brighton Bike Ride.

RoadModerate
Étang de Biguglia for families, from BastiaFrance

Étang de Biguglia for families, from Bastia

Family cycling loop around the Étang de Biguglia lagoon from Bastia: nature reserve, flat path and practical tips.

FamilyEasy
Feldberg by bike, the roof of the Black ForestGermany

Feldberg by bike, the roof of the Black Forest

Climbing the Feldberg from Titisee-Neustadt: the Black Forest's highest point, profile, difficulty and tips for this German ascent.

RoadModerate
Switzerland

Flüelapass: Graubünden's wild valley from Davos

Climbing the Flüelapass from Davos: 12.8 km, 824 m of elevation gain, 6.4% average — a steady climb through an unspoilt Graubünden valley.

RoadHard
Portugal

Fóia: the roof of the Algarve favoured for winter training camps

Climbing Fóia from Monchique: 8 km, 600 m of elevation gain, the highest point in the Algarve popular with pro teams in winter.

RoadHard
Galičica Pass, between Lake Ohrid and Lake PrespaNorth Macedonia

Galičica Pass, between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa

Climbing Galičica Pass from Ohrid: 15 km through the national park, with a simultaneous view of Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa from the top.

RoadHard
United Kingdom

Gospel Pass: the highest road in Wales

Climbing Gospel Pass from Hay-on-Wye: 8.5 km, 464 m of elevation gain, up to the highest paved road in Wales through the Black Mountains.

RoadHard
Grand Colombier from Culoz: the hardest climb in the BugeyFrance

Grand Colombier from Culoz: the hardest climb in the Bugey

Climbing the Grand Colombier from Culoz: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for one of the hardest climbs in France.

RoadExtreme
Lithuania

Gravel in Aukštaitija National Park, the land of a hundred lakes

Gravel riding in Aukštaitija National Park from Palūšė: forests, over a hundred lakes, an 18th-century wooden church.

GravelModerate
Italy

Gravel in Franciacorta, from Erbusco

Gravel route through the Franciacorta wine region from Erbusco: vineyard hills, Lake Iseo, distance and practical tips.

GravelModerate
Latvia

Gravel in Gauja National Park, the "Switzerland of Vidzeme"

Gravel riding between Sigulda and Cēsis in Gauja National Park: sandstone cliffs, castles, Gūtmaņa Cave.

GravelModerate
Estonia

Gravel in Lahemaa National Park, Estonia's first national park

Gravel riding in Lahemaa National Park from Palmse: Baltic-German manors, coastal peninsulas, Viru bog.

GravelModerate
Latvia

Gravel in Latgale, Latvia's land of blue lakes

Gravel riding in Latgale from Rēzekne: moraine hills, Lake Rāzna, Catholic tradition and pottery, practical tips.

GravelModerate
Gravel in the Avesnois, the north's 'little Switzerland'France

Gravel in the Avesnois, the north's 'little Switzerland'

Gravel route through the Avesnois from Avesnes-sur-Helpe: rolling hedgerow country, tracks and practical tips.

GravelModerate
Gravel in the Brenne, land of a thousand pondsFrance

Gravel in the Brenne, land of a thousand ponds

Gravel route through the Brenne Regional Nature Park from Mézières-en-Brenne: ponds, distance and practical tips.

GravelModerate
Gravel in the Cévennes: Mont Aigoual from MeyrueisFrance

Gravel in the Cévennes: Mont Aigoual from Meyrueis

Gravel route from Meyrueis in the Cévennes: forest tracks, the Mont Aigoual climb, and practical tips.

GravelHard
France

Gravel in the Chartreuse, from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse

Gravel route through the Chartreuse range from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse: forests, ridge passes, distance and practical tips.

GravelHard
Italy

Gravel in the Chianti, from Greve in Chianti

Gravel route through the Chianti wine region from Greve in Chianti: sterrate, wooded hills, distance and practical tips.

GravelHard
France

Gravel in the Lot valley: Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and the Causses du Quercy

Gravel route from Saint-Cirq-Lapopie in the Lot: cliffs, limestone plateaus, white gravel roads and tips for a ride in Occitania.

GravelModerate
Gravel in the Luberon: hilltop villages and ochre trailsFrance

Gravel in the Luberon: hilltop villages and ochre trails

Gravel route from Lourmarin in the Luberon: trails, hilltop villages, difficulty and the best season to ride in Provence.

GravelModerate
France

Gravel in the Monts d'Arrée

Gravel route through the Monts d'Arrée from Huelgoat: moorland, granite boulder fields, distance and practical tips.

GravelModerate
France

Gravel in the Morvan

Gravel route through the Morvan Regional Nature Park from Château-Chinon: forests, lakes, distance and practical tips.

GravelHard
Gravel in the Périgord Noir: Sarlat and the Dordogne valleyFrance

Gravel in the Périgord Noir: Sarlat and the Dordogne valley

Gravel route from Sarlat in the Dordogne: bastide towns, hilltop villages, tracks and tips for a ride in the Périgord Noir.

GravelModerate
Italy

Gravel in the Valle d'Itria, among trulli and olive groves

Gravel route in the Valle d'Itria from Alberobello: trulli, centuries-old olive groves, distance and practical tips.

GravelModerate
Estonia

Gravel on Saaremaa Island: cliffs, windmills and a meteorite crater

Gravel riding on Saaremaa Island from Kuressaare: Panga cliff, the Kaali meteorite crater, the Angla windmills.

GravelModerate
Gravel on the Strade Bianche, from SienaItaly

Gravel on the Strade Bianche, from Siena

Gravel route on Tuscany's Strade Bianche from Siena: white gravel roads, the Crete Senesi, distance and practical tips.

GravelModerate
Slovakia

Gravel riding around Slovenský raj, the "Slovak Paradise"

Gravel riding around Slovenský raj National Park: karst plateau, spectacular gorges, distance and practical tips.

GravelModerate
Poland

Gravel riding in Białowieża Forest, on the trail of wild bison

Gravel riding in Białowieża Forest from the village of the same name: Europe's last primeval forest, wild bison, practical tips.

GravelEasy
Spain

Gravel riding in Cabo de Gata, Spain's desert on the Mediterranean

Gravel riding in Cabo de Gata from San José: volcanic tracks, salt flats and Spain's desert landscape, distance and practical tips.

GravelModerate
Gravel riding in Český ráj, the "Bohemian Paradise"Czech Republic

Gravel riding in Český ráj, the "Bohemian Paradise"

Gravel riding in Český ráj from Turnov: sandstone rock cities, Czechoslovakia's first protected landscape area, practical tips.

GravelModerate
Gravel riding in Champagne from ÉpernayFrance

Gravel riding in Champagne from Épernay

Gravel route through the Champagne vineyards from Épernay: vineyard tracks, villages, distance and practical tips.

GravelModerate
Gravel riding in Connemara, between bogland and the Twelve BensIreland

Gravel riding in Connemara, between bogland and the Twelve Bens

Gravel riding in Connemara from Letterfrack: peat bog tracks, the Twelve Bens mountains, native ponies, practical tips.

GravelModerate
Hungary

Gravel riding in Hortobágy, the great Hungarian steppe

Gravel riding in Hortobágy National Park: the UNESCO-listed puszta, traditional herding, distance and practical tips.

GravelEasy
Denmark

Gravel riding in Mols Bjerge, "Denmark's Alps"

Gravel riding in Mols Bjerge National Park from Ebeltoft: glacial hills, grazed moorland, practical tips.

GravelModerate
Finland

Gravel riding in Nuuksio National Park, an hour from Helsinki

Gravel riding in Nuuksio National Park from Espoo: lakes, forests on bedrock, distance and practical tips.

GravelModerate
Portugal

Gravel riding in Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal's only one

Gravel riding in Peneda-Gerês National Park from Caldas do Gerês: forest tracks, granite villages and reservoir lakes, Portugal's only national park.

GravelMTBModerate
Austria

Gravel riding in South Styria, the "Austrian Tuscany"

Gravel riding through the vineyards of South Styria from Gamlitz: wine hills nicknamed the Austrian Tuscany, practical tips.

GravelModerate
France

Gravel riding in Suisse Normande from Clécy

Gravel route through the Suisse Normande from Clécy: the Orne valley, rural tracks, distance and practical tips.

GravelModerate
Gravel riding in the Ardèche Gorges from Vallon-Pont-d'ArcFrance

Gravel riding in the Ardèche Gorges from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc

Gravel route from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc: the plateau above the Ardèche Gorges, the Pont d'Arc arch, and practical tips.

GravelHard
Gravel riding in the Cairngorms, Scotland's Caledonian forestUnited Kingdom

Gravel riding in the Cairngorms, Scotland's Caledonian forest

Gravel riding in the Cairngorms from Aviemore: forest tracks, Caledonian forest, a reindeer herd, practical tips.

GravelModerate
Gravel riding in the Colline del Prosecco, between Valdobbiadene and ConeglianoItaly

Gravel riding in the Colline del Prosecco, between Valdobbiadene and Conegliano

Gravel riding in the UNESCO-listed Colline del Prosecco: terraced vineyard tracks, distance and practical tips in the Veneto.

GravelModerate
Gravel riding in the Désert des Agriates from Saint-FlorentFrance

Gravel riding in the Désert des Agriates from Saint-Florent

Gravel route through the Désert des Agriates in Haute-Corse: wild scrubland, remote tracks, distance and practical tips.

GravelHard
Gravel riding in the Drôme Provençale from NyonsFrance

Gravel riding in the Drôme Provençale from Nyons

Gravel route through the Drôme Provençale from Nyons: olive groves, hilltop villages, distance and practical tips.

GravelHard
Gravel riding in the Empordà, at the heart of Girona's cycling sceneSpain

Gravel riding in the Empordà, at the heart of Girona's cycling scene

Gravel riding in the Empordà from Girona: farm tracks and cork oak forests in the Gavarres hills, distance and practical tips.

GravelModerate
Switzerland

Gravel riding in the Engadin, between lakes and larch forests

Gravel riding in the Upper Engadin from St. Moritz: valley-floor tracks between lakes and larch forests, distance and practical tips.

GravelModerate
Belgium

Gravel riding in the Hautes Fagnes, Belgium's roof

Gravel riding in the Hautes Fagnes from Eupen: forest tracks and peat bogs around Belgium's highest point, practical tips.

GravelModerate
Slovenia

Gravel riding in the Soča Valley, turquoise water and history

Gravel riding in the Soča Valley from Bovec: forest tracks along the turquoise river, and the history of the Isonzo Front.

GravelModerate
Germany

Gravel riding in the Spreewald, Brandenburg's maze of canals

Gravel riding in the Spreewald from Lübbenau: forest tracks between canals, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, practical tips.

GravelEasy
France

Gravel riding in the Vendée bocage from Pouzauges

Gravel route through the Vendée bocage from Pouzauges: hills, rural tracks, distance and practical tips.

GravelModerate
Netherlands

Gravel riding in the Zuid-Kennemerland dunes, facing the North Sea

Gravel riding in Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, between Haarlem and Zandvoort: sandy dune tracks, practical tips.

GravelModerate
Greece

Gravel riding in Zagori, on the edge of the Vikos Gorge

Gravel riding in Zagori from Monodendri: the Vikos Gorge, traditional stone bridges, distance and practical tips.

GravelModerate
Croatia

Gravel riding on Brač island, between dry stone walls and quarries

Gravel riding on Brač island from Supetar: rocky tracks between dry stone walls, historic quarries, practical tips.

GravelModerate
Sweden

Gravel riding on the High Coast, the coastline still rising

Gravel riding on Sweden's Höga Kusten from Docksta: UNESCO-listed sea cliffs, post-glacial rebound, practical tips.

GravelModerate
Gravel riding the Akamas Peninsula, to the Baths of AphroditeCyprus

Gravel riding the Akamas Peninsula, to the Baths of Aphrodite

Gravel riding across the wild Akamas Peninsula, between coastal tracks, Lara Bay, and the Baths of Aphrodite.

GravelModerate
Cyprus

Gravel riding the Diarizos Valley, Paphos's overlooked hinterland

Gravel riding through the Diarizos Valley near Paphos: quiet villages, olive groves and vineyards, minutes from Aphrodite's Rock.

GravelModerate
Cyprus

Gravel through the Commandaria villages, home of the world's oldest wine

Gravel riding between the Commandaria wine villages around Omodos, in the wine hills of the southern Troodos.

GravelModerate
United Kingdom

Great Dun Fell: England's highest road, in the Pennines

Climbing Great Dun Fell from Knock: 7.4 km, 631 m of elevation gain, 8.6% average — up to the highest paved road in England.

RoadExtreme
Switzerland

Great St Bernard Pass: one of the oldest alpine crossings, from Bourg-Saint-Pierre

Climbing the Great St Bernard Pass from Bourg-Saint-Pierre: 12.4 km, 850 m of elevation gain, 6.9% average — a pass crossed since Roman times.

RoadHard
United Kingdom

Hardknott Pass, England's steepest road

Climbing Hardknott Pass from Eskdale, in the Lake District: profile, gradients over 30%, a Roman fort, difficulty and practical tips.

RoadExtreme
France

Hautacam: the summit finish that has shaped the Tour de France

Climbing Hautacam from Argelès-Gazost: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this legendary Tour de France summit finish.

RoadHard
United Kingdom

Honister Pass: the steepest ramp in the Lake District

Climbing Honister Pass between Borrowdale and Buttermere: 2.5 km, 190 m of elevation gain, the steepest ascent in England's Lake District.

RoadExtreme
United Kingdom

Horseshoe Pass: the classic Welsh climb from Llangollen

Climbing Horseshoe Pass from Llangollen, Wales: 7 km, 365 m of elevation gain, 5.2% average — a Tour of Britain classic.

RoadModerate
France

Hourquette d'Ancizan: the understated Hautes-Pyrénées pass

Climbing Hourquette d'Ancizan from Guchen: 10.4 km, 788 m of elevation gain, 7.6% average — a recent Tour de France regular between the Aure and Campan valleys.

RoadHard
Île de Ré by bike, for the whole familyFrance

Île de Ré by bike, for the whole family

A family cycling loop on Île de Ré from Saint-Martin-de-Ré: dedicated cycle paths, distance, difficulty and practical tips.

FamilyEasy
Ireland

Inishmore by bike with kids, the largest Aran Island

A family bike loop on Inishmore, Ireland's Aran Islands: the prehistoric fort of Dún Aonghasa, stone walls, practical tips.

FamilyEasy
Julierpass: the Roman road across the Grisons high plateauSwitzerland

Julierpass: the Roman road across the Grisons high plateau

Climbing Julierpass from Tiefencastel: 35.7 km, around 1,500 m of elevation gain, 4.2% average to 2,284 m — an ancient crossing linking the Engadin to central Graubünden.

RoadModerate
Latvia

Jūrmala by bike with kids, the Baltic Riviera near Riga

A family bike ride along Jūrmala beach: coastal promenade, wooden Art Nouveau villas, distance and practical tips.

FamilyEasy
Austria

Kaunertal Glacier Road: one of Austria's highest paved climbs

Climbing the Kaunertal Glacier Road from Feichten: 25.9 km, 1,469 m of elevation gain — a toll glacier road up to 2,750 m in the Tyrolean Alps.

RoadExtreme
Germany

Kesselberg: the legendary Bavarian pass between Kochel and Walchensee

Climbing the Kesselberg from Kochel am See: 4.5 km, 330 m of elevation gain, a short, steep ascent toward Lake Walchensee.

RoadHard
United Kingdom

Kirkstone Pass (The Struggle): the Lake District's brutal wall

Climbing Kirkstone Pass from Ambleside via The Struggle: 4.5 km, 385 m of elevation gain, 8.5% average — England's highest road pass open to traffic.

RoadHard
Austria

Kitzbüheler Horn: Austria's steepest ramp

Climbing the Kitzbüheler Horn from Kitzbühel: profile, gradients, best season and tips for tackling one of the steepest paved climbs in Europe.

RoadExtreme
Switzerland

Klausenpass: the great crossing between Uri and Glarus

Climbing the Klausenpass from Linthal: profile, the historic hillclimb race, difficulty and practical tips for this Swiss pass.

RoadHard
Serbia

Kopaonik from Jošanička Banja, southern Serbia's great climb

Climbing Kopaonik from Jošanička Banja: 25.4 km at an average of 4.6% and 1,173 m of elevation gain, up to Serbia's main ski resort massif.

RoadHard
Spain

La Camperona: the Cantabrian Mountains' vicious late finish

Climbing La Camperona from Sabero: 8.8 km, 570 m of elevation gain, 6.5% average with a 15% finish — a Vuelta a España finish decided three times.

RoadExtreme
France

La Loire à Vélo with kids: Blois, Chambord and Cheverny

Family loop on La Loire à Vélo from Blois: the Chambord and Cheverny castles, distance, difficulty and practical tips.

FamilyEasy
France

La Loire à Vélo: the great châteaux crossing

405 km of nearly flat greenway along the Loire, from Orléans to the Atlantic estuary: the guide for planning a cycling crossing, stage by stage.

FamilyEasy
France

La Pierre-Saint-Martin: the Pyrenean giant that crowned Chris Froome

Climbing La Pierre-Saint-Martin from Arette: 24.7 km, 1,427 m of elevation gain, 5.8% average — the Hors Catégorie climb of Froome's decisive 2015 Tour de France stage.

RoadExtreme
France

La Plagne: Savoie's legendary Tour de France climb

Climbing La Plagne from Aime: 19.6 km, 1,430 m of elevation gain, 7.3% average — a Hors Catégorie Tour de France summit finish in the Tarentaise.

RoadExtreme
France

La Planche des Belles Filles: the Vosges ramp that reshaped the Tour de France

Climbing La Planche des Belles Filles: 6 km, 494 m of elevation gain, 8.2% average, the Vosges summit finish that has decided the Tour de France six times since 2012.

RoadHard
Belgium

La Redoute: the legendary wall of Liège-Bastogne-Liège

Climbing the Côte de la Redoute in Remouchamps: profile, 20% gradient, the history of this legendary Liège-Bastogne-Liège wall and tips for the climb.

RoadHard
France

La Toussuire: the Tour de France ski-station finish in the Maurienne

Climbing to La Toussuire from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne: 18 km, 1150 m of elevation gain, a steady stage-finish climb at the heart of the Maurienne valley.

RoadHard
La Vélodyssée: the great family-friendly Atlantic crossingFrance

La Vélodyssée: the great family-friendly Atlantic crossing

1,200 km of near-flat greenway along the French Atlantic coast: the guide to planning a family ride on La Vélodyssée.

FamilyEasy
France

Lac de Vouglans with the family, from Surchauffant

Family bike loop around Lac de Vouglans in the Jura: beaches, forests, distance and practical tips.

FamilyEasy
France

Lacets de Montvernier: 18 hairpins carved into the cliff toward Col du Chaussy

Climbing the Lacets de Montvernier and Col du Chaussy from Pontamafrey: 18 numbered hairpins, profile, difficulty and tips for this Maurienne ascent.

RoadHard
Spain

Lagos de Covadonga: the legendary Vuelta a España finish

Climbing the Alto de los Lagos de Covadonga from the sanctuary, in the Picos de Europa: profile, difficulty and tips for this legendary climb.

RoadExtreme
Lake Annecy by bike, for the whole familyFrance

Lake Annecy by bike, for the whole family

A family cycling loop on the Lake Annecy greenway: flat, traffic-free route, distance, difficulty and practical tips.

FamilyEasy
Italy

Lake Garda for families, from Riva del Garda

Family cycling loop on Lake Garda's cycle path between Riva del Garda and Limone sul Garda: suspended walkways, distance and practical tips.

FamilyEasy
Switzerland

Lavaux and the shores of Lake Geneva by bike with kids

A family bike ride between Cully and Montreux, along Lake Geneva: flat cycle path, Lavaux's terraced vineyards, practical tips.

FamilyEasy
France

Le Markstein: the gentle Vosges climb from the Tour de France

Climbing Le Markstein from Oderen: 20.5 km, 720 m of elevation gain, 3.5% average — a Tour de France finish town on the high Vosges ridge road.

RoadModerate
France

Le Semnoz: the Tour de France summit above Lake Annecy

Climbing Le Semnoz from Annecy: 15.9 km, 1,280 m of elevation gain, 8.1% average — a Tour de France 2013 stage finish overlooking Lake Annecy.

RoadHard
Czech Republic

Lednice-Valtice by bike: Moravia's UNESCO-listed wine country

A family cycling loop between the Lednice and Valtice châteaux in South Moravia: flat cycle path, UNESCO heritage, practical tips.

FamilyEasy
Czech Republic

Lipno nad Vltavou by bike with kids, on the shores of Bohemia's largest lake

A family bike loop along Lake Lipno, in South Bohemia: a treetop walkway, a flat path, practical tips.

FamilyEasy
Albania

Llogara Pass, the great climb of the Albanian Riviera

Climbing Llogara Pass from Dukat: 13.7 km at an average of 6.3% with 12+ hairpins, through pine forest with drop-away views of the Ionian Sea.

RoadExtreme
United Kingdom

Long Mynd: Shropshire's steepest hillclimb via the Burway

Climbing the Long Mynd from Church Stretton via the Burway: 4 km, 288 m of elevation gain, 7.2% average, with ramps near 20% on a single-track lane.

RoadHard
Spain

Los Machucos: Cantabria's inhuman ramps

Climbing Los Machucos from Bustablado: 6.8 km, 625 m of elevation gain, 9.2% average — one of the Vuelta's most feared climbs, with ramps up to 26%.

RoadExtreme
France

Luz Ardiden: the legendary Tour climb in the Pyrenees

Climbing Luz Ardiden from Luz-Saint-Sauveur: profile, around thirty hairpins, difficulty and tips for this iconic Tour de France climb.

RoadHard
Norway

Lysevegen: 27 hairpins climbing out of the Lysefjord

Climbing Lysevegen from Lysebotn: 8.9 km, roughly 930 m of elevation gain, 10% average — 27 hairpins and a hairpin tunnel up to Kjerag.

RoadExtreme
Switzerland

Maloja Pass: the dizzying hairpins into the Engadine

Climbing the Maloja Pass from Casaccia: about ten tight hairpins in under 5 km to reach the Engadine and the Bregaglia valley.

RoadHard
Slovenia

Mangart: Slovenia's highest paved road

Climbing the Mangart road from Bovec: 16.5 km, 1,407 m of elevation gain, ramps up to 22% — Slovenia's highest paved road at 2,055 m.

RoadExtreme
France

Mont du Chat: Savoie's fiercest climb above Lac du Bourget

Climbing Mont du Chat from Le Bourget-du-Lac: 8.7 km, 905 m of elevation gain, 10.3% average — one of the steepest hors catégorie climbs ever tackled by the Tour de France.

RoadExtreme
France

Mont Faron: Toulon's historic hairpin climb

Climbing Mont Faron from Toulon: 6 km, 435 m of elevation gain, 7.3% average — a Paris-Nice classic above the harbour, tight switchback after switchback.

RoadHard
France

Mont Poupet: a Jura climb from Arbois

Climbing Mont Poupet from Arbois: profile, difficulty, the view over the reculée and tips for this short, demanding Jura climb.

RoadHard
France

Mont Salève: the Balcony of Geneva from Collonges-sous-Salève

Climbing Mont Salève via Col de la Croisette from Collonges-sous-Salève: 7.5 km, 680 m of elevation gain, 9% average, views over Geneva and Mont Blanc.

RoadHard
Mont Ventoux seen from Mirabel-aux-BaronniesFrance

Mont Ventoux: climbing Provence's Giant by bike

Complete guide to climbing Mont Ventoux from Bédoin: profile, difficulty, water stops and where to stay at the foot of the Giant of Provence.

RoadHard
France

Montagne de Lure: Ventoux's quieter sibling

Climbing Montagne de Lure from Saint-Étienne-les-Orgues: 17.5 km, 1025 m of elevation gain, 5.8% average — a Provençal giant far calmer than neighbouring Ventoux.

RoadHard
Italy

Monte Bondone: Charly Gaul's legendary ride through the 1956 snowstorm

Climbing Monte Bondone from Trento: 17.3 km at 8.2% average, site of the legendary 1956 Giro stage won by Charly Gaul in a snowstorm.

RoadExtreme
Italy

Monte Faito: the brutal climb above Castellammare di Stabia

Climbing Monte Faito from Castellammare di Stabia: 19.1 km, 1,244 m of elevation gain, 6.5% average — a steep Giro d'Italia climb above the Bay of Naples.

RoadHard
Italy

Montevergine di Mercogliano: Campania's cycling sanctuary climb

Climbing to the Montevergine sanctuary from Mercogliano: 17.1 km, 855 m of elevation gain, 5% average — a Giro d'Italia regular finish above Avellino since 1962.

RoadModerate
Spain

Montserrat by bike, Catalonia's sacred mountain

Climbing to Montserrat from Monistrol de Montserrat: Benedictine monastery, jagged peaks, profile, difficulty and practical tips.

RoadHard
Mount Etna by bike: climbing Europe's largest active volcanoItaly

Mount Etna by bike: climbing Europe's largest active volcano

Climbing Mount Etna from Nicolosi to the Rifugio Sapienza: profile, volcanic landscape, difficulty and tips for this Sicilian ascent.

RoadHard
Sweden

Mountain biking at Åre, the Swedish resort that hosted the World Cup

MTB guide to Åre in Jämtland: a chairlift-served bike park, host of UCI World Cup rounds, practical tips.

MTBHard
Ireland

Mountain biking at Ballyhoura, southern Ireland's great singletrack network

MTB guide to Ballyhoura, between Cork and Limerick: waymarked forest singletrack, rideable year-round, practical tips.

MTBHard
Switzerland

Mountain biking at Flims Laax, the great Graubünden bike park

MTB guide to Flims Laax in Graubünden: a gondola-served bike park with trails for all levels, practical tips for a ride in the Surselva.

MTBHard
Norway

Mountain biking at Hafjell, the former Olympic site turned bike park

MTB guide to Hafjell near Lillehammer: a chairlift-served bike park, host of the 2014 UCI World Championships, practical tips.

MTBHard
Slovakia

Mountain biking at Jasná, the great Low Tatras resort

MTB guide to Jasná below Chopok, in the Low Tatras: a chairlift-served bike park, practical tips for a summer ride.

MTBHard
Austria

Mountain biking at Kitzbühel, from alpine skiing to a Tyrolean bike park

MTB guide to Kitzbühel in Tyrol: a gondola-served bike park with trails for all levels, practical tips for a summer ride.

MTBHard
Finland

Mountain biking at Levi, in Finnish Lapland, beyond the Arctic Circle

MTB guide to Levi in Lapland: a chairlift-served bike park, the midnight sun, practical tips for a summer ride.

MTBHard
France

Mountain biking at Métabief, the Haut-Doubs bike park

MTB guide to Métabief in the Jura: a chairlift-served bike park with DH and enduro trails in the forest, levels and practical tips.

MTBHard
Italy

Mountain biking at Plan de Corones (Kronplatz), Dolomites

MTB guide to the Plan de Corones bike park in the Dolomites: lift-served trails, levels, and tips for a ride in South Tyrol.

MTBModerate
Slovenia

Mountain biking at Pohorje, Maribor's forested massif

MTB guide to Pohorje near Maribor: a gondola-served bike park with forest singletrack, practical tips for a ride in Slovenia.

MTBHard
Czech Republic

Mountain biking at Špindlerův Mlýn, queen resort of the Czech Krkonoše

MTB guide to Špindlerův Mlýn in the Krkonoše Mountains: mountain singletrack, a national park, practical tips for a summer ride.

MTBHard
Poland

Mountain biking at Szklarska Poręba, in the Giant Mountains

MTB guide to Szklarska Poręba, in the Karkonosze massif: mountain singletrack, chairlift access, practical tips.

MTBHard
Andorra

Mountain biking at Vallnord Bike Park, Pal-Arinsal (Andorra)

MTB guide to Vallnord Bike Park in Andorra: chairlift-served terrain, trail levels and tips for a day out in the mountains.

MTBHard
Switzerland

Mountain biking at Verbier, the 4 Vallées alpine resort

MTB guide to Verbier in Valais: a gondola-served bike park with trails for all levels, practical tips for a ride in the 4 Vallées.

MTBHard
Mountain biking in Chamonix: at the foot of Mont BlancFrance

Mountain biking in Chamonix: at the foot of Mont Blanc

MTB guide to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc: cable cars, high-altitude alpine trails, skill level required and tips for riding facing Europe's highest peak.

MTBHard
Italy

Mountain biking in Finale Ligure, Italy's enduro mecca

MTB guide to Finale Ligure in Liguria: historic trails, technical terrain, required level and tips for a ride on the Italian Riviera.

MTBHard
France

Mountain biking in Font-Romeu: the Cerdagne bike park

MTB guide to Font-Romeu in the Pyrénées-Orientales: chairlift-served trails, skill levels, and tips for a ride in the Cerdagne.

MTBHard
France

Mountain biking in Le Mont-Dore, the Sancy massif bike park

MTB guide to Le Mont-Dore in Auvergne: cable-car-served bike park, volcanic forest trails, levels and practical tips.

MTBModerate
France

Mountain biking in Les Deux Alpes, the reference bike park in Isère

MTB guide to Les Deux Alpes in Isère: cable-car-served bike park, DH and enduro trails, levels and tips for a ride in the Oisans.

MTBHard
Italy

Mountain biking in Livigno, between alpine pasture and the Swiss border

MTB guide to Livigno in Lombardy: high-altitude bike park, lift-served trails, levels and tips for a ride in the Alps.

MTBModerate
France

Mountain biking in Peira Cava: Nice's hinterland and the Mercantour

MTB guide to Peira Cava in the Alpes-Maritimes: forest trails, skill level required and tips for riding at the gates of the Mercantour.

MTBHard
France

Mountain biking in Saint-Lary-Soulan, the Pyrenees' bike park

MTB guide to Saint-Lary-Soulan in the Hautes-Pyrénées: bike park served by cable car to Pla d'Adet, levels and tips for a mountain ride.

MTBHard
Portugal

Mountain biking in Sintra, between granite boulders and romantic palaces

MTB guide to Sintra, on Lisbon's doorstep: technical singletrack in a UNESCO-listed forest, granite boulder fields, practical tips.

MTBHard
France

Mountain biking in Sologne from Romorantin-Lanthenay

MTB guide to Sologne from Romorantin-Lanthenay: forests, ponds, sandy trails, skill level required and practical tips.

MTBModerate
France

Mountain biking in the Bercé forest

MTB guide to the Bercé forest from Jupilles: centuries-old oak stands, approachable terrain, required level and tips.

MTBEasy
France

Mountain biking in the Brocéliande forest

MTB guide to the Brocéliande forest from Paimpont: Arthurian legends, forest terrain, required level and tips.

MTBModerate
France

Mountain biking in the Compiègne forest

MTB guide to the Compiègne forest: historic woodland, required level, terrain and practical tips for a ride in the Oise.

MTBModerate
France

Mountain biking in the Estérel from Agay

MTB guide to the Estérel massif from Agay: red volcanic rock, coastal trails, skill level required and practical tips.

MTBModerate
Germany

Mountain biking in the Harz, up to the Brocken and its Cold War history

MTB guide to the Harz from Braunlage: forest singletrack, inner German border history, practical tips.

MTBHard
France

Mountain biking in the Jura: Les Rousses and the Haute Chaîne

MTB guide to the Jura mountains from Les Rousses: trails, forests, skill level required and tips for a ride in the Haut-Jura.

MTBModerate
France

Mountain biking in the Lyons forest

MTB guide to the Lyons forest from Lyons-la-Forêt: Norman beech woods, hilly terrain, required level and practical tips.

MTBModerate
Hungary

Mountain biking in the Pilis hills, Budapest's nature escape

MTB guide to the Pilis massif from Pomáz: karst forest singletrack, practical tips for a ride near Budapest.

MTBModerate
France

Mountain biking in the Restonica valley, Corte

MTB guide to the Restonica valley from Corte: glacial lakes, granite terrain, required level and practical tips.

MTBHard
Mountain biking in the Vercors from Villard-de-LansFrance

Mountain biking in the Vercors from Villard-de-Lans

MTB guide to the Vercors massif from Villard-de-Lans: forests, limestone plateau, skill level required and practical tips.

MTBModerate
France

Mountain biking in the Vosges: La Bresse and Le Markstein

MTB guide to the Vosges mountains from La Bresse: bike park, trails, skill level required and tips for a ride between La Bresse and Le Markstein.

MTBModerate
Greece

Naxos by bike with kids, the fertile plain of the Cyclades

A family bike loop on the island of Naxos, between olive groves and Byzantine villages: distance and practical tips for a family ride.

FamilyEasy
Austria

Nockalmstrasse: the scenic toll road through Austria's Nock Mountains, from Innerkrems

Climbing the Nockalmstrasse from Innerkrems: 34 km, 1,300 m of cumulative elevation gain, a toll mountain road crossing Austria's Nock Mountains.

RoadHard
Switzerland

Oberalppass: the Glacier Express route between Andermatt and Sedrun

Climbing Oberalppass from Andermatt: 10 km, 610 m of elevation gain, a steady ascent running alongside the Glacier Express railway.

RoadHard
Andorra

Ordino-Arcalís: the climb that dressed Ullrich in yellow

Climbing to Ordino-Arcalís from Ordino: 17.7 km, 955 m of elevation gain, 5.4% average — a legendary Tour de France and Vuelta climb in Andorra.

RoadHard
Norway

Ørnevegen by bike, the Eagle Road above Geirangerfjord

Climbing the Ørnevegen from Geiranger: 11 hairpins above the UNESCO-listed fjord, profile, difficulty and practical tips in Norway.

RoadHard
Switzerland

Passo del Lucomagno: the long, steady crossing between Ticino and Graubünden

Climbing the Passo del Lucomagno from Olivone: 17.6 km, 932 m of elevation gain, 5.3% average — a steady Alpine pass between Ticino and Graubünden.

RoadModerate
Italy

Passo del Mortirolo: one of the hardest climbs in the world

Climbing the Passo del Mortirolo from Mazzo di Valtellina: profile, the Pantani memorial, difficulty and tips for this extreme Lombardy climb.

RoadExtreme
Switzerland

Passo del San Bernardino: the great pass of Graubünden

Climbing the Passo del San Bernardino from Lostallo: long, steady profile, difficulty and practical tips for this Swiss pass.

RoadHard
Italy

Passo del Turchino: the historic pass of Milan-Sanremo

Climbing Passo del Turchino from Mele: 9.5 km, roughly 480 m of elevation gain, 5.1% average — the gateway between Piedmont and the Ligurian coast.

RoadModerate
Italy

Passo del Vivione: the forgotten military road of the Orobie Alps

Climbing Passo del Vivione from Schilpario: 19.8 km, 1,369 m of elevation gain, a narrow road built in 1917, used by the Giro only twice.

RoadHard
Switzerland

Passo della Furka: the alpine pass above the Rhône Glacier

Climbing the Passo della Furka from Gletsch: profile, views over the Rhône Glacier, difficulty and practical tips for this Swiss pass.

RoadHard
Italy

Passo delle Erbe: the Dolomites' quiet giant above Val di Funes

Climbing the Passo delle Erbe (Würzjoch) from Bressanone: 27 km, 1,528 m of elevation gain, 5.7% average — Hors Catégorie views of the Odle peaks.

RoadExtreme
Italy

Passo dello Stelvio: the giant of the Italian Alps

Climbing the Passo dello Stelvio from Prato allo Stelvio: profile, 48 numbered hairpins, difficulty and tips for this legendary South Tyrol pass.

RoadExtreme
Italy

Passo dello Zoncolan: "il Kaiser", one of the hardest climbs in the world

Climbing the Passo dello Zoncolan from Ovaro: profile, extreme gradients, difficulty and tips for this legendary Friuli climb.

RoadExtreme
Italie

Passo di Foscagno: the high-altitude road between Bormio and Livigno

Climbing Passo di Foscagno from Bormio: 23.8 km, 1,095 m of elevation gain, 4.6% average — the road that leads to Livigno through the Valtellina.

RoadModerate
Italy

Passo di Gavia: the pass of the 1988 snowstorm

Climbing the Passo di Gavia from Ponte di Legno: profile, the narrow road, difficulty and tips for this legendary pass in the Lombard Alps.

RoadExtreme
Italy

Passo di Monte Giovo: the Jaufenpass and its Giro legends

Climbing the Passo di Monte Giovo (Jaufenpass) from San Leonardo in Passiria: 19.5 km, 1,410 m of elevation gain, 7.2% average — a Giro d'Italia classic.

RoadExtreme
Italy

Passo di Pennes: the direct, demanding link between Sarntal and Wipptal

Climbing the Passo di Pennes from Vipiteno: 15.5 km, 1,272 m of elevation gain, 8.2% average — up to the Penser Joch at 2,211 m in South Tyrol.

RoadExtreme
Italy

Passo di San Boldo: the staircase to the Dolomites

Climbing the Passo di San Boldo from Tovena: five spiral galleries carved into the rock, 18 hairpins, profile and tips for this unique Veneto pass.

RoadHard
Italy

Passo Duran: the quiet pass between Civetta and Schiara

Climbing Passo Duran from Agordo: 12.1 km, 994 m of elevation gain, 8.2% average — a genuine Dolomites Giro climb with a quiet reputation.

RoadHard
Italy

Passo Falzarego: the historic Giro pass from Cortina d'Ampezzo

Climbing Passo Falzarego from Cortina d'Ampezzo: 15.9 km, 908 m of elevation gain, 5.7% average — a pass used 5 times by the Giro d'Italia.

RoadHard
Italy

Passo Fedaia: the north face of the Marmolada

Climbing the Passo Fedaia from Malga Ciapela: profile, a final wall near 18%, difficulty and tips for this pass beneath the Marmolada glacier.

RoadExtreme
Italy

Passo Giau: the most beautiful climb in the Dolomites

Climbing the Passo Giau from Selva di Cadore: profile, 29 hairpins, difficulty and tips for this iconic pass in the Venetian Dolomites.

RoadExtreme
Italy

Passo Manghen: the wild Lagorai giant between Fiemme and Valsugana

Climbing Passo Manghen from Borgo Valsugana: 22.9 km at a 7.2% average, a Giro d'Italia climb through the wild Lagorai, far from the Sella Ronda crowds.

RoadExtreme
Italy

Passo Monte Croce di Comelico: the quiet Dolomites border

Climbing the Passo Monte Croce di Comelico from Padola: 6.5 km, 230 m of elevation gain, a quiet pass between Veneto and South Tyrol.

RoadModerate
Italy

Passo Pordoi: the legendary Dolomites pass

Climbing the Passo Pordoi from Canazei: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this Giro d'Italia classic in the heart of the Dolomites.

RoadHard
Italy

Passo Rolle from Predazzo: the Giro's first Dolomite pass

Climbing the Passo Rolle from Predazzo: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this historic Dolomites pass.

RoadModerate
Italy

Passo San Marco: the old Venetian road through the Orobie Alps

Climbing Passo San Marco from Olmo al Brembo: 19.2 km, 1,436 m of elevation gain, 7.5% average — a historic pass rated hors catégorie at the Giro.

RoadHard
Italy

Passo San Pellegrino: the Dolomites' gentler giant between Moena and Falcade

Climbing Passo San Pellegrino from Moena: 11.4 km, 778 m of elevation gain, 6.8% average to 1,918 m — a Giro d'Italia classic linking the Fassa and Biois valleys.

RoadModerate
Italy

Passo Sella: the queen face of the Sella Ronda from Canazei

Climbing Passo Sella from Canazei: 11.2 km, 794 m of elevation gain, 7.1% average — the hardest face of the Sella Ronda loop in the Dolomites.

RoadHard
Italy

Passo Tonale: the open-air museum pass between Trentino and Lombardy

Climbing Passo Tonale from Ponte di Legno: 13 km, 630 m of elevation gain, a steady ascent lined with First World War relics.

RoadModerate
Italy

Passo Valparola: the Dolomites fortress pass between Corvara and Cortina

Climbing Passo Valparola from Corvara: 13.6 km, 760 m of elevation gain, an ascent to a pass steeped in military history at the heart of the Dolomites.

RoadHard
Spain

Peña Cabarga: Cantabria's brutal balcony above Santander

Climbing Peña Cabarga from Heras: 5.9 km, 543 m of elevation gain, 9.4% average with pitches to 19% — a short, savage Vuelta a España finish above Santander.

RoadExtreme
France

Peyragudes: the finish on the altiport runway

Climbing Peyragudes from Loudenvielle: profile, a final wall on the altiport runway at 16%, difficulty and tips for this Tour de France finish.

RoadHard
Spain

Pico Veleta: the highest paved climb in Europe

Climbing Pico Veleta from Granada: about 46 km, over 1,800 m of elevation gain up to Europe's highest paved road.

RoadExtreme
France

Pla d'Adet: the resort-summit finish of the Tour de France's great duels

Climbing Pla d'Adet from Vignec, above Saint-Lary-Soulan: 10.7 km, 861 m of elevation gain, a classic Pyrenean mountaintop finish.

RoadHard
France

Plateau de Beille: the relentless wall of the Ariège

Climbing the Plateau de Beille from Les Cabannes: profile, hors catégorie difficulty, best season and tips for this Tour de France climb.

RoadExtreme
Poggio di Sanremo: the decisive climb of Milan-Sanremo on the Italian RivieraItaly

Poggio di Sanremo: the decisive climb of Milan-Sanremo on the Italian Riviera

Climbing the Poggio from San Lorenzo al Mare: 3.7 km, 149 m of elevation gain — the small bump that decides Milan-Sanremo every year.

RoadModerate
Portugal

Ponte de Lima by bike with kids, along the Lima river

A family bike ride along the Lima river, in Portugal's oldest town: flat path, medieval bridge, practical tips.

FamilyEasy
United Kingdom

Porlock Hill: England's steepest A-road

Climbing Porlock Hill from Porlock: 3.9 km, 366 m of elevation gain, ramps up to 25% — reputedly England's steepest A-road.

RoadExtreme
Andorra

Port d'Envalira: the highest paved pass in the Pyrenees

Climbing the Port d'Envalira from Andorra la Vella: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this 2,408 m summit.

RoadHard
France

Port de Balès: the Pyrenean pass of the Contador-Schleck incident, from Luchon

Climbing Port de Balès from Bagnères-de-Luchon: 19.1 km, 1,177 m of elevation gain, 6.2% average — famous for the 2010 Tour de France incident.

RoadHard
Portes du Soleil: enduro and bike park MTB paradiseFrance

Portes du Soleil: enduro and bike park MTB paradise

MTB guide to the Portes du Soleil from Morzine: trail network, lifts, skill level required and tips for a day at the bike park.

MTBHard
France

Pra-Loup MTB: enduro and DH bike park in the Ubaye

MTB guide to the Pra-Loup bike park: lift-served trails from a family-friendly path to technical runs, skill level and practical tips.

MTBHard
Spain

Puerto de Ancares: the Cantabrian balcony of stone-and-thatch villages

Climbing Puerto de Ancares from Tejedo de Ancares: 7.6 km, 679 m of elevation gain, a 14% final ramp inside a biosphere reserve.

RoadHard
Espagne

Puerto de Cotos: the steady climb of the Sierra de Guadarrama

Climbing Puerto de Cotos from Rascafría: 15 km, 710 m of elevation gain, a steady ascent at the heart of the Guadarrama, a Vuelta classic.

RoadModerate
Spain

Puerto de la Morcuera: the classic climb for Madrid's cyclists

Climbing the Puerto de la Morcuera from Rascafría: 13.1 km, 659 m of elevation gain, 5% average — an accessible pass in the Sierra de Guadarrama.

RoadModerate
Spain

Puerto de Navacerrada, the classic ride for Madrid cyclists

Climbing the Puerto de Navacerrada from Cercedilla, in the Sierra de Guadarrama: profile, difficulty and tips for this pass close to Madrid.

RoadModerate
Spain

Puerto de Pajares: the historic border between Asturias and Castile

Climbing Puerto de Pajares from Campomanes: 13 km, 912 m of elevation gain, 7.1% average — a historic Vuelta a España climb since 1945.

RoadHard
Spain

Puerto de Somiedo: a gentle giant in bear country

Climbing Puerto de Somiedo from La Riera: 19.4 km, 992 m of elevation gain, 5.1% average — a scenic Asturian pass through a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

RoadModerate
Spain

Puerto de Tudons: the gateway to Aitana, the roof of the Costa Blanca

Climbing the Puerto de Tudons from Sella: 11.8 km at 5.4% average, the classic pro winter-training road on the Costa Blanca, below Alto de Aitana.

RoadModerate
Spain

Puerto del Pico: the switchbacked Roman road through the Sierra de Gredos from Ramacastañas

Climbing the Puerto del Pico from Ramacastañas: 15.1 km, 864 m of elevation gain, 5.7% average — a pass famous for its paved Roman switchbacks.

RoadHard
Spain

Puig Major from Sóller: Mallorca's great pro training climb

Climbing the Puig Major from Sóller: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this legendary Mallorcan cycling climb.

RoadModerate
Puy Mary: Cantal's volcanoes by bikeFrance

Puy Mary: Cantal's volcanoes by bike

Climbing to the Pas de Peyrol from Mandailles-Saint-Julien: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this Cantal volcanic pass.

RoadHard
Albania

Qafa e Thorës from Theth, a wild pass in the Albanian Alps

Climbing Qafa e Thorës from Theth: 16.1 km at an average of 5.8% and up to 15% in places, deep in the remote Albanian Alps.

RoadGravelHard
United Kingdom

Rest and Be Thankful: the historic Highlands pass from Cairndow

Climbing Rest and Be Thankful from Cairndow: around 5 km, 238 m of elevation gain — an evocatively named Scottish pass in the Arrochar Alps.

RoadModerate
Austria

Rettenbachferner: the highest glacier road in the Ötztal

Climbing the Rettenbach glacier road from Sölden: 12.5 km, 1,385 m of elevation gain, up to 2,829 m on a toll road with almost no let-up.

RoadExtreme
France

Risoul: the Queyras climb made famous by Rafał Majka

Climbing Risoul from Guillestre: 14 km, 850 m of elevation gain, 6.1% average — the Tour de France summit finish of Rafał Majka's first pro win.

RoadHard
United Kingdom

Rosedale Chimney Bank: the steepest road in the North York Moors

Climbing Rosedale Chimney Bank from Rosedale Abbey: 1.3 km, 173 m of elevation gain, up to 33% gradient — one of England's steepest roads.

RoadExtreme
Croatia

Rovinj and the Zlatni Rt forest by bike with kids

A family bike ride between Rovinj and the Zlatni Rt coastal forest, in Istria: flat path, swimming coves, practical tips.

FamilyEasy
Spain

Sa Calobra: Mallorca's most photographed climb

Climbing Sa Calobra from the cove, in the Serra de Tramuntana: profile, the famous tie-knot hairpin, difficulty and tips for this legendary climb.

RoadExtreme
Ireland

Sally Gap: crossing the Wicklow peat bogs

Climbing to Sally Gap from Laragh: 10 km across the peat bogs of the Wicklow Mountains, an isolated crossroads at the heart of Ireland.

RoadModerate
Montenegro

Sedlo Pass: Montenegro's highest road, deep in the Durmitor

Climbing Sedlo Pass from Žabljak: 13 km up to 1,907 m altitude, Montenegro's highest paved road, inside Durmitor National Park.

RoadModerate
Portugal

Serra do Marão: the long, wooded crossing of the Douro

Climbing the Serra do Marão from Amarante: 37.5 km, 1,424 m of elevation gain, 3.8% average — one of northern Portugal's longest climbs.

RoadHard
France

Serre Chevalier MTB: a lift-served bike park in the Hautes-Alpes

MTB guide to the Serre Chevalier bike park: lift-served trails from a family-friendly path to technical runs, practical tips.

MTBHard
Italy

Sestriere: the first mountaintop finish in Tour de France history

Climbing to Sestriere from Cesana Torinese: 8.6 km, 420 m of elevation gain — the Piedmont resort where the Tour de France staged its first summit finish.

RoadModerate
Bulgaria

Shipka Pass: a legendary climb through the Bulgarian Balkans

Climbing Shipka Pass from Gabrovo: 14.1 km at an average of 4.7% through the Stara Planina, up to Bulgaria's Freedom Monument.

RoadModerate
Spain

Sierra de la Pandera: Andalusia's decisive Vuelta a España wall

Climbing the Sierra de la Pandera from Valdepeñas de Jaén: 13.5 km at 7.3% average, one of the most feared climbs of the Vuelta a España.

RoadExtreme
Spain

Sierra Nevada from Granada, up to Europe's highest road

Climbing the Sierra Nevada from Granada to Pradollano: profile, access to Europe's highest paved road, difficulty and tips.

RoadHard
Austria

Silvretta Hochalpenstrasse: Vorarlberg's toll road with 32 hairpins

Climbing the Silvretta Hochalpenstrasse from Partenen: 15.1 km, 999 m of elevation gain, 6.6% average — 32 hairpins up to the Bielerhöhe at 2,032 m.

RoadHard
Switzerland

Simplonpass: the great historic route between Valais and Piedmont from Brig

Climbing the Simplonpass from Brig: 20.8 km, 1,331 m of elevation gain, 6.4% average — one of the great historic passes between Switzerland and Italy.

RoadExtreme
Denmark

Skagen and the Grenen headland, where two seas meet

Riding to Grenen from Skagen, at Denmark's northern tip: where the Skagerrak meets the Kattegat, distance and practical tips.

RoadEasy
United Kingdom

Snake Pass: the iconic Peak District road between Sheffield and Manchester

Climbing Snake Pass from Glossop: 8.5 km, 340 m of elevation gain, 4% average — a classic scenic road across England's Peak District.

RoadModerate
Norway

Sognefjellet: Northern Europe's highest scenic road

Climbing Sognefjellet from Lom: around 32 km to Northern Europe's highest paved point at 1,434 m, deep in Norway's Jotunheimen mountains.

RoadModerate
Switzerland

Splügen Pass: the historic hairpin-laced border between Switzerland and Italy

Climbing the Splügen Pass from the village of Splügen: 8.8 km at 7.4% average, a historic Graubünden pass at 2,115 m altitude, on the doorstep of Italy.

RoadHard
Italy

Strada dell'Assietta: the ridgeline military road above Sestriere

Riding the Strada dell'Assietta from Sestriere: 24 km, 700 m of elevation gain, a high-altitude military ridge road in the Cottian Alps.

GravelMTBHard
Slovakia

Štrbské Pleso, the glacial lake of the High Tatras

Climbing to Štrbské Pleso from Štrba, in Slovakia: a high-altitude glacial lake, a historic railway, difficulty and tips.

RoadHard
France

Superbagnères: the resort overlooking the Luchon valley

Climbing Superbagnères from Bagnères-de-Luchon: profile, panoramic views over the Pyrenees, difficulty and tips for this Tour climb.

RoadHard
Finland

The Åland Islands by bike: island-hopping with the family

A family cycling route through Finland's Åland archipelago: flat roads, free inter-island ferries, practical tips.

FamilyEasy
The Alsace Wine Route with kids, from ColmarFrance

The Alsace Wine Route with kids, from Colmar

Family bike loop from Colmar on the Alsace Wine Route: Eguisheim, Riquewihr, half-timbered villages and practical tips.

FamilyEasy
The Amalfi Coast by bike, between cliffs and clifftop villagesItaly

The Amalfi Coast by bike, between cliffs and clifftop villages

Riding the Amalfi Coast road from Sorrento to Amalfi: profile, tourist traffic, difficulty and practical tips.

RoadModerate
The Angliru: the hardest climb in professional cyclingSpain

The Angliru: the hardest climb in professional cycling

Climbing the Alto de l'Angliru from Riosa in Asturias: profile, the Cueña les Cabres ramp above 23%, difficulty and tips.

RoadExtreme
Italy

The Assisi-Spoleto greenway by bike with the family

Family ride on the former railway greenway between Assisi and Spoleto, in Umbria: flat route, distance and practical tips.

FamilyEasy
The Atlantic Road by bike with kids, AtlanterhavsveienNorway

The Atlantic Road by bike with kids, Atlanterhavsveien

Riding the Atlanterhavsveien with kids: Norway's spectacular coastal road of bridges, distance and practical tips.

FamilyEasy
The Baie de Somme by bike, between Le Crotoy and Saint-Valery-sur-SommeFrance

The Baie de Somme by bike, between Le Crotoy and Saint-Valery-sur-Somme

Family cycling route in the Baie de Somme between Le Crotoy and Saint-Valery-sur-Somme: greenway, migratory birds, distance and practical tips.

FamilyEasy
The Bruges to Damme canal by bike with kidsBelgium

The Bruges to Damme canal by bike with kids

A family bike ride along the Damme canal, between Bruges and Damme: a flat path lined with poplars, distance and practical tips.

FamilyEasy
The Canal de l'Ourcq by bike with kids, from Paris to MeauxFrance

The Canal de l'Ourcq by bike with kids, from Paris to Meaux

A family bike ride along the Canal de l'Ourcq between Paris and Meaux: flat greenway, distance and practical tips near Paris.

FamilyEasy
The Canal de Nantes à Brest: the great Breton crossing by bikeFrance

The Canal de Nantes à Brest: the great Breton crossing by bike

330 km of nearly flat towpath between Nantes and Brest: the guide for planning a cycling crossing of Brittany, stage by stage.

FamilyEasy
The Canal des Deux Mers à Vélo: from the Atlantic to the MediterraneanFrance

The Canal des Deux Mers à Vélo: from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean

490 km of greenway between Bordeaux and Sète, along the Canal latéral à la Garonne and the Canal du Midi: the stage-by-stage guide.

FamilyEasy
The Canal du Midi by bike, for the whole family, from CarcassonneFrance

The Canal du Midi by bike, for the whole family, from Carcassonne

A family cycling loop on the Canal du Midi towpath from Carcassonne: shaded route, distance and practical tips.

FamilyEasy
The Cauberg, the legendary hill of the Amstel Gold RaceNetherlands

The Cauberg, the legendary hill of the Amstel Gold Race

Climbing the Cauberg from Valkenburg, in Dutch Limburg: profile, Amstel Gold Race history, difficulty and practical tips.

RoadModerate
Italy

The Cipressa: the trap before the Poggio on Milan-Sanremo

Climbing the Cipressa from San Lorenzo al Mare, in Liguria: profile, decisive role in Milan-Sanremo, difficulty and practical tips.

RoadModerate
Bulgaria

The climb to Rila Monastery, Bulgaria's UNESCO gem by bike

Climbing up to Rila Monastery: 19.6 km at an average of 3.1% through the Rila Mountains, a gentle ride to one of Bulgaria's most visited sites.

RoadFamilyModerate
The Côte d'Albâtre by bike, from ÉtretatFrance

The Côte d'Albâtre by bike, from Étretat

Road cycling loop on the Côte d'Albâtre between Étretat and Fécamp: chalk cliffs, dry valleys, distance and practical tips.

RoadModerate
The Côte d'Opale by bike, for the whole family, from Le TouquetFrance

The Côte d'Opale by bike, for the whole family, from Le Touquet

A family cycling loop on the Côte d'Opale between Le Touquet and Hardelot: cycle paths, dunes, distance and practical tips.

FamilyEasy
The Côte de Jade for familiesFrance

The Côte de Jade for families

Family cycling loop on the Côte de Jade from Pornic: cliffs, beaches, distance and practical tips.

FamilyEasy
The Côte Fleurie for families, from DeauvilleFrance

The Côte Fleurie for families, from Deauville

Family cycling loop on the Côte Fleurie between Deauville, Trouville and Villerville: beaches, distance and practical tips.

FamilyEasy
France

The Crozon peninsula for families

Family cycling loop on the Crozon peninsula: cliffs, beaches, distance and practical tips for a family day out.

FamilyModerate
The Danube Bend by bike, from Szentendre to EsztergomHungary

The Danube Bend by bike, from Szentendre to Esztergom

Riding along the Danube between Szentendre, Visegrád and Esztergom: a royal citadel, a riverside path, practical tips.

RoadEasy
Portugal

The Douro road, between Peso da Régua and Pinhão

Riding the N222 along the Douro, voted the world's best road by Top Gear: profile, terraced vineyards, difficulty and tips.

RoadModerate
The Elan Valley by bike with the family, among lakes and Victorian damsUnited Kingdom

The Elan Valley by bike with the family, among lakes and Victorian dams

A family bike ride through the Elan Valley from Rhayader: former-railway trail, spectacular dams, distance and practical tips.

FamilyEasy
The Fruška Gora monastery loop, near Novi SadSerbia

The Fruška Gora monastery loop, near Novi Sad

Riding through Fruška Gora from Iriški Venac: a 33 km rolling loop linking several 15th-century Serbian Orthodox monasteries.

RoadGravelFamilyModerate
Italy

The Golfo di Orosei coastal road, in Sardinia

Riding the Golfo di Orosei coastal road from Dorgali to Baunei, in Sardinia: profile, cliffs above the sea, difficulty and practical tips.

RoadHard
Switzerland

The Gotthard via the Tremola: the historic cobbled road

Climbing the Gotthard Pass via the Tremola from Airolo: profile, the historic cobbled road's 24 hairpins, difficulty and tips.

RoadExtreme
The Grand Ballon: the roof of the Vosges by bikeFrance

The Grand Ballon: the roof of the Vosges by bike

Climbing the Grand Ballon from Willer-sur-Thur: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this legendary Vosges summit.

RoadHard
Switzerland

The Grimselpass, between dams and the Rhône glacier

Climbing the Grimselpass from Innertkirchen, in the Bernese Oberland: profile, hydroelectric dams, difficulty and practical tips.

RoadExtreme
Austria

The Grossglockner Hochalpenstraße, Austria's most famous alpine road

Climbing the Grossglockner Hochalpenstraße from Fusch to the Hochtor: profile, free access for cyclists, difficulty and practical tips.

RoadExtreme
The Gulf of Morbihan by bike, for the whole familyFrance

The Gulf of Morbihan by bike, for the whole family

A family cycling loop around the Gulf of Morbihan from Vannes: flat route, distance, difficulty and practical tips.

FamilyEasy
Germany

The Kaiserstuhl by bike: gravel through volcanic vineyards

A gravel route through the volcanic Kaiserstuhl massif, starting from Endingen: vineyard tracks, distance, elevation and practical tips.

GravelModerate
Belgium

The Kapelmuur, Geraardsbergen's legendary cobbled climb of the Tour of Flanders

Climbing the Kapelmuur (Muur van Geraardsbergen) in Geraardsbergen: cobbles, gradients up to 19.8%, Tour of Flanders history, difficulty and practical tips.

RoadHard
Netherlands

The Keutenberg, the steepest wall of the Amstel Gold Race

Climbing the Keutenberg from Schin op Geul, in Dutch Limburg: profile, 22% gradient, decisive role in the Amstel Gold Race, tips.

RoadHard
Montenegro

The Kotor Serpentine: the old royal road to Njeguši

Climbing the historic switchbacks above Kotor up to Njeguši: sweeping bay views, profile, difficulty and tips for riding it in Montenegro.

RoadHard
Switzerland

The Lake Biel loop by bike with kids

A family bike loop around Lake Biel, between Bern and Neuchâtel: flat cycle path, terraced vineyards, practical tips.

FamilyEasy
Slovenia

The Lake Bled loop by bike with kids

A family bike loop around Lake Bled, in Slovenia: flat path, the iconic island and castle, distance and practical tips.

FamilyEasy
France

The Layon vineyards for families

Family cycling loop through the Layon vineyards from Rochefort-sur-Loire: wine villages, distance and practical tips.

FamilyEasy
France

The Marais Poitevin by bike, for the whole family, from Coulon

A family cycling loop through the Marais Poitevin from Coulon: towpaths, the Green Venice, distance and practical tips.

FamilyEasy
Poland

The Masurian Lakes by bike with kids, the land of a thousand lakes

A family bike loop through the Masurian Lakes from Giżycko: lakeside paths, a historic swing bridge, distance and practical tips.

FamilyEasy
North Macedonia

The Mavrovo Lake loop, a family ride through the national park

Riding around Lake Mavrovo: a 33 km rolling loop around North Macedonia's largest artificial lake, set in a mountain landscape.

FamilyRoadEasy
France

The Monts de Flandre by bike, from Cassel

Road cycling loop through the Monts de Flandre from Cassel: Mont Cassel, Mont des Cats, short climbs and practical tips.

RoadModerate
Czech Republic

The Moravian Wine Trail, around Mikulov and the Pálava hills

Riding the Moravian wine trail from Mikulov: the limestone hills of Pálava, a marked cycle network, practical tips.

RoadModerate
Germany

The Moselle Valley by bike with kids, from Bernkastel-Kues

A family bike ride along the Moselle from Bernkastel-Kues: flat path beneath some of Europe's steepest vineyards, practical tips.

FamilyEasy
Belgium

The Mur de Huy: La Flèche Wallonne's judge of peace

Climbing the Mur de Huy (Chemin des Chapelles) in Wallonia: profile, a 26% pitch, difficulty and tips for this legendary Belgian wall.

RoadExtreme
Italy

The Muro di Sormano: the Lario's most brutal wall

Climbing the Muro di Sormano from Nesso, above Lake Como: profile, a 25% wall, difficulty and tips for this legendary cycling climb.

RoadExtreme
Lithuania

The Nemunas Delta by bike with kids, among polders and migrating birds

A family-friendly bike loop through the Nemunas Delta from Rusnė: flat polders, dikes, the Ventės Ragas bird-ringing station.

FamilyEasy
United Kingdom

The Norfolk Broads by bike with kids, between rivers and windmills

A family bike loop through the Norfolk Broads from Wroxham: flat country lanes, historic windmills, practical tips.

FamilyEasy
Estonia

The Otepää hills: cycling Estonia's "winter capital"

Cycling the Otepää hills from Lake Pühajärv: moraine terrain, summer-repurposed ski trails, practical tips.

RoadModerate
Italy

The Po Delta with the family, from Comacchio

Family bike loop in the Po Delta from Comacchio: lagoons, pink flamingos, distance and practical tips.

FamilyEasy
France

The Puy de Dôme by bike, Auvergne's legendary volcano

Climbing the Puy de Dôme from Col de Ceyssat: profile, cyclist-access days, difficulty and tips for this iconic summit.

RoadHard
Norway

The Rallarvegen, the old navvies' construction road

Riding the Rallarvegen gravel route between Haugastøl and Flåm: the Hardangervidda plateau, a descent to the fjord, difficulty and tips.

GravelModerate
Italy

The Riviera dei Fiori for families, from San Lorenzo al Mare

Family cycling loop on the former railway of the Riviera dei Fiori, Liguria: flat coastal path, distance and practical tips.

FamilyEasy
Poland

The road to Morskie Oko, the Tatras' iconic lake

Climbing to Lake Morskie Oko in the Tatra Mountains, Poland: a road closed to private cars, difficulty and practical tips.

RoadHard
France

The Route des Grands Crus for families, Burgundy

Family cycling loop on the Route des Grands Crus from Beaune: greenway, wine villages, distance and practical tips.

FamilyEasy
France

The Sancerre vineyards by bike

Road cycling loop through the Sancerre vineyards: hills, wine villages, views over the Loire, distance and practical tips.

RoadModerate
Germany

The Schauinsland, Freiburg's historic hillclimb

Climbing the Schauinsland from Horben, in the Black Forest: profile, a century-old hillclimb race, difficulty and practical tips.

RoadHard
Italy

The Sellaronda: the loop of 4 Dolomite passes

The Sellaronda four-pass loop from Corvara: Pordoi, Sella, Gardena and Campolongo, profile, difficulty and practical tips.

RoadHard
Portugal

The Serra da Estrela, the roof of mainland Portugal

Climbing the Serra da Estrela from Manteigas to the Torre: profile, the glacial Zêzere valley, difficulty and practical tips.

RoadExtreme
The Sfakia descent, in Crete, down to the Libyan SeaGreece

The Sfakia descent, in Crete, down to the Libyan Sea

Climbing to Askifou then descending to Chora Sfakion, in Crete: vertiginous hairpins, the White Mountains, difficulty and practical tips.

RoadExtreme
Ireland

The Skellig Ring, the cyclist's alternative to the Ring of Kerry

Riding the Skellig Ring from Cahersiveen, in County Kerry: views of Skellig Michael, a quieter coastal route, practical tips.

RoadHard
Slovakia

The Small Carpathian Wine Route, on Bratislava's doorstep

Riding the Malokarpatská vínna cesta from Modra: vineyards, a hand-painted ceramics tradition, distance and practical tips.

RoadEasy
Iceland

The Snæfellsnes peninsula by bike, Iceland in miniature

Riding around the Snæfellsnes peninsula from Stykkishólmur: glacier volcano, black lava beaches, distances and practical tips.

RoadModerate
The Stockholm archipelago by bike with kids, from VaxholmSweden

The Stockholm archipelago by bike with kids, from Vaxholm

A family bike loop across the Stockholm archipelago's islands from Vaxholm: a historic fortress, inter-island ferries, practical tips.

FamilyEasy
Switzerland

The Sustenpass, between a glacier and a road carved into rock

Climbing the Sustenpass from Wassen, in central Switzerland: profile, views of the Stein Glacier, difficulty and tips for this classic Alpine pass.

RoadExtreme
Hungary

The Tokaj Wine Route, a UNESCO-listed vineyard

Cycling the Tokaj vineyards from the town of the same name: a UNESCO-listed wine landscape, volcanic terroir, distance and practical tips.

RoadModerate
Belgium

The Tour of Flanders bergs from Oudenaarde, cobbles and climbs

Riding the legendary Tour of Flanders bergs from Oudenaarde: Kwaremont, Paterberg, Koppenberg, profile, difficulty and practical tips.

RoadHard
Romania

The Transfăgărășan, Romania's most legendary high-mountain road

Climbing the Transfăgărășan (DN7C) from Curtea de Argeș to Bâlea Lac: profile, altitude, seasonal closure and practical tips.

RoadHard
The tulip fields ride through the BollenstreekNetherlands

The tulip fields ride through the Bollenstreek

Cycling through the tulip fields of the Bollenstreek from Lisse: profile, bloom season, Keukenhof gardens, practical tips.

RoadEasy
Italy

The Via Appia Antica by bike with kids, on Rome's doorstep

A family bike ride on the Via Appia Antica, the ancient Roman road closed to cars on Sundays: distance and practical tips.

FamilyEasy
Spain

The Vía Verde de la Sierra by bike with kids, between vultures and tunnels

A family bike ride on the old railway line of the Vía Verde de la Sierra, in Andalusia: 30 tunnels, Egyptian vultures, distance and tips.

FamilyEasy
Spain

The Vía Verde del Plazaola by bike with kids, from the Basque Country to Navarre

A family bike ride on the former Plazaola railway line, between Andoain and Irurtzun: forest tunnels, distance and practical tips.

FamilyEasy
France

The ViaRhôna: from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean by bike

485 km of greenway along the Rhône, from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean: the guide for planning a cycling crossing, stage by stage.

FamilyEasy
The Vršič Pass, the giant of the Julian AlpsSlovenia

The Vršič Pass, the giant of the Julian Alps

Climbing the Vršič Pass from Kranjska Gora: profile, 24 numbered hairpins, a Russian chapel, difficulty and tips for this legendary Slovenian pass.

RoadExtreme
Austria

The Wachau Valley by bike with kids, along the Danube

A family bike ride between Krems and Melk, in the UNESCO-listed wine valley of the Wachau: flat path along the Danube, practical tips.

FamilyEasy
Serbia

The Zlatibor family loop, western Serbia's green plateau

Riding around Zlatibor and Čajetina: a 25 km rolling loop with 389 m of elevation gain, a family-friendly ride on Serbia's favourite plateau.

FamilyRoadEasy
Austria

Timmelsjoch: the highest paved crossing between Austria and Italy

Climbing Timmelsjoch from Sölden: 22.1 km, 1,259 m of elevation gain, 5.7% average to 2,474 m — the high alpine pass linking the Ötztal to South Tyrol across the border.

RoadHard
Lithuania

Trakai by bike with kids: a lakes loop and an island castle

A family-friendly bike loop around the lakes of Trakai, near Vilnius: island castle, Karaite community, distance and practical tips.

FamilyEasy
Romania

Transalpina: the King's Road across the Carpathians

Climbing the Transalpina (DN67C) from Novaci to Urdele Pass: Romania's highest paved road, profile, difficulty and practical tips.

RoadExtreme
Italy

Tre Cime di Lavaredo: climbing to the foot of the Dolomites' iconic towers

Climbing to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo from Misurina: profile, toll, difficulty and tips for this iconic Dolomites ascent.

RoadExtreme
Norway

Trollstigen, the road of 11 hairpins in Romsdalen

Climbing Trollstigen from Åndalsnes: profile, 11 vertiginous hairpins, the Stigfossen waterfall, difficulty and practical tips.

RoadExtreme
United Kingdom

Trough of Bowland: the wild crossing of Lancashire

Riding the Trough of Bowland: 9 km through a protected Lancashire moorland, a rolling road used by the Tour of Britain.

RoadModerate
Austria

Turracher Höhe: Austria's steepest paved pass

Climbing Turracher Höhe from Predlitz: 9 km, 600 m of elevation gain, Austria's steepest paved road with sections over 20%.

RoadExtreme
Croatia

Učka, the training climb for pro teams in Istria

Climbing Učka to the Poklon pass from Lovran, in Istria: profile, a winter training ground for pro teams, difficulty and tips.

RoadHard
Switzerland

Umbrail Pass: Switzerland's highest paved pass, from Santa Maria Val Müstair

Climbing the Umbrail Pass from Santa Maria Val Müstair: 13.4 km, 1,126 m of elevation gain, 8.4% average — Switzerland's highest paved road pass.

RoadHard
France

Val Thorens: climbing to the highest finish in Tour de France history

The Val Thorens climb from Moûtiers: 33.5 km, 2,000 m of elevation gain up to 2,300 m, the highest stage finish ever organised by the Tour de France.

RoadExtreme
Bulgaria

Vitosha to Aleko: Sofia's great urban climb

Climbing Mount Vitosha from Sofia to Aleko: 15.3 km at an average of 7%, 1,068 m of elevation gain, the Bulgarian capital's most iconic ascent.

RoadHard
Ireland

Wicklow Gap: the selective climb of the Rás Tailteann

Climbing Wicklow Gap from Laragh: 9.9 km, 530 m of elevation gain, 5.4% average — a classic Wicklow Mountains and Rás Tailteann climb.

RoadModerate
United Kingdom

Winnats Pass, the legendary limestone gorge of English hill-climbing

Climbing Winnats Pass from Castleton: 1.9 km at up to 20% through a dramatic limestone gorge, historic home of the British hill climb championship.

RoadHard
United Kingdom

Wrynose Pass, Hardknott's explosive companion

Climbing Wrynose Pass from Little Langdale, in the Lake District: profile, gradients over 20%, difficulty and practical tips.

RoadExtreme
Spain

Xorret de Catí: the Vuelta's legendary wall

Climbing Xorret de Catí from Castalla: 3.8 km, 444 m of elevation gain, 11.6% average — one of Spanish cycling's steepest Vuelta a España climbs.

RoadExtreme
Iceland

Þingvellir to Laugarvatn by bike, on Iceland's Golden Circle

Cycling from the Þingvellir UNESCO site to the thermal village of Laugarvatn, Iceland: paved road, volcanic scenery, wind you should plan around.

RoadFamilyModerate