Departure date – 9th July 2026
Over 1368 km (850 miles)!
This is the first draft of the proposed route. This blog will updated with detailed route information. The plan is to allow for sightseeing and some deviations from the route, consequently I’ve estimated only 56 km (35 miles) per day. the number of days will be between 15 and 20.
The journey begins!
My ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao arrives about 8:00 a.m. so I will be able to get a full days cycling in before my first stop. The chart below shows the approximate route through the Basque Country and into France.
This first section has some really steep climbs in it so it may take a day or two extra compared with a normal bike ride. Also I’d like to allow time for sightseeing and seeing places of special interests such as Guernica which was the first time aerial bombardment was used on civilians.
Other stopping off places are
- Donostia-San Sebastián and it’s beautiful coast in Spain’s Basque Country, famous for its stunning beaches and elegant architecture, vibrant Old Town (Parte Vieja).
- Hondarribia – is a charming, historic Basque coastal town known for its colourful old quarter, medieval walls of the castle of Emperor Charles V, excellent gastronomy (especially pintxos).
- Saint-Jean-De-Luz – a charming Basque coastal town known for its sheltered bay, sandy beaches ich fishing port history, traditional Basque architecture.
From La Rochelle there is an option of travelling up the lower Valley or heading up to St Malo the decision on this will be taken near the time. if time allows I would prefer the longer route via St Malo
Once in France I will follow the EuroVelo 1 – the Atlantic Coast Route to Nante
Vic Ient 
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