Category: Spain

2026 – Long distance cycle ride from Spain ( Bilbao)  to England 

2026 – Long distance cycle ride from Spain ( Bilbao) to England !!

Departure date – 9th July 2026 – Over 1368 km (850 miles)!

Update – 10th July The Journey has begun! To see my daily diary click below:

2026 Charity Cycle Ride – Spain and France to England

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

Madrid! 

Grenoble to Madrid by train – super train journey across France & Spain + meeting James + a pint in Lewes!

Meeting James + super train journey across France & Spain + a pint in Lewes! Fantastic!

July 10th and 11th 2024

Whilst in  Grenoble I had a call from James who said he was going to be in Madrid for a conference  in early July.  I was invited to join him. So I took the opportunity to go by train, – a wonderful journey. From Grenoble I took the local train to Lyon and then got the TGV all the way to Barcelona. Changing trains I boarded another high-speed train – the Frecciarossa (Italian) train operated by the Spanish railway company Iryo. It took all day but I didn’t care because I had a wonderful journey.  I think the top speed was about 300 km/hr. The distance covered was over 1,200 km.

I arrived in time to have drinks and a dinner with James and his colleagues. Super on both counts!  The next day James and I went to the grand Plaza Mayor and enjoyed some fantastic seafood at the ancient Mercado de San Miguel. 

Click HERE for more photos.  We flew to England on the 12th July and ended the day with a pint and dinner with James at the Swan Inn in Lewes.  Super!