The world’s most beautiful cycling trails

Where is it? Loire Valley, from Nevers to the Atlantic Ocean

Length: 900km

How long does it take? 1 - 2 weeks, depending on speed and fitness

When to go: April to October

In the land of fine food, wine and gently rolling countryside lies the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching out to the western coast from the centre of France. The Loire à Velo trail is the westernmost section of the more famous EuroVelo 6 cycling route, passing vineyards, gently flowing rivers and 22 fairytale castles including Château d’Angers. Planning is a breeze, with dozens of hotels, repair shops and parking spots listed as ‘Accueil Vélo’ (cyclists welcome), not to mention the region’s handy Loire à Vélo train designed for visitors on two wheels. 

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Where is it? Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Serbia

Length: 5,500km

How long does it take? From one week to several months.

When to go: May to September

National parks, remote villages and best of all, very few other people are what you can expect on the new Trans Dinarica Trail, which launched in 2024 and is the first to connect all seven Western Balkan countries. Spanning more than 5,000km, the journey winds from Slovenia all the way down to Kosovo and back. If the full length is daunting, it’s laid out in shorter sections of varying difficulties, which have been paired with accommodation and local eateries at each stop. Aside from serving up epic views, the trail gives major cities a wide berth and supports local businesses instead – perfect for a crowd-free active holiday.

Time Out tip: If you’re planning to tackle a significant portion of the trail, don’t forget that not all of the countries on the route use euros. Prepare to pick up some dinars for Serbia and lek for Albania, as credit cards aren’t widely accepted.

Where is it? Imilchil to Tangiers

Length: 840km

How long does it take? 2 weeks

When to go: Year-round, but during Ramadan many businesses are closed and supplies are scarcer

Beyond the colourful souks of Morocco’s more populous cities, the Route of Caravans takes cyclists on a winding ride from the Sahara desert, past the snow-capped Atlas mountains up to the country’s northern coast. The roughly 800km trail is well set up for a bikepacking adventure, combining more famous destinations like Chefchaouen and the UNESCO-listed medina of Fez with untouched landscapes and nomadic villages – plus, riders can easily hop onto the ferry to Spain to continue overland. 

Time Out tip: The Route of Caravans runs both north and south. Starting in Imilchil and riding north is recommended, as after passing the desert, riders will have towns and cities with water and food in sight – while cycling south requires carrying heavy supplies for longer.

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Where is it? Seto Inland Sea, from Honshu to Shikoku

Length: 70km

How long does it take? 1 - 2 days

When to go: Year-round, but October to December, and March to May offer the most dry, temperate weather

Japan may traditionally be best known for its bullet trains, but the Shimanami Kaido cycle route offers a better mode of transport for getting around. The straightforward trail crosses six peaceful islands in Hiroshima prefecture and is short enough to be ridden in a day, but to enjoy the coastal views along the Seto Inland Sea, stretching it over a few days is the ultimate chance to explore authentic Japan. With bike hire points along the way and minimal hills, it’s a go-to choice for families and first-timers. 

Time Out tip: You’ll never get lost on The Shimanami Kaido, thanks to a blue road line running the length of the trail for cyclists. What’s more, over 150 shops, shelters and guesthouses are dedicated to supporting cyclists on the trail.

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Where is it? Mizen Head to Malin Head in Ireland

Length: 845km

How long does it take? One week

When to go: May to September, but expect changeable weather and wind along the Irish coast even in the summer

Perfect for dipping your toe into long-distance cycling, the MizMal route connects Malin Head and Mizen Head on Ireland’s coast, taking cyclists the length of the country along the iconic Wild Atlantic Way. Deserted coves, rugged cliffs and welcoming locals will signpost your trip along the Emerald Isle from Ireland’s most southerly to northerly points, whizzing past the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara National Park and the Inishowen Peninsula. Experienced riders will be done in a week, but we’d recommend staying awhile to experience Ireland’s buzzing cities, such as Galway and Donegal, where you’ll find rich history and pubs overflowing with hearty cuisine and trad music.

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Where is it? Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins

Length: 1,200km

How long does it take? 25 - 30 days, depending on experience

When to go: October to March - outside of these months, route sections, hotels and restaurants may be closed for the off season.

Looking for a challenge? Prepare for South America’s most epic cycling route. This wild and remote bikepacking itinerary, also known as Route 7, goes straight through the heart of Chilean Patagonia, surrounded by the dramatic mountain peaks of the Andes, glowing blue lakes and wide, open plains. It’s considered challenging, with supplies few and far between and some steep sections to contend with, but the rewards are vast, including the chance to visit Patagonia and Queulat national parks, General Carrera Lake and dozens of rural villages. 

Where is it? Kinderjijk, the Netherlands

Length: 43km

How long does it take? Less than a day

When to go: All year round

The Netherlands can lay claim to being bicycle experts, so you can rest assured they have dozens of scenic cycling routes to boast about. The iconic Kinderjijk Windmill Route is a whirlwind day trip spanning just 40km, gently rolling through the landscapes of Kinderjijk, a UNESCO-listed region dotted with 19 historic windmills. Some of these are open to visitors, and there’s also a windmill museum for any big fans, while the remainder of the route meanders along canals, reservoirs and the River Lek via the country’s famously flat landscapes which make this trip a breeze even for beginners (we’ll stop with the wind puns now).

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Where is it? Lhasa to Kathmandu

Length: 800km

How long does it take? Approx. 20 days for experienced cyclists

When to go: April to October

If pushing yourself to the limit at sea level isn’t challenging enough, seasoned cyclists can ride through one of the world’s least explored regions across the roof of the world. Expect mountain passes of more than 5,000m, where snow-blanketed peaks and ancient monasteries dot the Himalayan landscape. You’ll need to take it slow in order to acclimatise, but you’ll be rewarded with stops at the Karola Glacier, the Gawula Pass, Everest Base camp, and cycling one of the world’s longest descents, finishing in the mystical city of Kathmandu.

Where is it? Perth to Albany

Length: 1,067km

How long does it take? 15 - 25 days

When to go: March to May

Located in far-flung Western Australia, the Munda Biddi Trail lays claim to being one of the world’s longest off-road cycling trails, covering just over 1,000km between Perth and Albany. Aside from the state’s paradisiacal beaches, you’ll also get the chance to visit historic spots along the trail, such as Dwellingup, Quinninup and Denmark. The trail has dedicated shelters if you’re tackling the full route or you could strap your bicycle to four wheels, and combine smaller sections with a beach hopping road trip though beautiful WA. 

Time Out tip: Download the Munda Biddi Trail app for maps, advice and points of interest - it even works offline.

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Where is it? Banff, Canada to Antelope Wells, New Mexico

Length: 4,300km

How long does it take? 35 - 40 days

When to go: Late May to October

Canada and North America are packed with opportunities for two-wheeled expeditions, with trails through wilderness, national parks and even a race across the entire width of America. The Great Divide trail stretches from Alberta all the way down to the New Mexico border, making it the world’s longest off-road cycling route. It’s a trail of extremes, covering the Rocky Mountains, Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park and more. Varied elevations and landscapes ranging from arid deserts to grassland and dense forests make it the ultimate test of stamina, but ticking it off is on every cyclist’s bucket list. 

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