If you love traffic-free cycle touring and getting up close and personal with nature, then these traffic-free cycle ways are a must to try! Yes they have stunning scenery, but the unique aspect of them is that they are completely traffic-free with good surfaces for bike touring away from the crowds without feeling like you are in the complete middle of nowhere. Our selection criteria is not only based on the scenery but also the overall cultural experience, accessibility and amenities (both presence of and lack of!). We have linked a route map for each of these rides using Komoot. When riding these trails, you’ll get to experience the local culture and architecture with ancient castles and picturesque villages as well as excellent restaurants to indulge along the way. So get back to nature, breath in the fresh air and enjoy an authentic local experience.

1. Alpe Adria Radweg - Austria to Italy

The Alpe Adria Radweg is spectacular to say the least, taking in the dramatic heartland of the Austrian alps, the scattering of pristine lakes in Carinthia and then onto Italy with the Friulian alpine region, vineyards of Udine and the stunning coast of the Adriatic Sea. It’s a 415km long trail that has immense diversity and incredible tranquillity. The towering Austrian and Italian Alps, in contrast with the Italian Collio wine region and chilled-out beach scene at Grado to the south, allow you to immerse yourself in a mix of culture and beautiful scenery. For much of the journey in Austria the trail runs alongside the Salzach and Drau rivers. If you love cycling amongst great scenery as well as experiencing a variety of cultural delights, then this trail is a great choice, providing you are up for a challenging but rewarding week-long adventure. We recommend going during the first week in August when the spectacular Kirchtag festival is held in Villach.

Route: Salzburg, Austria to Grado, Italy - 415kms, 7 days cycling

Route facts:
- Distance: 415km
- Difficulty: 4/5
- Surface: Tarmac and some gravel
- Bike recommended: Hybrid bike

Arrival and departure: Fly in to Salzburg or Munich; fly out of Trieste or Venice.

Best time to go: July and August

Logistics: We recommend starting your journey in the bustling city of Salzburg. A first night’s stop in Werfen means you can stop and explore the majestic Werfen Castle. Three days into the ride you’ll reach Villach where during the first week of August, the city plays host to Austria’s biggest authentic festival, complete with costumes, parades and plenty of beer. If you need to hire a bike, look no further than Papin Cycles who are based in Villach and are always a pleasure to work with. They can also deliver and collect your bike on the route for a fee.

Places to eat and drink: The trail has several places to stop for food and refreshments along the way. Our favourite restaurants in Austria include Pauli Stubm in Salzburg where you can kick off your tour in true Austrian style. Kuenburger Mundschenk in Werfen is also a great favourite with excellent beer. In Italy the amazing Pizzeria in Tarvisio called Pizzeria Friuli is famous for its woodfired pizzas; while Pizzeria Pontafel in Pontebba with its great Italian fare and friendly staff is used by us as an overnight stay for our first night in Italy. Further down the line is the cute little café called Stazione di Chiusaforte, an old converted railway station that also has accommodation. The expresso is forte! If you’re thinking of diverting to Tolmezzo, the cycle trail is still really nice and scenic and a lunch stop at a little trattoria called Al Cacciatore is probably the biggest hidden gem of the whole trip. Get the full set menu and see what arrives on the table… you won’t be disappointed! In Udine, try Campana d’Oro whose tuna carbonara dish breaks all the rules for excellence - delish! Finish your journey off with a night’s stay in Palmanova. It’s a charming town where you can explore the city walls and have a drink at one of the many bars inside the city’s nonagon-shaped plaza. For dinner, Da Baffo is a great option for traditional Italian meals with nice big tasty portions.

2. Vies Verdes - Girona, Spain

Garrotxa mountains from the terrace at Restaurant La Casilla

The Carrilet 1 is part of the Vies Verdes Girona cycle network and runs from Olot to Sant Feliu de Guixols in North-East Spain. It’s a completely traffic-free cycle path that can trace its roots back to Catalonia's industrial past, originally serving as a railway line that transported goods and passengers through the region. It has now been transformed into a haven for cyclists who can enjoy a gradual smooth descent from Olot (440 m) to Girona (70 m). Remnants of the railway in its heyday can be found along the way, including old train stations, viaducts, and tunnels that add a touch of nostalgia to the journey. As you leave Olot and join the Carrilet 1 you’ll experience the best scenery of the route, with the Pyrenees as the backdrop and the Garrotxa volcanic mountain range in the foreground, both of which are training grounds for cycling teams of the Tour de France. As you wind your way down the Vies Verde Carrilet 1 you pass Les Planes d’Hostoles which boosts two landmarks worth visiting - the Castle to the east of the trail, and a waterfall to the west. The waterfall, Els gorgs de les Planes d’Hostoles, in particular is well worth a visit. After your well earned break, Girona beckons, with its allure of historic and vibrant culture. Explore its medieval streets, adorned with Gothic cathedrals and colourful houses lining the Onyar River.

Route: Olot to Sant Feliu de Guixols - 100kms, 2 day’s cycling

Route facts:
- Distance: 100km
- Difficulty: 2/5
- Surface: Pavement packed granite sand
- Bike recommended: Hybrid bike

Best time to go: May, June or September

Arrival and Departure: Fly in and out of Girona or Barcelona. Girona has high-speed rail links to Barcelona and France.

Logistics: Our recommendation is to book a few nights in Girona and base yourself there. Olot is an hours bus ride from Girona and you can take your bike on the bus. We highly recommend you start the 60km journey in Olot and ride the downhill gradient to Girona. Take a late morning bus so you can have lunch early in the ride at about 1pm. There aren’t many eating options past the halfway point and most places shut for siesta. On Day 2, get a decent breakfast in and start your day early so you’ll reach Sant Feliu de Guixols by lunchtime before catching the bus back to Girona. Bus timetables can be found here for both days riding.

Places to eat and drink: About 10km from Olot is a fantastic restaurant nestled in the hills right at the side of the Vies Verde, called Restaurant La Casilla - excellent local fare with a nice relaxing feel and views of the mountains out on the terrace. In Girona, the best places to eat and soak up the atmosphere with a choice of local and international cuisine, is the old town on the east side of the river or Plaza de Indepencia on the west. Our hidden gem, which is off the beaten track, is Txalaka Girona if you are wanting some seriously good tapas. If vegetarian is your go then try B-12 Bar Vega in Girona. Why not grab a beer and burger at Green & Burger in San Feliu de Guxioles which is an excellent way to top off your entire trip!

3. The Peak District, England

Yes, England isn’t part of Europe anymore but we are throwing it in there anyway for good measure. For the leisure cyclist, riding in the Peak District appears an impossibility - steep terrain, hill after hill. Whilst there is no denying that yes, there are hills; the leisure cyclist who has a medium level of fitness can experience some of the very best trail cycling in the UK, if not the world, all thanks to what was left behind from Britain’s industrial revolution. Three Magnificent trails - the High Peak, Monsal, and Tissington trails - form a triangular network linking Matlock, Ashbourne, and Buxton. Originally railway lines used for transporting goods in the 1800s, they now serve as smooth cycling paths. Built amidst challenging terrain, the High Peak and Tissington trails offer scenic views along ridges and the Monsal trail features four tunnels connecting Buxton and Bakewell. Purchased by the Peak District National Park in 1971, these trails represent Britain's industrial past and provide a firsthand experience of the regions landscape and history. They offer a magnificent fully traffic-free riding experience and make the most picturesque parts of the Peaks accessible by bicycle.

Route: - Matlock to Buxton, Buxton to Ashbourne, Ashbourne to Matlock (triangular route) - 130kms, 3 day’s cycling

Route facts:
- Distance: 130km
- Difficulty: 4/5
- Surface: Pavement packed granite sand
- Bike recommended: Hybrid bike

Best time to go: May, June, September. Avoid the crowds, inflated prices and limited accommodation options in July and August.

Arrival and Departure: Fly in and out of East Midlands, Birmingham International or Manchester airports. Trains from London take 2 hours.

Logistics: This is the perfect triangular route if arriving by car or by train. You can start and finish in either Matlock or Buxton. The route can be ridden in either a clockwise or an anti-clockwise direction. The easiest leg is between Buxton and Matlock. At the halfway point of day 2 there is a designated cycle stop with a café at Parsley Hay. Without a doubt the two biggest attractions on the route are the lovely town of Bakewell and Chatsworth House between Matlock and Buxton and stopping at these places is highly recommended. If you need to hire a bike there are a few options, none of which are ideal if you are arriving by train. Nevetheless, Monsal Trail Bike Hire at the start of the Monsal Trail in Bakewell, Blackwell Mill Bike Hire at the other end of it near Buxton and Ashbourne Bike Hire at the start of the Tissington trail, all have a range of suitable bikes to hire.

Places to eat and drink: Bakewell is a must stop for lunch and for one of the town’s favourite treats - a Bakewell tart from the Bakewell Pudding Parlour. They also have an array of other homemade treats. Even though Matlock is nowhere near the sea, it is actually renowned for its plethora of fish and chip restaurants which can be found on the main street of Matlock Bath. For drinks both Matlock Bath and Matlock have numerous establishments, but for a refreshing post-ride pint in the sun head to The Church Inn which is on the rail trail between Rowsley and Matlock, or if you want to venture uphill for a great view try the Laburnum Inn. Later in the evening there is the Tipsy Toad which is a funky cocktail bar with a younger crowd. Another great stop is Tissington where at Herbert’s Fine Tea Rooms you can sit outside on the grass on a nice day and enjoy a lovely tea and scone.

4. Parenzana Trail - Trieste, Italy to Porec, Croatia

Another fantastic trail on yet another disused railway line that spans across three countries: Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia. The Parenzana Trail is also known as the Route of Health and Friendship because it serves as a symbol of cooperation and friendship between the countries it traverses. The railway line was originally constructed in the early 20th century and served as a vital link between the coastal towns of Poreč in Croatia and Trieste in Italy, until it ceased operations in 1935 when the tracks were finally dismantled. The trail stretches approximately 123 kilometres through diverse landscapes, including lush vineyards, dense forests, quaint villages, and panoramic coastal vistas. Cyclists and hikers alike are drawn to the Parenzana Trail for its scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and recreational opportunities. The relatively flat terrain of the trail makes it accessible to riders of varying skill levels, from leisurely cyclists to more experienced enthusiasts. Along the way, travellers can explore charming Istrian villages, sample local cuisine, and discover historical landmarks, such as old railway stations and tunnels.

Route: - Trieste to Porec - 120kms, 2 day’s cycling
Route facts:
- Distance: 120km
- Difficulty: 3/5
- Surface: Pavement packed granite sand
- Bike recommended: Gravel or Hybrid bike

Best time to go: April to October. Try and avoid the crowds, inflated prices and limited accommodation options in July and August.

Arrival and Departure: Fly in and out of Trieste, Ljubljana, Pula or Venice. Buses back to Trieste from Porec take approx 2 hours.

Logistics: The most important consideration before you start your tour is bike hire. If you need to hire a bike it is best to do so from Trieste (moovtrieste.it) then return from Porec to Trieste by bus. Flix buses run two services a day that allow you to take your bike on board (advanced reservations mandatory) . Even though the Parenzana Trail finishes in Porec we recommend continuing an extra day’s ride further down to the south towards Pula and stop in Rovinj which is a charming seaside town

Places to eat and drink: On the Parenzana Trail, you'll encounter numerous eateries and taverns offering authentic Istrian dishes, tailored to cater to cyclists; from homemade bread to hearty soups. One place that embodies the essence of this traditional Istrian cuisine to the highest level is Konoba Malo Selo, situated just south of Buje and 2km off the Parenzana trail. Two must-stops on the route are Motovun and Grožnjan both of which are quaint hilltop villages that take you back in time. In Grozjan try Restaurant aModoMio with its delicious Italian fare and stunning mountain views.

5. Parc Naturel Region de Medoc, Gironde, France

France is synonymous with cycling and typically involves big peaks that double as ski resorts in the winter. But if flat forgiving terrain and a more leisurely cycling experience in amongst wineries along the Atlantic coast is more your go, then look no further than the pristine bike paths of the Gironde region. It would be remiss of us not to include a Eurovelo route in our top 5 and Gironde boasts a network of scenic cycling routes that lie in the heart of Eurovelo 1. The entire route of the Eurovelo 1 stretches from northern Norway all the way down to southern Spain and people ride it to experience the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean; but Gironde has all that and more. It’s a delightful mix of forest, farmlands and seaside scenery, but the major highlight of cycling in Gironde is exploring its world-renowned vineyards. The region is home to some of the most prestigious wine-growing areas, including the Médoc, Saint-Émilion, and Graves, allowing cyclists to stop at a château for wine tastings and cellar tours along the way. The area is quintessentially French and is steeped in history and culture, with charming medieval towns, historic landmarks, and architectural treasures waiting to be discovered. Leisure cyclists can pedal through ancient villages like Saint-Émilion, with its UNESCO-listed monolithic church and cobblestone streets, all along one of the best-maintained dedicated cycle paths you are likely to find.

Route: Biganos to Soulac-sur-Mer, Soulac-sur-Mer to Lesparre-Medoc - 184kms, 3 day’s cycling

Route facts:
- Distance: 184km
- Difficulty: 2/5
- Surface: Asphalt Pavement
- Bike recommended: Hybrid bike

Best time to go: May, June and September. Try and avoid the heat of July and August.

Arrival and Departure: Fly in and out of Bordeaux . High-speed trains from Paris to Bordeaux take under 2.5 hours

Logistics: We highly recommend basing yourself out of Bordeaux which has all the travel links you need for this tour and is also a great city to explore. We also recommend tacking on an extra day to make the journey a 3-day adventure which will take you off the greenway, allowing you to ride through the winery heartlands from Soulac-sur-Mer to Lesparre-Medoc (bear in mind that this route is on back roads not cycle path). For the 3-day tour you will need to catch a train from Bordeaux to Facture Biganos which takes around 30mins. At the end of your tour you’ll need to get another train but this time from Lesparre-Medoc to Bordeaux which takes 1.5 hours. Book trains direct through SNCF.

Places to eat and drink: Nothing beats a big bowl of freshly caught moules (mussels) by the ocean. To get exactly that, check out Les Chiens Fous in Soulac-sur-Mer. A great place to stop along the way is the seaside town of L’Embellie where if you head south, slightly out of town, you will find Rainbow Café, a classic beach bar with ocean views, healthy food and a cool surfer vibe. Go there for sunset if you can!
A visit to one of the many wineries in the area around Lesparre-Médoc is a great way to top of your tour. Château Pierre de Montignac is welcoming family-run winery and château that offers delicious tastings and cheeseboards with accommodation onsite. If heading to Bordeaux it’s an absolute must to experience a wine tasting masterclass at Le Bar à Vin. It’s basically a school for wine enthusiasts wanting to know everything about fine French wine. There is an incredible array of wines priced anywhere from 2€ to 8€ served by young sommeliers learning their trade. Arrive early or be prepared to queue.

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