Have you had a look at the stuff on Komoot? This one for example, caught my eye the other week and might be an option for me next year.

Perhaps not long enough, but I fancy the look of this one:

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2018/apr/15/wales-cycling-cambrian-mountains-rhayader-powys

https://www.secondcitydivide.cc/ – 600km, Glasgow to Mcr, light MTB or fat tyre gravel bike sort of thing

Badger Divide.
Scottish Coast to Coast.

Have a look at HT550 route (ah, probably out for the wild bit).

This .. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-49541621

Abroad — Turin – Nice.

I also rode the Ardennes Arbalete earlier this year – really good and easy to get to Liege by Eurostar and train from Brussels.

The previous year I rode the The Traversée du Massif Vosgien more mountainous, harder and longer ride than the Arbalete but not as easy logistically. I could not get to Strasbourg by train in a day so ended up driving and parking in Strasbourg airport longstay. From Strasbourg very easy to get to the start and back using local trains but you will could lose a couple of days in logistics.

Transcambrian Way double? I loved our single attempt it took us 3 days but I had a couple of mates slowing me down! We did it in October so not enough light for longer days riding and we spent alot of time in the pub!

— there must be other more exciting stuff around as well — we went for a week’s walking holiday in the Grenoble / Vercors region, and the number of ‘white roads’ and bikes around was incredible. Should be able to stitch together either a loop of point to point with train transfer. Chat up @macpuppy?

Grenoble / Vercors region

Oh yes … incredible roads there. Not explored much gravel or forest roads but there are the most jaw-dropping sections of balcony road, fairly short sections, but stop-in-your-tracks stunning.

Last year we had a week in the Cévennes and had a mildly ambitious 4 day route planned until I pulled my back the day before we went so just did day rides instead. There’s some great riding out there.
This September we had a week in the Vosges for a 4 day road tour. It’s not a busy area so the roads are good.
Next spring we’re going to Avalon to ride into the Morvan National Park.

Anyone know wherevai could get a gpx file for the Welsh gravel route that @stumpy1 linked further up this post. That looks a great first proper long gravel ride for the summer

Cheers

^ it’s not difficult but it could be a bit disjointed between regional and national lines and Italy and France, depends on the route. Look up the route out of Ventimiglia (rideable distance from Nice) via Tende to Cuneo then Cuneo-Turin. Both are ‘regionale’ trains with bike sections, get an extra bike ticket for 3.50 euros. Don’t think you need to book in advance. Some more info on the TNR site from our helper in Turin if you search on the Updates page.

I did a week round central Sweden on backroads and gravel in 2004 staying in Yha’s.

It was ace!

Tip tips
Book the Yha near lakes in summer well in advance. Who knew accommodation near lakes in perfect swimming season would be booked at the weekend! Not me and I had to do 100 miles then 150 miles the bed day because of it.

Don’t leave your bike outside in small cities. You might come back to the rear of a bike with no handle bars or forks! Grrr!

Also, I was invited to hang out with some folk because “ we don’t have enough men in our party”!!! However they were about 15 so I had to decline the offer.

Sweden, gravel backroads and lakes 😀

Come to Cataluna. There’s dozens of bikepacking trips available and it’s not too remote to build a route around B&B’s or hostals. We run just such a B&B from which you can do multi day loops or linear routes.
Here’s our website Casa Tomillo I run a trip in the Spring that goes from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic coast, write up here
SC2C
It’s a fabulous unspoilt area, we can organise airport transfer, Reus is very cheap to get to, and store your stuff or guide you if you want. Spring is perfect weather wise, long sunny days but not too hot.

Thanks Jameso I’m struggling to choose between several countries and bikepacking or just plain old mtbing. Apparently I do suffer first world problems.

I asked a similar question the other week and have settled on doing the Hebridean Way in June next year. Take a look at that.

My hopeful posts of foreign jaunts turned into Lakeland 200 and Cairngorms Loop for this year. Hebredian Way next year whilst waiting for the world to sort itself out. Good luck world.