From Morocco’s Atlas Mountains to Cornwall’s rugged coastline in England, Lonely Planet has revealed six of the world’s most epic multi-day bike trips, offering adventurous cyclists inspiration for their next two-wheeled escape.
The selection is taken from Lonely Planet’s new title, Epic Bike Trips of the World, which brings together 50 unforgettable cycling adventures from around the globe, alongside a further 150 suggestions for cyclists looking for their next great ride.
The six routes highlighted by Lonely Planet, spotlighting Cornwall’s West Kernow Way as well as bikepacking through Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, tackling Peru’s high-altitude Great Divide, following Vietnam’s Central Highlands to the coast, exploring Italy’s Abruzzo and cycling through the gold-rush landscapes of New Zealand’s Central Otago.
Bikepacking Morrocco: Marrakesh to Tamraght – 200 miles / 320km
From the medinas of Marrakesh alive with music, spices and perfumes to an oasis of contrasting rust-red buildings, this 200-mile bikepacking adventure heads west towards Tamraght, passing through Berber villages, mountain passes and peaceful Moroccan countryside. The route climbs towards the Tizi n’Test pass before a flowing descent through the Atlas, with pit stops in places such as Ouirgane, a green oasis beneath Toubkal, Morocco’s highest peak, and Taoudant, whose unassuming streets conceal hidden gems. Spring is the preferred time to tackle this route, when cyclists can experience Morocco’s landscapes in more comfortable conditions.
Peru’s Great Divide – 997 miles / 1,605km
For cyclists looking for a more challenging trail, Peru’s Great Divide is an epic 997-mile trek through some of the country’s most remote landscapes. Beginning in Huaraz and finishing in Abancay, the route ventures into the high-altitude world of the Cordillera, where alpacas and llamas roam beneath mountain scenery. The dry season, from April or May to September, brings clearer skies and lighter winds for cycling. With occasional pit stops at remote pueblos providing respite, the route provides a rare sense of solitude with vast natural landscapes and peaceful stretches of road with reliable camping options.
Vietnam’s Central Highlands & Coast – 370 miles / 600km
From mountain passes to sleepy fishing villages and the sprawling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, this 370-mile journey takes cyclists on a dramatic ride from Vietnam’s highlands to the sea. Starting in Nha Trang, cyclists tackle the punishing Khanh Le Pass before reaching Da Lat, where an alpine plateau, European-style architecture and cool mountain air create an otherworldly backdrop. The route then winds past waterfalls and along quiet coastal roads, with opportunities to stop for swims around Mũi Né. The final stretch passes through the Cần Giờ UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, cycling through vast mangrove and forest landscapes before arriving in the vibrant sights and sounds of Ho Chi Minh City. The dry season, from December to April, is the best time to ride.
Italy’s Abruzzo – 105 miles / 170km
The Abruzzo route of Southern Italy is a journey through the Apennine mountains, ancient pastoral landscapes and some of the country’s most atmospheric countryside. Beginning in Santo Stefano di Sessanio, the route passes through Gran Sasso d’Italia, whose dramatic massif can be seen from Rome on a clear day. Along the way, cyclists encounter traces of transhumance, the ancient practice of moving livestock between seasonal pastures, before reaching the vast Campo Imperatore plateau. The route continues into Maiella National Park, where softer hills are blanketed with yellow flowers, before a final day of steep inclines leads to the atmospheric Hermitage of Santo Spirito. May and September are the optimal months to tackle the route.
West Kernow Way, Cornwall – 147 miles / 237km
Taking in the rugged landscapes and rich history of Cornwall, the West Kernow Way is an accessible introduction to multi-day cycling in the region. The route follows the scalloped coastline of southwest Cornwall, passing iconic landmarks including Land’s End and the Minack Theatre, alongside quieter villages and unexpected reminders of Cornwall’s industrial past. St Just, once at the heart of the region’s tin-mining industry, provides a glimpse into this heritage, while the route also reaches the maritime town of Falmouth, now known as a creative hub for artists. Launched by Cycling UK in 2021, the route offers a chance to experience Cornwall beyond its most familiar sights, combining coastal scenery, history and picturesque villages.
Central Otago Rail Trail, New Zealand – 94 miles / 152km
New Zealand’s first and most famous rail trail takes cyclists through the barren landscapes and gold-rush history of Central Otago on a 94-mile journey between Clyde and Middlemarch. Opened in 2000, the trail follows gentle gradients through scenery that could have been lifted from a spaghetti western, passing historic towns, characterful hotels and the spectacular Ida Valley. Starting in Clyde, once at the centre of an 1860s gold rush, the trail passes Tiger Hill and eventually reaches Hyde, where a stop brings the darker history of the former railway to life. With a pub roughly every 7.5 miles, the route has even earned the nickname the ‘Ale Trail’. Autumn is particularly colourful, while more seasoned cyclists can attempt the route in a single day.
Lonely Planet’s new title Epic Bike Trips of the World is available now at shop.lonelyplanet.com
Main image: The Atlas Mountains in Morocco (Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash)