Separate trips we’ve done on our own:
1) Biked along the west coast of Ireland, with hiking in there, too
2) Hiked the Hadrian’s Wall route across England, following where the ancient Roman wall separated the “civilized” world from the Picts (forerunners to today’s Scottish) in the Second Century. Some of the wall was subsequently dismantled by locals to build houses and other structures, but much of it remains, along with forts, milecastles, and fantastic scenery. You can have your packs driven to a Bed and Breakfast at the next town, using a baggage transfer service, or just carry them to your next destination down the line. We went coast to coast across the skinniest part of England, from west to east, although more people seem to do it east to west. be There’s a John Muir way that similarly goes across Scotland, for hiking or biking.
3) We’ve done canoeing and sea kayaking in France. Bike trips, too. July is when the Tour de France happens, and you could follow some of the race while pedaling your own route. You’d be in good company!
4) Belgium is, arguably, the bicycling capitol of the world. We did a biking tour in 2008, renting bikes in Brussels and using the great roads and marked paths throughout Belgium. We stayed at B&B’s some nights, and camped others. In Belgium, you’re served fries with every meal. They’re also very proud of their vast variety of excellent beers . . . and 16 is the legal drinking age in Belgium, for what that’s worth.
