Route advice/ideas from the U.K. to Gibraltar,anyone please?

simonn
simonn Posts: 88
edited February 2010 in Tour & expedition
Hello,

What it says,really...I'm looking into the route from the U.K. to Gibraltar England via Calais-Dover,perhaps during June-July-August-September time.

I've never cycled abroad before (at least only in cities) so any advice is much appreciated.

Cheers,

Si.

Comments

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    You'll need a boat for some of it.
  • simonn
    simonn Posts: 88
    Hi N.D.,

    ...and you'll need a new scriptwriter:that line should be retired due to overwork,hah-hah!

    But thanks for the reply anyway.

    Cheers,

    Si.
  • El Gordo
    El Gordo Posts: 394
    Avoid riding up the Spanish coast as it's mostly built up and busy. Andalucia is one of the nicest places I've ever ridden. Byond that it's Pyrenees and rural France so you can't go far wrong. The best route all depends on what sort of mileage you want to cover.

    On the whole, cycling in Spain and France is much much nicer than it is in the UK since the roads are smoother and the drivers more considerate towards bikes (but not each other).
  • simonn
    simonn Posts: 88
    Hi El Gordo,

    Thanks for the advice...the first idea I had was to keep it as direct a track to Calais as is possible,whilst

    a) not going up the worst (best) of the climbs,although if that's what is needed,fine,and

    b) not cycling on their busiest roads.

    Don't want much,do I?
    Map-wise,I've just been looking at Google maps to get some idea:I think I need to go a little more in-depth!

    Cheers,

    Si.
  • andymiller
    andymiller Posts: 2,856
    Have you thougt about the Via de la Plata (sometimes called the ruta de la Plata or Camino Mozarabe)? dirt road following the old Roman Road, Sevilla (ish), Mérida, Cácere, Salamanca, Zamora, León and then turn left for Santiago de Compostela or straight on for Gijón. Even if you opt to do it by road, that should make for an interesting itinerary.
    Italy Cycling Guide
  • simonn
    simonn Posts: 88
    Hi Andy,

    Thank-you for that suggestion:looking at it,I wonder if it adds a few more miles to the trip,interesting as that route would be.
    I suppose I'm thinking of a more direct/straight-line jobber via Madrid,yet avoiding Autovias somehow.
    I need a decent atlas!

    Cheers,

    si.
  • Cheshley
    Cheshley Posts: 1,448
    IIRC, the British Heart foundation do a sponsored ride from London to Gibraltar. It might be worth contacting their events team and asking for information about the route they use.
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  • simonn
    simonn Posts: 88
    Hi Cheshley,

    Brilliant-I'll do that!

    Cheers,

    Si.
  • xilios
    xilios Posts: 170
    You can follow the route these guys did, backwards http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=R ... =5957&v=Bd
    www.bike-journeys.com
  • simonn
    simonn Posts: 88
    Hi Xilios,

    Thanks for posting that:more useful info!

    Cheers,

    Si.
  • what brakes
    what brakes Posts: 328
    Me and a few guys im working with are doing a ride from Maidstone to Gib for Help 4 heroes charity in Sept. We are in the planning stages at the mo. We are plannning on doing this in 10days of riding. which works out an average of 150 a day.

    I would be good if we can share info to help one another! pm me if you need.

    Cheers


    p.s anyone wishing to donate please get in touch! :wink:

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