Western France & Northern Spain Tour 2007

Itinerary

26^th September – meet at Portsmouth docks early evening (current plan, like last year, is an overnight ferry to Le Havre, although day time crossings to Caen have also been used).  Night time ferry to France – cabins on board ship.

 

27^th Sept- ride to the Dordogne – approx 400 miles. Check into riverside hotel in Beynac (2-3 star hotel – en-suite rooms – 2 sections – one with swimming pool).  Half board for 3 nights.  Typical Perigord cuisine.

 

28^th Sept – day relaxing, exploring and riding to local sights in the area. 0-80 miles.

 

29^th Sept – 22km descent of Dordogne river by open Canadian Canoe. (optional –cost about £12).  A highlight of the trip for most people.  Need to be able to swim – just in case!   0 miles by bike – about 15 miles by mini-bus then boat.

 

30^th Sept – Ride from the Dordogne to the Pyrenees.  250 miles.  We normally stop briefly in Lourdes, then cross the Col D’Aubisque and stay in Eaux Bonnes.  Free to eat where you like – but it’s normally back in the hotel restaurant!

 

1^st October – ride from Eaux Bonnes, over the border into Spain, across Rioja country to the Picos Mountains.  270 miles. Check into lovely, friendly place in Las Arenas.  3 nights half-board.  (Approx 2 star?  All rooms en-suite.  Nice bar & restaurant)

 

2^nd October – “rest” day?  Walk the Cares Gorge?  Or go to the beach perhaps? Or to Funeta De for the cable car?  0-100 miles.

 

3^rd October – ride the Picos circuit, with a side detour right into the interior, to the head of the Gorge.  Stunning.  About 120-150 miles.

 

4^th October – 100 mile (or less) easy ride to Bilbao* to catch 13:15 sailing.  Cruise (!), relax, watch whales (?), eat /drink. Overnight cabins.

 

5^th October.  Arrive back in Portsmouth* at 17:15.

 

 

*there is an alternative crossing with Brittany Ferries from Santander to Plymouth – which is quicker, but a bit more expensive.  Arrives back in Plymouth the morning of 5^th October.  (we can take this if you wish – it’s approx £50 each , extra)