Cycling destinations
Cycling & Mountain Biking, UK & Europe

Get on your bike and get off the beaten track

Instead of sharing lanes with traffic and breathing in exhaust emission CO2, I’m a cyclist who prefers mountains, open roads and fewer crowds as a way to get away from it all and enjoy the feeling of freedom that being on a ride brings.

Sadly, particularly at certain times of the year Overtourism impacts many iconic destinations, with additional traffic and people all aiming for the same climb, view or level of peace. More and more cyclists are deciding to explore quieter more sustainable alternatives.

Whether you crave high-altitude climbs, cultural cityscapes, or scenic trails, or even combining all with food and wine experiences, the ideas below offer inspiration for you to discover under-the-radar European destinations that still deliver in spades, and which are perfect for adventure and sustainability lovers in 2025, I’ve also added in some tips to help you plan!

Mountains: Swap the French Alps for Verbier, Switzerland

While the French Alps bustle with cyclists every summer, Verbier offers a tranquil alternative for high-altitude thrills. The Swiss Alpine resort town is a gateway to challenging climbs like the Croix de Coeur, panoramic gorges, and shimmering alpine dams.

2 cyclists on the Verbeier sign in the Swiss Alps
Resting the legs on the Verbier sign. Image: Epic Road Rides.com

Best time to visit: June to September for warm, dry weather.
Where to stay: Eco-conscious hotels like La Cordée des Alpes offer comfort with a commitment to sustainability.
Insider tip: Take advantage of the Verbier Bike Park for a mix of downhill and cross-country trails.

City Breaks: Trade Amsterdam’s Crowds for Amersfoort

Cyclist and walkers in Amersfoort
Amersfoort’s a bike friendly city. Image: Shutterstock

Amsterdam might be a cycling mecca and the streets teem with bikes off all shapes and sizes, so for a quieter charm may I present Amersfoort which offers a more relaxed urban experience yet is only 65KM from Amsterdam’s Schiphol International Airport. This medieval city features winding canals, cobblestone streets, and direct access to woodland trails for added variety. For added, did you know factor the city was awarded European city of the year in 2023 by the Academy of Urbanism which evaluated sustainability and urban planning.

Best time to visit: Spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October) for fewer crowds.
Where to stay: Stayokay Amersfoort, a sustainable hostel near trails and city attractions.
Don’t miss: The historic Koppelpoort gate, especially at sunset.

Family-Friendly Trails: Discover Devon’s Tarka Trail

Devon’s Tarka Trail rivals Cornwall’s Camel Trail without the summer crowds. Stretching along scenic estuaries, empty beaches and lush woodlands, this trail features the UK’s longest traffic-free cycle route and is perfect for all ages.

Best time to visit: Late spring or early autumn for mild weather.
Where to stay: The Treehouse Hotel at Tawstock offers eco-friendly lodgings near the trail.
Pro tip: Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the trail’s scenic viewpoints.

Food and Wine: Pedal Through Romania’s Vineyards

Romanian bike wine tour
Romanian Wine bike tours Image: Bikeintime

Romania is building a name in the cycling community and actually hosted four UCI events in 2024, with awe inspiring mountains and a rich culture to explore. The Romanian Dealu Mare (The Big Hill) wine region offers a unique blend of cycling and wine-tasting adventures. Tour the vineyards, sample local reds, and immerse yourself in the region’s food and culture, just an hour from Bucharest.

Best time to visit: September to October for the grape harvest season.
Where to stay: Casa Timiș, a boutique winery offering guided cycling tours.
Extend your trip: Ride the EuroVelo 6 route through the Danube Delta for breathtaking landscapes and more wine stops.

Cycling Events: Celebrate Gravel Riding at Nature is Bike, Angers

Bikers in the Sun in France
Sunshine and gravel biking Image: Bike in nature

Nature is Bike, held annually in Angers, France, is a must for gravel cycling fans with several great gravel tracks in the area. The event combines challenging routes through the Loire Valley with a lively festival atmosphere, including workshops and bikepacking rides.

When to go: Mark your calendar for mid-June.
Where to stay: Try Les Chambres de Mathilde, a cosy, eco-friendly guesthouse.
Top tip: Sign up early to secure your spot in the overnight bikepacking ride.

Plan Your Next Adventure

Where will your bike take you next? Ready to plan your trip?

Visit Epic Road Rides for more information on these and other locations and to view really detailed route guides.

Don’t forget to sign up to the Where Wild Things Roam email for more travel inspiration.

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Eamonn is an ocean lover, and a sustainable traveller with a curious spirit along with a passion for people and unique experiences. Probably where he caught the travel bug was as a child going on deep sea adventures with his parents on merchant ships crossing the globe. He believes travel is about exploring sustainably, engaging people and always, always sharing the food! Eamonn has set foot on every continent except Antarctica, but like anyone, still has so many more places to experience. When not exploring, you’ll find Eamonn based in his adopted hometown of Adelaide, cooking tasty food, drinking world-class wines, hiking trails and scuba diving.

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