Bruges Cycling Weekend

Our Star Ratings

Here is an explanation of our cycling trip grades. Please bear in mind that total ascent, wind, rain and  general riding conditions can play as important factors as the daily distances involved. Whilst we  have stated some example distances, the overall difficulty assigned to each trip will encompass a range of these factors. If you are at all unsure of whether you think the trip is suitable, please contact us.

 

Easy:  Suitable for those new to cycling seeking an introductory and very relaxed yet active  experience on two wheels. Easy riding on short, flat and/or gently undulating routes.  Approx 20 – ­40  miles a day

 

Relaxed:  Undulating terrain with occasional minor undulations for semi­-regular novices who wish  to develop fitness and ability. May include a few short steep climbs.  Approx 40 – ­50 miles a day

 

Moderate: Designed for cyclists with a good level of riding experience and fitness, and are  comfortable riding for full days in the saddle. Routes will include some steep and/or sustained  climbs. Not for those completely new to cycling.  Approx 50 – 80 miles a day

Challenging: Routes with multiple steep and sustained climbs and technical descents and/or long  distances. Riders need to be have a high level of fitness and stamina in addition to experience in  riding over extended distances and/or tackling long ascents and descents.  Approx 70 – ­110 miles a  day

Advanced: Designed for experienced cyclists with an excellent level of fitness and stamina. Routes  are consistently long with multiple serious and steep ascents and descents throughout. High  altitude ascents may be undertaken followed by technically demanding descents.  Approx 80 – 120  miles a day

Itinerary

Day 1: Dover – Bruges (57 miles)

We meet in Dover where we’ll load luggage onto the support van then get a morning ferry to Dunkerque. Once we’ve arrived in France we’ll cycle to the Belgian border then along the beautiful coast before cutting inland to Bruges. Here we’ll have our first evening meal and spend our first night in this magical city.

 

Day 2: Ghent Loop (64 miles)

This morning we head south out of the town to join and follow the Ghent-Bruges canal southeast to the city of Ghent, one of Belgium’s best kept secrets. We’ll cross over St Michael’s bridge and into the centre of this vibrant and historic city to Gravensteen Castle, the Castle of the Counts. This beautiful medieval castle was built in 1180 by count Philip of Alsace and boasts a moat, turrets and arrow slits, an imposing and impressive piece of history at the confluence of the Lieve and Leie canals. We’ll leave the city the north through the town of Evergem then skirting around Maldegem, briefly joining the Leopardsvaart canal, then back to Bruges.

 

Day 3: Ypres Loop (79 miles)

Our ride today begins through the delightful south-western suburbs of Bruges and through beautiful woodland to the small town of Aartrijke. From here we head through farmland through Torhout then stop for coffee at the village of Gits. We’ll stop at two very different cemeteries this morning, the immaculate Passendale New British Cemetery and the dramatic German War Cemetery of Langemark, both stark and moving reminders of the region’s battles during World War I. A few miles on we enter the beautiful city of Ypres through the iconic Menin Gate, a memorial to just nearly fifty-five thousand soldiers killed in the battle of Salient-Ypres. We’ll stop for lunch under the imposing Cloth Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and soak up the atmosphere of the stunning Grote Markt. After lunch we cycle along several incredible canalside cycle paths and country lanes back to Bruges for our third and final evening in the city.

 

Day 4: Bruges – Dunkerque – Dover (58 miles)

Our final day’s ride leaves Bruges to the west alongside the Gent-Bruges-Ostende canal, a popular route out of the city. We’ll stop for lunch in the pretty town of Veurne, with cobbled streets and typical Flemish architecture lining the main square. We continue west to Dunkerque where we’ll board our ferry back to Dover. Here, the trips ends and we say our farewells.

Single room supplement is £180 and you can add this upon booking.

 

Map

Includes

• Cycle guide(s) on all rides
• Support vehicle throughout
• Bicycle mechanical support
• Return ferry with bicycle from Dover to Dunkerque
• 3 x night’s hotel accommodation (based upon twin sharing*)
• 3 x breakfasts
• 4 x cycling routes
• Luggage transfer from Dover to Bruges
• Luggage transfer from Bruges to Dover
• GPX files of the routes

*Single room supplement is £180 and you can add this upon booking.

Not Included

• Bicycle and Helmet
• Transport to and from Dover
• Lunches, evening meals & drinks
• Entrance to Gravensteen Castle (€10)
• Insurance

FAQs

Can we leave our cars at Dover?

Yes. Once you've signed up to the trip we'll forward details on secure car parks in Dover that you can leave your car.

Can we stay in Dover the night before the trip begins?

Yes there are plenty of hotels to stay in Dover. We recommend one of the Premier Inns (there are a couple!), details can be found in the Joining Instructions.

Can we have breakfast on the ferry?

This isn't a problem, there is a restaurant on the ferry and is probabaly a better idea than rushing your breakfast in the hotel.

Do we ride onto the ferry?

Yes, so you'll need to arrive ready to ride.

Are there group meals every night?

There will be a couple of group meals, but you'll also get the opportunity to choose other restaurants and explore the fantastic city of Bruges on a couple of nights too.