London to Brussels cycle challenge itinerary

Four days three nights

Cycling from London to Brussels is one of the great cycle experiences in Europe. Passing through undulating countryside in Kent, we cross the Channel to Calais and ride north into Belgium. Our route takes us through the lowlands of Flanders, via Bruges and Ghent, passing through small medieval market towns - many with beautiful World Heritage-listed buildings.

After long days in the saddle and some challenging hills, our three days of cycling ends in the capital city of Brussels, which will be hosting the Belgian Beer Festival - an entertaining way to celebrate our achievement!

Day 1 London - Calais

Cycle approx. 135km (80 miles)

An early start from Blackheath Common allows us to avoid the morning traffic as we pass through the outskirts of London onto quieter roads. It is not long before we are among the rolling fields of rural Kent, passing orchards and traditional oast houses where hops are stored. We head through Tonbridge and follow country roads across the hills of the North Downs to Dover. Taking the ferry to Calais, we have dinner on board and cycle the short distance to our hotel in Calais. (Dinner on ferry not included)

Overnight: Hotel.

Day 2: Calais - Bruges

Cycle approx 124km (77 miles)

After breakfast, we ride parallel to the coast from Calais towards Dunkirk, a historic city known best for the British evacuation in the Second World War. A few miles later we cross the border into Belgium and cycle through East Flanders countryside to the lovely old town of Veurne, which roughly marks our halfway point. Veurne's market square is one of the most attractive in Belgium with Renaissance and Gothic buildings and a belfry included in UNESCO World Heritage Site listings. Our route now takes us east, inland through polders - low-lying areas reclaimed from the sea; we will see many dikes and canals which protect the land. This area is extensively farmed and dotted with small villages. Crossing the Yser at the small village of Schoorbakke, we follow a loop of this picturesque, wide river as it meanders through open green fields and meadows.

Continuing eastwards, we ride through Ichtegem - one of many small Belgian towns which has its own brewery - and head towards Bruges, our destination for the night. Famed for its canal networks, this 'Venice of the North' has some beautiful medieval buildings and the historic centre is a World Heritage Site. An evening wander is a very pleasant way to wind down after our day's efforts!

Overnight: Hotel.

Day 3: Bruges - Brussels

Cycle approx 120 km (75 miles)

After a couple of long days in the saddle, our legs may feel a little tired but there is plenty of motivation to keep us going! Heading southeast, we leave the lovely sights of Bruges behind us and cycle through green farmland and small towns with striking churches and town halls. Cycling roughly parallel to the Bruges-Ghent canal, it's not long before we arrive in the ancient city of Ghent, which we cross with care, marvelling at the impressive medieval buildings as we pass. On quiet roads again, we cycle through an area dotted with old castles, mills and many waterways. We cross through Aalst, another lovely medieval town and ride through farmland which traditionally provided hops to the many local breweries. Now not far from our goal, we enter the suburbs of Brussels and ride past the famous Atomium, built for the 1958 Expo, and past Laeken Royal Park before we come to the Grand'Place. The central square of Brussels is surrounded by impressive buildings including the Gothic town hall - and hosts the annual Belgian Beer Weekend! We should arrive in time to witness this fun festival and enjoy the atmosphere and live music in this incredible square.Tonight we have our celebration meal.

Overnight: Hotel.

Day 4: Brussels - London

You are free to explore the city and enjoy the Beer Weekend; there are parades and bands, and opportunities to try some of the hundreds of different beers for which Belgium is renowned! We then take the late afternoon Eurostar train back to London, arriving early evening.
(Lunch and dinner not included)

Please note that this itinerary is open to change.