On The Beach

Click here in order to view On the Beach in a larger map complete with pictures, street view etc. Please note that the because of the limitations of Google Maps this route cannot be 100% accurate but will give you a rough idea:-)

This is a ride for regular cyclists - not lycra clad racers with shaved legs, but if you cycle regularly - most weekends, commute etc then though the longest day is 60 kms (40 miles) you'll not find it hard, The reward is a route that takes you to some wonderful places, not least a Chateaux at the top of a hill where you'll dine like kings (or Queens) and the most beautiful beach you can imagine...

For a more detailed google map where you can zoom in and out and see a satellite picture and photos of the area please follow this link to the original of the map here. Please note because of the limitations of the Google Maps the route may not be exactly as shown.

A wander along the canal towpath and country lanes to the town of Hoelgoat where you'll stay at a hotel overlooking the lake and be able to explore the town square with it's bars and restaurants. The river has caused a mighty 'Chaoe' of boulders to form, including the famous 'rock tremblante' which a child can rock though it weights many tons.

Today is very short, but that's because it takes you over the edge of the 'Black Mountains' and through several small towns - each worth a stop and a look round, you don't want to have to rush. At the end of the day you will stay at the Chateaux/Manor house at the Manoir de Toullaeron - an 18th century Manor complete with towers, flagged floors and a real 'chateau' feel. Here the patron will provide a beautiful meal for 22 Euro including wine. A very special place...

This is the longest day by some distance, but with 1000 feet to fall over the day there's a lot more down than up, and 15 kms are on flat cyclepath made from the old railway line. Le Pouldu is a bit of a tourist trap with a huge sweep of sand. What most people don't realise it that at its western end, behind a spur of land lies a sandy cove out of 'Poldark' - you can imagine the smugglers and even in August it doesn't get packed. The hotel is tucked away just 100m from this in what looks like a little residential street and has a cracking little restaurant opposite.

Day 4 - Well the route is called 'On the Beach' so that's what we expect you to do, however the coastal path runs along the top of the cliffs not 100m from your hotel and is a wonderful walk - take a picnic...

A little shorter, but you do ride up from the coast so a bit more up than down. Once again you get lost in the countryside pretty soon after leaving the coast. The high spots of the day will be the visit to Quimperle (known as the 'kiss' of Brittany) and then of course the magnificent covered marketplace at your destination of Le Faouet...

This ride takes you all the way to the canal and to a tiny Chambre D'Hote right on the canal bank - it's such a beautiful setting, a lovely host, and she will make you a cyclist sized evening meal:-)

Saturday and the return, a short ride all of it on the canal towpath - it even slopes gently downhill:-) Reckon on a couple of hours maximum, an hour if you press on.