(Average 17, longest 28 miles/45 km - very easy to begin with and pretty easy thereafter) Very quiet roads and cyclepath.) Also available as a camping based cycling holiday - see also extended version below.
A very easy route on near deserted roads and cycle path and yet one that has decent distances - you get to stay the two nights just outside Josselin. The following day you then have to ride just over 40 kms, all on the canal towpath, to Pontivy.
Though this isn't one of the shortest routes it is one of the easiest - with over half the distance being on the canal towpath and old railway track/cyclepath. Where it does use roads it is very quiet and the only days with anything that could be called hills are the last two (when you should be more ready for it) and both pretty short. This makes it a perfect route for people looking for quiet easy cycling or for those with teenage children on their own bikes - who you don't trust...
Arrival on Saturday (other days are possible but you miss the market at Bon Repos.
Day 1 – A gentle wobble to Mellionnec – 8 km.
That says it all really... A very gentle introduction to the week... You just get onto the canal towpath and ride 8 km to a little B&B lost in the countryside. Food? The owner is a retired chef - you'll eat like kings.... A very gentle way to start.
Day 2. - 30 kms
After 8 km to Bon Repos which has a Sunday morning market where you can buy your picnic then almost all off road as you follow first the Canal then the old railway track to the village of Mur-de-Bretagne, then on to the village of St Caradec and your first 'Chambre D'Hotes' where you will be well fed and watered:-)
Day 3. - 45 kms
Today all on country lanes and tow path as you wind your way though the countryside to the large village of Rohan and then on to two nights just outside Josselin itself.
Day 4. 10 kms?
In theory the shortest day, but not compulsory as you can always explore well beyond Josselin if you wish. However Josselin is a wonderful little town and the cathedral sized church and chateaux, packed tight together on the town square is not to be missed - Josselin is gorgeous.
Day 5. - 45 kms
Today all on the canal towpath again, the first 1/3 you'll have done before but it has to be said that routes done in reverse look completely new! The canal takes you right into the centre of Pontivy, a bustling town which you'll have plenty of time to explore tomorrow. The hotel L'Europe is a big, converted, Napoleonic townhouse with amazing staircases and wooden panelling.
Day 6 - 25 kms
Short and all on the towpath - the idea being that you can linger in Pontivy for the morning then gorgeous river/canal to a B&B where you will eat like kings...
Day 7 - 25 kms
A very pretty ride to the large village of Guemene via Melrand to a lovely little Chambre D'Hotes in the heart of the village. Short but of all the days the one with the most hills though nothing over 3%
Day 8 - 19 kms
A morning's ride to bring you back to us mostly along the Blavet river valley, so only one hill worthy of the name