Beginner’s Guide to Bicycle Touring: Start Your Adventure
Bicycle touring is an incredible way to explore new places, offering an intimate and immersive travel experience.
If you’re new to this world, starting with an easy and accessible destination can make your first trip enjoyable and memorable.
Here’s a guide to some of the best beginner-friendly bicycle touring destinations, including a highlight on South Korea.
First Steps in Bicycle Touring
For a hassle-free start, consider beginning your bicycle tour right from your doorstep.
This approach eliminates the need for extensive packing and keeps you in familiar surroundings.
However, if you’re eager to explore a new locale, experienced bicycle travelers have shared their top recommendations for beginner-friendly destinations.
Beginner? Check also:
> How to Travel by Bicycle: a Beginners’ Guide to Start Bike Touring
> How Much Does it Cost to Cycle Around the World?
Top Destinations for Your First Bicycle Trip
United Kingdom
By Andy Johnson – cyclelejog.com
The UK offers diverse routes perfect for beginners. From the iconic Land’s End to John o’Groats (about 1000 miles) to shorter coast-to-coast routes (around 150 miles), the UK has it all.
Enjoy the scenic Scottish Highlands, Yorkshire Dales, flat Norfolk Broads, and beautiful coastlines of Wales and Northumberland. The extensive National Cycle Network by Sustrans ensures plenty of traffic-free routes.
The UK is easily accessible, has abundant accommodation options, and numerous bike shops. You’ll find friendly locals and cycling enthusiasts, especially if you visit during events like the Cycle Touring Festival in Clitheroe.
Northern Ireland
By Jessilyn Calderwood – The Ways We Came
The Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland offers breathtaking landscapes, including mountains, cliffs, and castles.
The mostly flat terrain is ideal for beginners, with challenging climbs available for those seeking a test.
The route between Ballycastle and Portrush is particularly picturesque, dotted with small towns and friendly locals.
Germany
By Dave Briggs – Dave’s Travel Pages
Germany is a cyclist’s paradise with its excellent infrastructure and rich culture.
The Danube Cycling Path is a favorite, offering a well-signposted route from the river’s source to the Black Sea.
Beginners will appreciate the ample accommodations, bike rental options, and repair facilities along the way.
Italy to Austria – The Adige/Etsch Cycle Route
By Jonas Kassigkeit
The Adige/Etsch Cycle Route stretches from Verona, Italy, to Landeck, Austria.
This 345 km paved route is mostly flat, except for the Reschenpass climb, which can be bypassed by bus.
Enjoy scenic river views, apple plantations, and Alpine landscapes, with plenty of rest spots and bike repair stations along the way.
The Netherlands
By Daniele Giannotta
The Netherlands is the ultimate easy cycling destination with its extensive, well-maintained, and signposted cycling path network.
The flat terrain makes it accessible for all, and there are numerous campsites and bike rental shops.
The Dutch cycling culture ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Japan
By Daniele Giannotta
Japan offers a unique blend of cultural experiences and scenic routes.
Despite perceptions of high costs, bicycle touring can be affordable with options like free camping at Shinto shrines and utilizing public baths.
The country is incredibly safe, and while some areas are hilly, routes like the Shimanami Kaido and the Amakusa Islands in Kyushu are perfect for beginners.
South Korea
By Elena Stafanin
South Korea is an exceptional destination for novice cyclists, boasting thousands of kilometers of dedicated cycling paths. The country’s vast road network offers numerous scenic and low-traffic routes through charming villages that showcase Korean culture.
Camping is popular and convenient, with numerous free campsites near beaches and lakes. The landscape features gentle rolling hills rather than challenging mountains, making it accessible yet varied.
South Korea is also one of the safest countries, with minimal petty crime. The west and south coasts, less frequented by tourists, offer stunning island landscapes and a more authentic experience.
> Route: Bikepacking South Korea – Full Coastal Route w. GPS Itinerary
> Blog: Bicycle Touring The Paths Of Korea
> Information: Cycling Korea – All about South Korea by Bike
Thailand
by Elena Stefanin
Thailand’s mix of flat coastal roads and challenging northern mountains makes it versatile for beginners.
The availability of food stalls, guest houses, and free camping options at temples and police stations enhance the experience.
Avoid the hot season for a more pleasant ride.
The Philippines
By Jens Funk
The Visayas islands in the Philippines provide easy and beautiful routes, with flat, paved coastal roads and minimal traffic.
Accommodation is plentiful and affordable, and the friendly English-speaking locals add to the appeal.
Avoid cycling in Manila due to traffic and in Mindanao due to safety concerns.
Wrap Up
By starting with one of these beginner-friendly destinations, you’ll get a feel for bicycle touring and discover the joy of exploring the world on two wheels. Happy cycling!