A sad sight - the horse chestnuts falling as summer descends in to autumn. But, it is never too late to cram in a last cycle tour before digging out the thermal underwear and the 12500 candlepower lights.
One hundred years ago the English Channel was conveying thousands and soldiers and millions of tons of gear and ammunition to the war zones of Flanders and the Somme. Both areas are very easy to get to and full of touching and grisly reminders of the horrors of that 'great' war.Sail to Dunkerque, Calais or Dieppe and head for Ypres, Arras or Albert to get right into the middle of the battlefields.
It isn't all gloomy - the Somme area is also very pretty, especially the rivers Ancre and Somme. Quaint villages and quiet back roads remain hidden amongst the chalky rolling hills. Belgian cycle paths are some of the best in Europe and Flanders offers pleasant off-road cycling opportunites along canals.
Here are some short trips I did earlier that may give you some pointers:
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Dieppe - Albert - Serre Rd - Somme - Calais 196 miles
Dunkerque - Ypres - Cadzand - Dunkerque 171 miles
Dunkerque - Ypres - Somme - Arras - Dunkerque 200 miles
Calais - Neuve Chapelle - Vimy - Ypres - Dunkerque 196 miles
Dieppe - Albert - Serre Rd - Somme - Calais 196 miles
Dunkerque - Ypres - Cadzand - Dunkerque 171 miles
Dunkerque - Ypres - Somme - Arras - Dunkerque 200 miles
Calais - Neuve Chapelle - Vimy - Ypres - Dunkerque 196 miles
