Ride a bike on a scenic route

Riding a bike on a scenic route means a day on a path built for the view, along a river, across islands or through vineyards, at a speed where you notice everything. Car-free paths on old railway lines, canals and riverbanks make it easy even if you haven't ridden in years.

Where to do it

Shimanami Kaido, Japan

A 70 km route between Onomichi on Honshu and Imabari on Shikoku, crossing the Seto Inland Sea on a chain of bridges and islands. Rental bikes can be dropped off at terminals along the way, so you can ride just part of it in Japan.

Otago Central Rail Trail, New Zealand

About 150 km of old railway line between Clyde and Middlemarch, through tunnels and over viaducts with gentle gradients. Most take three to five days, staying in small towns, but a single section works as a day ride in New Zealand.

Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, United States

Ride from San Francisco's waterfront across the Golden Gate Bridge and down into Sausalito, then take the ferry back across the bay. Wind and fog on the bridge are common, so bring a layer in this corner of the United States.

Wachau, Austria

The Danube Cycle Path, part of the EuroVelo 6 route, runs flat through the Wachau valley between Melk and Krems, past vineyards, apricot orchards and abbeys. Boats can carry you and the bike one way in Austria.

Loire Valley, France

Signed cycle routes link the châteaux of the Loire: Amboise, Chenonceau, Chambord and more, with mostly flat riding along the river. Pick a base and do day loops in this part of France.

Bollenstreek, Netherlands

In spring, flat bike paths run past the bulb fields between Leiden and Haarlem. In the Netherlands, numbered junctions on the cycle network make planning simple: write the numbers down and follow the signs.

Hoi An, Vietnam

From the old town, quiet lanes lead through rice paddies and vegetable villages to An Bang beach. It's flat and short, and most guesthouses in this corner of Vietnam lend bikes.

Lake Constance, Germany and Switzerland

The Lake Constance cycle path loops the lake through three countries, with the Alps across the water. Ride a stretch along the shores of Germany and Switzerland, and take a ferry back.

How to make it happen

Find one near you. Look for converted railway lines (rail trails), canal towpaths, riverside greenways and lake loops. In Europe, the EuroVelo network maps long routes country by country; national and regional cycling maps elsewhere do the same.

• Start short and flat. Rail trails have gentle gradients; a 20 to 30 km first ride is plenty.
• Check a rental bike before you leave: brakes, tires, gears and saddle height. E-bikes make hills easy; local rules on them vary.
• Wear a helmet. In Australia and New Zealand it's the law for cyclists, and it's sensible everywhere.
• Use lights if you might ride at dusk, and wear something bright.
• Watch the weather, especially wind: ride into it first, while you're fresh.
• Carry water, snacks, sunscreen, a basic repair kit and an offline map.
• Ride on the correct side of the road for the country, and give way to walkers on shared paths.

Make a weekend of it by the sea, or ride between vineyards to taste wine where it grows. More ideas: the Close to home chapter.