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Spanish cycling routes offer some of Europe's most rewarding riding, from dramatic mountain passes and quiet coastal roads to rolling vineyards and remote pueblos blancos (white villages). Few people know these bike tours in Spain better than Dan Hirst, Head of Skedaddle España. Dan has spent more than two decades living near Tarifa, mainland Spain's ...
5 best end to end cycle routes
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There is something undeniably special about cycling the full length of a country. More than just a cycling holiday, these epic journeys allow you to experience a destination in a way few travellers ever do, watching landscapes and cultures change day by day from the saddle.
For Skedaddle Travel Consultant Kerry Ashberry, our Iconic Journeys offer the ultimate road cycling experience in our range. Kerry has firsthand experience of some of these rides, having joined our St Malo to Nice 3-week tour back in 2018 and ridden sections of our 16-day Land’s End to John o’Groats (LEJOG) trip as well!
In this round-up, Kerry shares the end to end cycle routes on her wishlist and what riders can expect from each uniquely rewarding journey.
What is an end to end cycle route?
There are few cycling achievements more iconic than travelling from the very top of a country to its very bottom, or vice versa. These epic journeys span entire nations, taking riders through ever-changing landscapes, cultures and cuisines before culminating in a powerful, once-in-a-lifetime sense of accomplishment at your journey’s end.
Alongside the mileage, one of the standout experiences on these iconic journeys is the shared challenge of covering significant distances alongside new friends. This creates a unique sense of camaraderie, with riders supporting one another through every climb, milestone and celebration. Reaching your final destination after weeks on the road delivers a powerful and unrivalled sense of achievement!
The end to end cycle routes on my wishlist
1. Land’s End to John o’ Groats, UK
Best for: Riders looking to tick off Britain’s ultimate cycling challenge
The Land’s End to John o’Groats (LEJOG) cycle route is one of those legendary rides that many cyclists have on their bucket lists, and for good reason. From Cornwall’s country roads and the limestone cliffs of Cheddar Gorge to the rolling, green borders, the Cairngorms and the dramatic Highlands – it’s an ever-changing journey through Britain’s varied land beautiful landscapes. It’s also a ride through the cultural heart of the UK, where accents, traditions, food and local specialities evolve with every region crossed.
At Skedaddle, we have proudly helped hundreds of cyclists achieve this challenge over the years. Whilst I haven’t ridden the full route, it passes not too far from Skedaddle’s HQ in the UK, so I was able to join a LEJOG tour between Talkin Tarn and Peebles for a taste of the journey, a few years ago. That tour was particularly special as there was a group of riders from Singapore taking on the challenge to raise funds, including Michael Ngu who rode the route on a recumbent bike.
We also offer a slightly longer 22-day route for cyclists looking for a steadier pace with extra time to enjoy the scenery, or you can tackle LEJOG on one of our dedicated e-bike departures, perfect for riders looking for added confidence while still completing this legendary end to end cycle route.
The achievement of cycling from one end of the country to the other is one thing, but to do it with such a fabulous bunch of people was something else. The whole trip seemed far less effort and so much more fun because it was done the Skedaddle way.
Guided
Land’s End to John O’Groats Classic
Guided Road Cycling Holiday
| Start Date | Price p.p. |
|---|---|
| 22/05/2027 | £3,395.00 |
| 14/08/2027 | £3,395.00 |
- Ride the length of Britain from toe to tip and declare yourself an ‘End to Ender’
- The camaraderie of completing the UK’s best challenge ride on a small group tour
- 3 countries in 14 days of riding. 1,000 miles of Britain at its best
- A unique LEJOG route along quiet roads through scenic countryside
- Enjoy spectacular scenery from Cheddar Gorge to the Cairngorms
- Experience the regional changes in tradition, culture and accents as you progress from county to county
- Delicious picnics, country pubs and wonderful accommodation
- Cornish pasties to haggis and everything in between
Guided
Land’s End to John O’Groats Explorer
Guided Road Cycling Holiday
E-BIKE HIRE AVAILABLE
This tour is well-suited to both regular bikes and pedal assist e-bikes, and you can choose to hire either when you book your tour with us. Confident cyclists will enjoy the boost from a battery for those cheeky climbs, and with less effort required on the bike, you’ll have more energy at the end of the day for off-the-bike activities. You may choose to hire an e-bike on a group or supported tour but bear in mind that the pace will be set to riders without an e-bike.
| Start Date | Price p.p. |
|---|---|
| 08/05/2027 | £5,045.00 |
| 05/06/2027 | £5,045.00 |
| 03/07/2027 | £5,045.00 |
| 31/07/2027 | £5,045.00 |
- Ride the length of Britain from toe to tip and declare yourself an ‘End to Ender’
- Experience the regional changes in tradition, culture and accents as you progress from county to county
- Enjoy spectacular scenery from Cheddar Gorge to the Cairngorms
- 3 countries in 19 days of riding
- 1,000 miles of Britain at its best
- Cornish pasties to haggis and everything in between
Guided
Land’s End to John O’Groats Explorer
Guided Electric Bike Holiday
E-BIKE HOLIDAY
This holiday has been designed as an e-bike tour allowing you to experience more on two wheels whilst riding with like-minded Skedaddlers. Confident cyclists will enjoy the boost from a battery for those cheeky climbs and longer distances. With less effort required on the bike, you’ll have more energy at the end of the day for off-the-bike activities. Remember to select your e-bike hire when you book your holiday with us.
| Start Date | Price p.p. |
|---|---|
| 17/04/2027 | £5,045.00 |
| 19/06/2027 | £5,045.00 |
| 11/09/2027 | £5,045.00 |
- 3 countries in 19 days of riding
- 1,000 miles of Britain at its best
– Riding an e-bike the length of Britain from toe to tip and declaring yourself an ‘End to Ender’
- Cornish pasties to haggis and everything in between
- Experiencing the regional changes in tradition, culture and accents as you progress from county to county
- Enjoying spectacular scenery from Cheddar Gorge to the Cairngorms
2. St Malo to Nice, France
Best for: Cyclists dreaming of their own Tour de France-style experience
Spanning almost 1,000 miles from the English Channel to the Mediterranean Sea, this iconic journey offers a complete cross-section of France’s landscapes, culture and cuisine. Beginning on the rugged Brittany coast, with views of Mont- Saint-Michel, the route winds through the Loire Valley, Dordogne and Cévennes before reaching the vineyards of the Rhône and the lavender fields of Provence.
The route offers the opportunity to experience France gradually unfolding before you. Each region brings a distinct identity, from local delicacies and world-class wines to changing architecture, scenery and traditions. As the terrain becomes increasingly dramatic, riders are rewarded with some of the country’s most celebrated cycling roads, including the opportunity to conquer the legendary Mont Ventoux, one of the most famous climbs in professional cycling and a regular feature of the Tour de France.
As France is widely regarded as the spiritual home of cycling, there’s a special feeling that comes with traversing the country by bike. The warm welcome from locals, deep-rooted cycling culture and fantastic variety of landscapes make this one of Europe’s most rewarding end to end cycle routes. I joined the final section of this mighty French odyssey back in 2018 and rolling down to the Promenade des Anglais in Nice with my fellow riders and taking a dip in the Mediterranean really is an experience that I will treasure forever!
This was the best holiday I have ever had! Our guides’ local knowledge was excellent and this really enhanced our experience of the French landscape and culture.
Guided
St Malo to Nice Classic
Guided Road Cycling Holiday
| Start Date | Price p.p. |
|---|---|
| 18/06/2027 | £4,525.00 |
| 13/08/2027 | £4,525.00 |
- Cycling along the Brittany coast with views out to the Abbey of Mont St Michel
- Travelling under your own power all the way from the Channel to the Mediterranean
- Following riverside roads along the Loire, Dordogne and the Rhône
- Riding through the wine drenched Châteauneuf-du-Pape!
- Riding through the lavender fields of Provence and winding your way through the Verdon Gorge
- Descending to Nice to ride along the Promenade des Anglais like a Tour de France winner!
Guided
St Malo to Nice Explorer
Guided Road Cycling Holiday
| Start Date | Price p.p. |
|---|---|
| 25/05/2027 | £6,075.00 |
| 06/09/2027 | £6,075.00 |
- Cycling along the Brittany coast with views out to the Abbey of Mont St-Michel
- Travelling under your own power all the way from the Channel to the Mediterranean
- Meandering along the Loire, Dordogne and Rhône rivers
- Riding through vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-pape
- Riding through the lavender fields of Provence and winding your way through the Verdon Gorge
- Descending to Nice to ride along the Promenade des Anglais
Guided
NEW! France – St Malo to Nice Explorer (23 Days)
Guided Electric Bike Holiday
Guided
France
NEW! France – St Malo to Nice Explorer (23 Days)
Guided Electric Bike Holiday
Duration
23 daysPrices from
$6,995 P.P.
Grade 4: Active
E-BIKE HOLIDAY
This holiday has been designed as an e-bike tour allowing you to experience more on two wheels whilst riding with like-minded Skedaddlers. Confident cyclists will enjoy the boost from a battery for those cheeky climbs and longer distances. With less effort required on the bike, you’ll have more energy at the end of the day for off-the-bike activities. Remember to select your e-bike hire when you book your holiday with us.
| Start Date | Price p.p. |
|---|---|
| 03/05/2027 | £6,995.00 |
| 27/09/2027 | £6,995.00 |
- Cycling almost 1000 pedal-assisted miles through 19 of France’s regional départements
- Cruising along the Brittany coast, admiring the dramatic landscapes and picturesque shoreline
- Cycling in the Loire Valley, admiring the many châteaux and sampling the region’s famous wines
- Meandering along the Loire, Dordogne, Lot and Rhône rivers
- Rolling through the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape
- Enjoying the changing French flavours, from the dairy-rich north to the Mediterranean south
- Marvelling at the spectacular Gorges de l’Ardèche, Gorge de la Nesque and Gorges du Verdon
- Celebrating the achievement of conquering the St Malo to Nice cycle route with a glass of fizz on the French Riviera
3. Grand Traverse, Italy
Best for: experiencing the extraordinary depth and diversity of Italy by bike
Beginning among the colourful cliffside villages of Cinque Terre and finishing at the very tip of Puglia, this journey follows the backbone of the country through Tuscany, Umbria, Abruzzo and beyond, revealing a side of Italy that many visitors never see.
Riders pass through no fewer than 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Siena, Val d’Orcia, Matera and Alberobello, whilst exploring medieval hilltop towns, remote national parks and quiet mountain roads through the Apennines. The route also showcases Italy beyond the famous tourist hotspots, venturing into lesser-visited regions where traditions, landscapes and local life remain wonderfully authentic.
Of course, for me, no journey through Italy would be complete without exceptional food and drink. From Tuscan wines and fresh pasta to Puglian olive oil, regional breads and seafood from the Adriatic coast, the culinary experiences you will encounter on this trip are every bit as memorable as the riding itself!
With nearly 1,100 miles of cycling, dramatic scenery, rich history and endless opportunities to embrace la dolce vita, the Grand Traverse offers a deeply rewarding end to end cycle route that will appeal to Italophiles and those eager to learn more about this gorgeous European country.
We have mourned the end of this wonderful trip. You cleared our stressy heads and toned up our tired bodies, made us laugh (some hills made us cry!) and took us out of ourselves – basically looking after our every need.
Guided
Grand Traverse Classic – North to South
Guided Road Cycling Holiday
| Start Date | Price p.p. |
|---|---|
| 24/09/2026 | £4,195.00 |
| 20/05/2027 | £4,325.00 |
| 23/09/2027 | £4,325.00 |
- Riding down the backbone of Italy on a stunning route which takes in some of the best road cycling that Italy has to offer
- Cycling through 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites and 5 National Parks
- Visiting some of the most important historical and artistic cities in Italy: Lucca, San Gimignano, Pienza, Assisi and Lecce
- The camaraderie of your fellow cyclists who’ll be joining you on this incredible tour
- Immersing yourself in Italian culture – meeting the friendly locals, experiencing delicious culinary specialties and tasting the wines of each region
- Cycling to the most southerly point of Italy, having ridden nearly 1,100 miles and climbed over 21,000 metres!
Guided
Grand Traverse Explorer – South to North
Guided Road Cycling Holiday
| Start Date | Price p.p. |
|---|---|
| 24/04/2027 | £5,655.00 |
| 28/08/2027 | £5,655.00 |
- Riding up the backbone of Italy on a stunning route which takes in some of the best road cycling that Italy has to offer
- Cycling through 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites and 5 National Parks
- Visiting some of the most important historical and artistic cities in Italy: Lecce, Assisi, Siena, Venice
- The camaraderie of your fellow cyclists who’ll be joining you on this incredible tour
- Immersing yourself in Italian culture – meeting the friendly locals, experiencing delicious culinary specialties and tasting the wines of each region
- Cycling from the most south-easterly point of the heel of Italy up to Venice, having ridden nearly 1,100 miles and climbed almost 22,000 metres!
4. Basque Country to Andalucia, Spain
Best for: the opportunity to discover Spain beyond the clichés
Spain is often thought of as a land of beaches, sunshine and tapas, but customers have commented about how this journey reveals a far more diverse and surprising side of the country. Beginning in the elegant Basque city of San Sebastián and finishing on the Mediterranean shores of Málaga, this route threads its way through remote mountain ranges, historic cities and vast rural landscapes that many visitors never encounter.
Rather than focusing on famous climbs, the route is designed to showcase the sheer variety of Spain. Riders journey through the vineyards of Rioja, spend a night in a working monastery, explore the medieval streets of Segovia and Córdoba, and cross a succession of spectacular sierras that showcase the country’s dramatic natural beauty. Along the way, the scenery evolves from the lush green hills of northern Spain to the olive-covered landscapes and whitewashed villages of Andalucía.
The cultural contrasts are just as striking. Local languages, traditions, architecture and cuisine shift from region to region, creating a journey that feels like travelling through several countries in one. Days are punctuated by café stops, tapas lunches and warm encounters with locals, while evenings are spent in characterful accommodation that reflects the spirit of each region.
We take away many great memories from our 865-mile bike ride; the spectacular scenery, the imposing sierras, the quaint villages, the fabulous Saddle Skedaddle guides, the wholesome picnic lunches and the company of some lovely fellow cyclists!
Guided
Basque Country to Andalucia Classic – North to South
Guided Road Cycling Holiday
| Start Date | Price p.p. |
|---|---|
| 27/09/2026 | £3,995.00 |
| 11/04/2027 | £4,095.00 |
| 25/09/2027 | £4,095.00 |
- Cycling through the varied beauty of 14 national parks
- Delicious regional dishes which change from day to day as you traverse the entire country
- Crossing the granite Guadarrama and Gredos mountain ranges as you move from the north to the south of the country
- Views over the Straits of Gibraltar to Morocco
- The beautiful towns of San Sebastian, Guadaloupe and Ronda
- The satisfaction of arriving in to Tarifa with over 1,000 miles of Spanish roads having passed beneath your wheels
Guided
Basque Country to Andalucia Explorer – North to South
Guided Road Cycling Holiday
| Start Date | Price p.p. |
|---|---|
| 08/05/2027 | £5,355.00 |
| 28/08/2027 | £5,355.00 |
- Starting in style with a Pintxos tour in elegant San Sebastian
- Cycling through the vineyards & dramatic mountains of Rioja
- Spending an evening in the Monastery of Valvanera
- Seduced by Segovia with its castle and cathedral
- Descending from the Sierras to the charming beauty of Cordoba
- Finishing your ride in style at the fun loving city of Malaga
5. Prague to Venice, Czech Republic, Austria, Slovenia & Italy
Best for: Bragging rights at the pub that you’ve cycled through multiple countries on one big ride
Why settle for one destination when you can experience four? This unique cross-Europe adventure links the fairy-tale streets of Prague with the canals of Venice, taking riders through the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovenia and Italy.
Along the way, you’ll visit UNESCO-listed Český Krumlov, follow stretches of the Danube River, enjoy a rest day in imperial Vienna, explore the beautifully preserved old town of Graz, and discover the vibrant Slovenian capital of Ljubljana. Combining historic cities, riverside riding and diverse cultures, the journey ends with a celebratory arrival in one of Europe’s most iconic destinations, Venice.
I can only imagine how much scouting must go into developing a route like Prague to Venice. The countryside was beautiful and, except for the occasional gravel stretches, the roads were in great shape. The guides were always ready to help and encourage. They made the riding fun, even when the climbs were daunting.
Guided
Prague to Venice
Guided Road Cycling Holiday
| Start Date | End Date | Price p.p. |
|---|---|---|
| 05/06/2027 Last Spaces | 25/06/2027 | £6,195.00 |
| 03/07/2027 | 23/07/2027 | £6,195.00 |
| 31/07/2027 | 20/08/2027 | £6,195.00 |
- A journey from Central Europe to the Mediterranean through four European countries
- Visit the vibrant capitals of Prague, Vienna and Ljubljana
- Learn about the historical Central European regions of Bohemia and Styria
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Vienna, Graz, and Venice
- Have a well deserved end-of-ride pilsner seated in the village square of a little Bohemian village
- Enjoy quiet countryside roads with sweeping views all the way from Prague to Venice
- Staying in quality accommodation, with warm traditional hospitality
- Feast on the traditional dishes, desserts and drinks of the Czech, Austrian and Slovenian cuisine.
What’s next?
If you’re feeling inspired by these end to end cycle routes take a look at our full list of iconic journeys for further details, including dates, availability and prices. These are amongst some of our most popular cycling holidays at Saddle Skedaddle and they book up quickly every year, so secure your space early to avoid disappointment.
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