Best EuroVelo routes from the UK for cycle tourers

You don’t need a flight, a complicated bike box, or weeks of logistics to cycle across Europe. From the UK, you can roll straight onto the EuroVelo network, a web of long-distance cycling routes that connect the continent.

Better still, three of those routes run through the UK itself. Which means you can start close to home and keep going as far as your legs (and appetite) allow.

Overview

→EuroVelo routes that include the UK: EV1, EV2, EV12

→Best overall route from the UK: EV12 – North Sea Cycle Route

→Best for city-to-city riding: EV2 – Capitals Route

→Best beginner-friendly option abroad: EV15 – Rhine Route

→Best short trip: EV4 via northern France

Many major routes can be reached within a day from the UK using ferries, trains or planes.

What is EuroVelo?

A crucial tool for cycle tourers exploring Europe, EuroVelo is a network of long-distance cycling routes spanning Europe. It’s designed to make cross-border cycling simple, safe(ish), and, most importantly, enjoyable.

The essentials

17 long-distance routes

Over 90,000 km planned network

40+ countries connected

Around 63,000 km currently developed

Source: European Cyclists’ Federation / EuroVelo official data

Routes combine:

Dedicated cycle paths

Quiet country roads

National cycling networks

You don’t need to ride the full length. Most UK cyclists tackle sections, from long weekends to multi-week tours.

How EuroVelo routes are structured

EuroVelo routes fall into three broad types:

North–South routes (e.g. Scandinavia to Italy)
East–West routes (e.g. France to Eastern Europe)
Regional loops (e.g. around the North Sea)

For UK riders, the key is understanding which routes:

Start or pass through the UK

Connect easily to mainland Europe

Which EuroVelo Routes Pass Through the UK

This is your foundation; these are the routes that make UK-based touring genuinely easy.

UK-connected EuroVelo routes

EV1 – Atlantic Coast Route → coastal, long-distance

EV2 – Capitals Route → London to Europe connector

EV12 – North Sea Cycle Route → UK-based loop around North Sea

These routes either start in the UK or include major UK sections.

This is what allows you to cycle from Britain into Europe without needing to “jump” onto the network artificially.

Best EuroVelo routes from the UK

Let’s break this into two parts:

Routes that include the UK (core routes)
Routes that are easily accessed from the UK

Part 1: Core UK routes (Start from home)

These are your most logical starting points.

EV12 – North Sea Cycle Route

Best overall UK route

If you want the simplest possible start, this is it.

EV12 loops around the North Sea and includes extensive sections along the UK’s east coast.

EV12 at a glance

Best for: UK-based touring

Start point: East coast (Hull, Newcastle, Edinburgh)

Trip length: Weekend → multi-week

Terrain: Coastal, rolling

Why it works

Starts directly in the UK

No need for immediate travel abroad

Flexibility to ride a section or the full loop

Best UK section

Yorkshire coast → Northumberland → Scotland

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Mostly flat with some coastal climbs

EV2 – Capitals Route

Best for cycling from London to Europe

This is the most natural route if your goal is simple: cycle from London to mainland Europe.

EV2 connects major capitals, including London, and provides a direct path from the UK into continental cycling networks.

EV2 at a glance

Best for: London to Europe cycling

Start point: London

Trip length: 3 days → multi-week

Terrain: Mixed (urban + rural)

Why it works

London is a key starting point

Straightforward route to the Channel

Seamless continuation into Europe

Typical UK → Europe route

London → Dover

Ferry to Calais

Continue into Belgium → Netherlands

What makes it different

More urban than EV12

Strong mix of culture, food, and landmarks

Ideal for riders who want variety, not just scenery

Difficulty – Moderate

Requires more navigation than EV15

EV1 – Atlantic Coast Route

Best for scenic UK riding

EV1 runs from Norway to Portugal and includes sections along the UK’s western coastline.

EV1 at a glance

Best for: Coastal scenery

Start point: South West England

Trip length: 3 days → long-distance

Terrain: Hilly, coastal

Why it works

Stunning coastal scenery

Connects into longer European touring routes

Less crowded than eastern routes

Best UK section

South West England (Devon, Cornwall)

Difficulty

Moderate

More climbing than EV12

Part 2: Best EuroVelo routes easily accessible from the UK

Once you’re happy to hop on a ferry or train, your options expand quickly.

EV4 – Central Europe Route

Best for short trips

This is one of the easiest ways to get a “proper Europe” cycling trip without going far.

EV4 at a glance

Best for: First EuroVelo trip

Start point: Calais

Trip length: 3–10 days

Why it works

Direct ferry access from Dover to Calais

Excellent French cycling infrastructure

Perfect for 3–7 day trips

Difficulty – Easy

Well signposted

Terrain: Flat

EV15 – Rhine Route

Best for beginners abroad

If you want stress-free cycling, EV15 delivers.

EV15 at a glance

Best for: Beginners

Start point: Rotterdam / Amsterdam

Trip length: 5–14 days

Terrain: Very flat

Why it works

Flat route following the Rhine

Outstanding infrastructure

Easy access via Rotterdam or Amsterdam

Typical route

Netherlands → Germany → Switzerland

Source: EuroVelo Data Hub (European Cyclists’ Federation)

EV6 – Atlantic to Black Sea

Best for big adventures

For those who want to go long, EV6 is one of Europe’s iconic routes.

EV6 at a glance

Best for: Long-distance touring

Start point: Northern France

Trip length: 1–8 weeks

Terrain: Mostly flat

Why it works

Follows major rivers (Loire, Danube)

Huge flexibility in distance

Easy to join from northern France

Difficulty – Moderate

Long-distance endurance required

How to get from the UK to EuroVelo routes

You’ve got three main options, and they’re all viable with a bike.

Ferry (best all-round option)

Key routes

Dover → Calais (EV2, EV4, EV6)

Hull → Rotterdam (EV15)

Newcastle → Amsterdam (EV12, EV15)

Why choose ferry

Bike-friendly

Minimal restrictions

Ideal with panniers

Train (fast, but more rules)

Key route

London → Paris (Eurostar)

From Paris, you can connect to multiple EuroVelo routes.

Note: Bike policies vary, check requirements for bags and bookings.

Fly (faster, but costly)

Multiple route options

Bike transport policies vary from airline to airline

Time considerations for dismantling, packing for travel and setting up at the other end.

A specialist bike box or bag will be required for transport.

EuroVelo in numbers

A few stats that show the scale of what’s available:

90,000+ km planned network

63,000+ km currently developed

17 routes across Europe

40+ countries connected

Source: European Cyclists’ Federation / EuroVelo

Which route should you choose?

It depends on what you want from the trip.

Beginners

EV15

EV12

Short trips

EV4

EV2 (London → France section)

Scenic riding

EV1

EV12

Big adventures

EV6

Quick decision guide

Want to start from London? → EV2

Want to stay in the UK? → EV12

Want a short European trip? → EV4

Want easy cycling abroad? → EV15

Want a long journey? → EV6

Practical tips for UK cyclists

Navigation

Signage varies across Europe.

You’ll find a strong, clear network in France, Netherlands & Germany.

Be prepared for less consistency elsewhere.

You could use GPX routes or apps for assistance.

Costs

Typical daily spend

Budget: £40–£70

Mid-range: £70–£120

Documents

GHIC card recommended

Cycling travel insurance essential

No visa needed for short EU trips

Bike choice

You don’t need a specialist setup.

Hybrid / touring bikes = ideal

Road bikes = fine on developed routes but could be limited.

E-bikes = allow travelling further but have charging considerations.

FAQs

Can you cycle from London to Europe?

Yes. EV2 provides a direct route from London to Dover, where you can take a ferry and continue cycling into mainland Europe.

What are the EuroVelo routes in the UK?

EV1, EV2, and EV12 all include sections within the UK.

What is the easiest EuroVelo route?

EV15 (Rhine Route) is widely considered the easiest due to flat terrain and excellent infrastructure.

Do you need a special bike?

No, any reliable bike suitable for long-distance riding will work.

Final Thoughts

For UK cyclists, EuroVelo removes the biggest barrier to European touring: access.

You can: Start from London – Ride to the coast – Cross the Channel – Keep going

No flights. No complicated logistics. Just a continuous route across a continent.

Protect your trip with essential Cycle Travel Insurance

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Sources

Data sourced from EuroVelo (European Cyclists’ Federation) and official route documentation.

https://en.eurovelo.com/

https://www.walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk/

Source: Veloplanner / EuroVelo guidance

This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation.