For adventure enthusiasts, there’s nothing quite like the freedom of exploring the world on two wheels or with a backpack strapped to your shoulders. Bikepacking through the rolling hills of Europe or backpacking across the vibrant trails of Southeast Asia offers a unique blend of physical challenge, cultural immersion, and breathtaking scenery. In this guide, we share some of the best routes for bikepacking in the UK and Europe and backpacking in Southeast Asia, along with packing tips, route reviews, and inspiration to fuel your next journey.
Bikepacking in the UK and Europe: Routes to Explore
Bikepacking combines cycling with lightweight camping, allowing you to cover long distances while staying close to nature. Europe, with its diverse landscapes and well-maintained cycling paths, is a bikepacker’s paradise. Below are three beginner-friendly yet rewarding routes to consider.
1. The Loire Valley, France: A Cyclist’s Dream
- Distance: 200–300 km (flexible based on itinerary)
- Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
- Highlights: Renaissance châteaux, vineyard-lined paths, charming villages
- Best Time to Go: May to September
The Loire Valley is often called the “Garden of France,” and for good reason. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers flat, well-marked cycling paths that wind through vineyards, past fairy-tale castles like Château de Chambord, and into quaint towns like Amboise. The EuroVelo 6 route, which runs through the Loire, is perfect for bikepackers, with plenty of campsites and small guesthouses along the way.
Route Review: The Loire is ideal for those new to bikepacking due to its gentle terrain and abundant amenities. Cyclists can stop for fresh baguettes, local wines, and farm-to-table meals. However, summer can be busy, so book campsites in advance. Based on our experience guiding adventurers, we recommend starting in Orléans and cycling west to Tours for a manageable 5–7 day trip.
Packing Tip: Pack lightweight panniers with a compact tent, a sleeping pad, and a multi-tool for bike repairs. Include a waterproof jacket, as spring showers are common.
2. The Camino de Santiago, Spain: A Spiritual Journey
- Distance: 800 km (Camino Francés, can be shortened)
- Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
- Highlights: Historic pilgrimage trail, vibrant Spanish culture, mountain vistas
- Best Time to Go: April to October
The Camino de Santiago is one of the world’s most iconic pilgrimage routes, stretching from the French Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. While traditionally a walking trail, the Camino is increasingly popular among bikepackers for its mix of paved roads, gravel paths, and stunning scenery. The route passes through medieval towns, rolling vineyards, and the rugged beauty of Galicia.
Route Review: The Camino is a test of endurance but rewards cyclists with a deep sense of camaraderie and cultural immersion. Pilgrims’ hostels (albergues) offer affordable lodging, though bikepackers should carry a lightweight tent for flexibility. Plan for 10–14 days for the full Camino Francés, or try a shorter section, like Pamplona to León.
Packing Tip: A sturdy gravel bike with wide tires is ideal for the mixed terrain. Pack high-energy snacks like nuts and dried fruit, and carry a water filter for remote sections.
3. The Cotswolds, UK: Quintessential English Countryside
- Distance: 100–150 km (loop routes)
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Highlights: Rolling hills, stone villages, cozy pubs
- Best Time to Go: June to August
For a shorter bikepacking adventure, the Cotswolds in England offers a postcard-perfect escape. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is known for its honey-colored stone cottages, lush meadows, and quiet country lanes. A popular loop starts in Moreton-in-Marsh, passing through Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold.
Route Review: The Cotswolds is perfect for a 2–3 day trip, with gentle hills and plenty of pubs for hearty meals. The roads are narrow, so ride single file and use a rear light for visibility. Wild camping is restricted, so book campsites or B&Bs in advance.
Packing Tip: Pack a lightweight stove for morning coffee, as campsites may lack cafes. A handlebar bag is handy for quick access to maps and snacks.
Backpacking in Southeast Asia: Trails of Culture and Nature
Southeast Asia’s lush jungles, ancient temples, and vibrant markets make it a backpacker’s haven. Trekking here combines physical challenge with cultural discovery. Below are two iconic routes that showcase the region’s diversity.
1. The Annapurna Circuit, Nepal: Himalayan Grandeur
- Distance: 160–230 km (depending on side treks)
- Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
- Highlights: Snow-capped peaks, Tibetan villages, diverse ecosystems
- Best Time to Go: October to November, March to April
The Annapurna Circuit is one of the world’s premier trekking routes, circling the Annapurna Massif in Nepal. The trail climbs from tropical lowlands to the Thorong La Pass (5,416m), offering jaw-dropping views of peaks like Annapurna II and Dhaulagiri. Along the way, trekkers pass through Buddhist villages, tea houses, and sacred sites.
Route Review: This 10–20 day trek is physically demanding but accessible to fit beginners with proper preparation. Tea houses provide basic lodging and meals, so you don’t need to carry a tent. Altitude sickness is a risk, so acclimatize slowly and carry diamox as a precaution. Local guides can enhance the experience with insights into Himalayan culture.
Packing Tip: Pack a 40–50L backpack with a warm sleeping bag, layered clothing, and trekking poles for steep descents. A water purifier is essential, as bottled water is expensive and unsustainable.
2. Chiang Mai to Pai, Thailand: Jungle and Hill Tribes
- Distance: 100–150 km (flexible with transport)
- Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
- Highlights: Waterfalls, hot springs, hill tribe villages
- Best Time to Go: November to February
For a shorter, culturally rich trek, the route from Chiang Mai to Pai in northern Thailand is a gem. This trail winds through rice paddies, jungle paths, and hill tribe communities like the Karen and Lisu. Trekkers can visit waterfalls, hot springs, and local markets, with the option to combine hiking with motorbike or bus travel for longer stretches.
Route Review: This 3–5 day trek is ideal for beginners, with gentle terrain and plenty of guesthouses. Local guides are recommended to navigate cultural nuances and support hill tribe communities. Be prepared for humid conditions and occasional leeches in the rainy season.
Packing Tip: Pack a lightweight raincoat, insect repellent, and a small daypack for side trips. Respect local customs by carrying modest clothing for village visits.
Packing Lists for Bikepacking and Backpacking
A well-planned packing list can make or break your adventure. Below are streamlined lists tailored to each activity.
Bikepacking Packing List
- Bike Gear: Gravel or touring bike, repair kit (multi-tool, spare tubes, pump), panniers or bikepacking bags
- Camping: Lightweight tent, sleeping pad, compact sleeping bag
- Clothing: Cycling shorts, moisture-wicking shirts, waterproof jacket, gloves
- Essentials: Helmet, water bottles, water filter, high-energy snacks, headlamp
- Navigation: GPS device or smartphone with offline maps, paper map as backup
Backpacking Packing List
- Backpack: 40–60L backpack with rain cover
- Shelter: Lightweight tent or sleeping bag (depending on route)
- Clothing: Quick-dry shirts, fleece jacket, waterproof pants, sturdy trekking boots
- Essentials: Water purifier, first-aid kit, trekking poles, multi-tool
- Navigation: Compass, topographic map, guidebook or offline GPS app
Pro Tip: For both activities, pack multi-use items to save space. A bandana can serve as a towel, sunshade, or dust mask.
Adventure Inspiration: Stories from the Trail
To spark your wanderlust, here are two real traveler stories (anonymized for privacy) that capture the magic of these routes.
- Emma’s Loire Valley Journey: A 28-year-old teacher from Sydney, Emma bikepacked the Loire Valley solo for her first multi-day cycling trip. “I was nervous about navigating alone, but the EuroVelo signs were clear, and locals were so welcoming,” she shared. Her highlight was sipping wine at a vineyard near Saumur, watching the sunset over the river. Emma’s tip: “Pack light, but don’t skip a good camera—the châteaux are stunning.”
- Arjun’s Annapurna Adventure: Arjun, a 35-year-old engineer from Melbourne, trekked the Annapurna Circuit with a local guide. “Crossing Thorong La was tough, but the views made every step worth it,” he said. He loved sharing tea with villagers in Manang and learning about Buddhist traditions. Arjun’s advice: “Train with hill climbs and pack warm socks for high altitudes.”
Tips for Planning Your Adventure
- Train in Advance: For bikepacking, build endurance with 50–100 km rides. For backpacking, practice hiking with a loaded pack.
- Research Visas and Permits: Nepal requires a trekking permit for the Annapurna Circuit. Check visa rules for Europe and Thailand.
- Go Light, Go Green: Use reusable water bottles and avoid single-use plastics to minimize your environmental impact.
- Learn Basic Repairs: Know how to fix a flat tire or adjust a backpack’s straps for comfort.
- Embrace Local Culture: Learn a few phrases in the local language and respect customs, like covering shoulders in Thai villages.
Ready to Hit the Road or Trail?
Whether you’re drawn to the historic paths of Europe or the wild trails of Southeast Asia, bikepacking and backpacking offer unparalleled ways to connect with the world. These routes are just a starting point—your adventure is what you make it. For those seeking a guided experience, consider exploring Europe’s cycling trails with Climbing Mountains’ expertly curated tours at climbingmountains.com.au.
Happy adventuring!