Travellers' Tales: Cycling to catch the ferry to France

We live in Wimborne in Dorset, so our easiest way to France is via Poole. Last September, we cycled to Plymouth instead and got the night ferry to Roscoff. Our route was about 175 miles, using mainly National Cycle Network Route 2.

The first of many tough climbs took us up to Hardy’s Monument. Exhausted, we couldn’t resist climbing the tower for the fantastic views of Chesil Beach. We camped at Puncknowle.

The weather picked up the following day and the hills got serious. Time to really try out our new Thorn Ravens’ Rohloff gears. They worked well and we just kept going, reaching Sidmouth after 46 steep miles.

The weather picked up the following day and the hills got serious."

Felicity Frost

We took the Exmouth ferry to Star Cross, struggling to get our heavy bikes over the railway bridge, and cycled to our campsite at Ashburton via Ashcombe and Bovey Tracey.

A cold night and dewy morning meant a late start. We needed some help from the locals in Plymouth as we must have missed a few signs! We chilled out in the excellent Minerva pub for a few hours. Crashing out on the ferry, we woke to face France the next morning. It was much flatter!

Do you have a travelling adventure you would like to share? Email [email protected] for advice on what's required.