Brittany has to be one of the most tranquil and scenic places to take a trip off the beaten track and meander along woodland tracks and canal towpaths.
How do we help
?
When you visit us for a walking or cycling holiday then just tell us in advance
and we`ll make sure that our special walkers/ cyclists pack is waiting in the
house ready for your arrival. Just ask when you book.
So that you don't have to waste your valuable holiday time researching all of the different walks and cycle routes we have done it for you. All of the information is contained in our `walkers / cyclists pack` as described below (no`s 1-5)
1. Individual portfolio of map
cards with circuits/ routes marked out.
There is an individual portfolio of thirty map cards, each describing a different
route. Each card has its own map on it (to scale). On the back of the card
there is a description of the places of interest you will see along the way
(e.g Chapels, canals, villages, restaurants). Also shown is whether the path
is suitable for walkers and /or cyclists, how long it is, if it`s easy or difficult
and how many hours it will take to walk it. The card also tells you what type
of path it is so you know whether it`s a rural or a town circuit. Car parks
are clearly marked. Each one is a `circle` so you end up back at the car. They
are perfect both for those just wanting a gentle stroll right through to the
more dedicated ramblers/ cyclists.
Here`s a sample of just two of the thirty map cards. They are all laid out the same way.
I. Windmills and manor houses card
11.5km, 2 hours 45 mins. Gentle. Scenic. Goes via numerous mills and chapels
and country houses.
II. Circuit Botanical card
7km, 2 hours. Gentle but some hills. These paths run through the woods and
include informative signs explaining the forty different species of trees
along the way.
We supply a booklet devoted solely to river and canal routes. There are 45 different choices offered with the option of seven different rivers or canals. The guide shows the route plus information of what there is to see, where to park the car, plus where to stop for lunch. There`s some great towpaths to go along especially on the Nantes-Brest canal.
In here you will find 25 walks specially selected for families. They should be suitable for everyone from children to grandparents and range in length from one and a half hours right up to over three hours.
If you really fancy walking or cycling round a lake, or along an old (but now tarmaced) railway line then take a look at some of these specialised walks. You can even opt for the `Hydrangea Walk` if flowers are your thing.
5.
Detailed local map showing the local area
This Serie Bleue Map (No 1020E) is the most detailed map you can get hold of.
It shows all the local tracks and paths on it You are free to wander or cycle
virtually anywhere you see a track
Other ideas
1. Try the tour of the Lake of the Duke- 16km / four hours or why not go to
Montertelot and try the famous Canal to Rocks walk? If you fancy something
a bit more `lively` go to Reminiac and go around the `Necklace of Reminiac`
(11km). You can see lots of hand carved wooden sculptures along the way and
also pop into the restaurant for lunch as you go. Alternatively try the `Walk
of the Dukes` around the ancient town of Ploermel.
2. Why not go to Monteneuf, where just past the nature centre, you`ll find the starting point for numerous signposted walks ? There`s also a large map in the car park showing you all the options. You can check out the Bronze Age standing stones on some of these walks.
3. Also in Monteneuf you will find a very odd walk. It`s not signposted and not at all obvious but starts behind the lake.
It`s a tiny little path through the forest and all along the way `the fairies` (as our children think) have made all sorts of odd creations from the forests materials. There are tiny houses made of sticks, twigs and moss, bigger versions of haphazardly piled up slate, fir cones mysteriously hanging across the path tied to invisible string. There are odd shapes suspended between the trees, campfire/ meeting places and even at one point a `games` spot where you throw fir cones through hoops and into woven baskets.
The whole walk is very bizarre and you could almost believe yourself that the fairies have been at work.
4. Try trekking (or cycling) up the old Roman road -last used when Reminiac was a stopping point for the old stage coaches.
Go to the coast and Sarzeau and take a stroll along some of the spectacular cliff tops.
This is an old railway line that has now been tarmaced over. It is absolutely perfect for cycling or walking and a great way to discover the area. The route is about forty miles long, almost flat and winds its way through spectacular countryside. The track is split into manageable portions between the main towns and villages. There is a map available showing you where you can get food and drinks along the way at auberges or creperies. Alternatively have a picnic or just stop off to see the sights.
This is a great place for walkers and cyclists alike. Nip down to Port Blanc near Vannes, catch the half hourly boat out to this beautiful island and then either hire a bike (right at the port) or go walking. The whole island is really attractive and you can either go just around the town or spread out and take it all in. There are plenty of places for lunch as well.
7. The Velopark
As you can no doubt guess this is a place for cyclists. Near Pontivy it’s
a 100 acre park set in the heart of the forest. There's a bike museum, loads
of cycle routes to follow, a shop and even a rather fine bar.
8. Bike hire
You can hire bikes easily. Just go to the tourist
information (or the mower shop) at Malestroit. Choose either to hire
by the day or the week. Prices are about €14 per day or €50
per week.
To return to the contents page and see more things to do then CLICK HERE
If you have finished with `things to do` then please click another white link