France: Dordogne
Few areas of France are as cycle-friendly as the Dordogne. Quiet country roads weave through vineyards, alongside magnificent chateaux and into medieval towns. The huge, gentle river offers a great alternative to the saddle, with canoe trips lasting from a few hours to a day.
UK: New Forest
Sharing one hundred miles of off-road cycle paths with wild ponies makes the New Forest unique. One of the best routes is the 15-mile Ornamental Woods trail, which takes cyclists past wood and heath, the rhododendrons of Rhinefield House and via The Oak, a village pub in Bank.
Malta & Gozo
Tiny, quiet Gozo is criss-crossed by tourist-free trails, stretching up and down scenic peaks and valleys and through traditional villages. Stop at a bakery for pastizzi, pastries stuffed with ricotta cheese or a spicy pea filling, before heading off to admire the island's history. Bustling Victoria, known locally as Rabat, still has architectural evidence of its Roman, Phoenician and medieval inhabitants.
Denmark: The islands
The whole of Denmark is great for cycling, but the country's quiet islands have the edge. Picturesque villages, Neolithic burial sites and sandy beaches make tiny Aerø a favourite among Danes, who rave about the maple syrup and walnut ice cream and waffles at Vaffelbageriet in Aerøskobing.
China: Yangshuo
Cycling, caving, cormorant fishing - what's not to love about a family trip to Yangshuo in southern China? Before heading out into the countryside and stunning Karst mountain scenery, take a trip to Yangshuo market, where local farmers display their produce.
USA: Oregon
Hundreds of miles of single-track cycle trails through forests, past creeks and waterfalls, and alongside meadows and mountains. A huge selection of trails and campsites, inns and activities, make Oregon suitable for all ages. Start or finish in Portland, then treat the party to artisan ice creams from Salt & Straw.
