Cycle the Western Front Way: A Self-Guided Adventure Across History
Europe's Official Cycle Trail Connecting the WWI Battlefields
The Western Front Way Cycling trail is a 1000km route that takes you along the historic and scenic First World War front lines.
With our free suggested itinerary and GPX file of the official trail you will be guided past key landmarks, memorials, and the landscapes that shaped the course of history. From the Switzerland border to Belgium coast explore the historic WWI front line.
Whether you're a seasoned cyclist looking for one of Europe’s great cycle trails or wanting to experience a less crowded bike route for a holiday, the Western Front Way cycle trail won’t disappoint.
As well as the remains of field hospitals, trenches and battlefields along the entire trail, these sites offer a unique opportunity to connect with the whole front and the events that took place during the war.
If you're someone who relishes the opportunity to connect with history, immerse yourself in nature, and witness the locations where incredible historical events unfolded, then the Western Front Way is the perfect cycling trail for you.
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Who Inspired the Western Front Way?
The Western Front Way was inspired by A.D. Gillespie, a soldier in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, who wrote a letter in 1915 from the trenches about a desire for a path to be traversed to understand the cost of war. The Western Front Way is a dynamic tribute to those who fought here.
‘When peace comes, our government might combine with the French government, to make one long avenue between the lines from the Vosges to the sea….I would make a fine, broad road in the ‘No-Man’s Land’ between the lines with paths for pilgrims on foot and plant trees for shade and fruit trees, so the soil should not altogether be wasted. The I would like to send every man, woman and child in western Europe on a pilgrimage along that via sacra so they might think and learn what war means from the silent witnesses on either side”
Notable Checkpoints along the Western Front Way Cycling Trail:
- Kilometre Zero
Chemin Des Dames
Memorial de la Linge
Butte de Montsec
Verdun
Menin Gate
Raon l'Etape
Vimy Ridge
Maison Blanche German Cemetery
Notre-Dame-de-Lorette
Sir John Monash Centre
Thiepval Memorial