Western Front Way
The Western Front Way Cycling Trail is a 1000km route that takes you along the historic and scenic First World War front lines. This adventure can be undertaken in either 9 or 14 days.
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Pedal 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.
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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.
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"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”
​Highlights:
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Kilometre Zero
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Chemin Des Dames
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Memorial de la Linge
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Butte de Montsec
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Verdun
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Menin Gate
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Raon l'Etape
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Vimy Ridge
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Maison Blanche German Cemetery
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Notre-Dame-de-Lorette
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Sir John Monash Centre
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Thiepval Memorial
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.
Where do I start the Western Front Way?
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From the south: The trail begins in Bonfol, Switzerland.
From the north: The trail begins on the beach front in the coastal town of Nieuwpoort-Bad (BE).
How Difficult is it to cycle the Western Front Way?
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A good level of fitness is recommended for this adventure. We will discuss this with you.
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The WFW covers a mix of different terrains, from the mountain passes of the Vosges and Lorraine to vineyards along the iconic Alsace wine route, serene woodlands, and Europe’s famous waterways. The trail mainly follows official bike paths and quiet minor roads, with some urban sections. Typically, you will be cycling for 6-8 hours per day, plus time for stops and to explore the sites along the route.
Bike choices on the Western Front Way.
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The mixed terrain along the route is most suitable for gravel and adventure bike set ups, but both mountain bikes and road bikes could be used (with suitable tyres). E-bikes are also an option. We will discuss bike suitability with you.
Accommodation along the Western Front Way.
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The trail offers a range of accommodation all known for their comfort and quality. We can provide options to suit a range of budget options.
Western Front Way
9 Days
Nieuwpoort to Basel
24/05/25 - 04/06/25
30/08/25 - 07/09/25
Itinerary - 9 Days
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Day 1: Meet the team & prep/briefing in Nieuwpoort
Day 2: Bike day 1, Nieuwpoort to Arras. Distance cycled 159km
Day 3: Bike day 2, Arras to Peronne. Distance cycled 109km
Day 4: Bike day 3, Peronne to Reims. Distance cycled 188km
Day 5: Bike day 4, Reims to Verdun. Distance cycled 157km
Day 6: Bike day 5, Verdun to Luneville, Distance cycled 161km
Day 7: Bike day 6, Luneville to Munster, Distance cycled 140km
Day 8: Bike Day 7, Munster to Bonfol. Distance cycled 118km
Day 9: Transfer to departure (Basel).
Western Front Way
14 Days
Basel to Nieuwpoort
01/06/25 - 14/06/25
07/09/25 - 20/09/25
Itinerary - 14 Days
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Day 1: Meet the team & prep/briefing in Bonfol (Basel)
Day 2: Bike day 1, Bonfol to Munster. Distance cycled 104km
Day 3: Bike day 2, Munster to Badonviller. Distance cycled 100km
Day 4: Bike day 3, Badonviller to Pont a Mousson. Distance cycled 100km
Day 5: Bike day 4, Pont a Mousson to Verdun. Distance cycled 90km
Day 6: Bike day 5, Verdun explore / rest day. Distance cycled 20km
Day 7: Bike day 6, Verdun to Vienne-le-Chateau. Distance cycled 68km
Day 8: Bike Day 7, Vienne-le-Chateau to Riems. Distance cycled 85km
Day 9: Bike day 8, Riems to Soissons. Distance cycled 80km
Day 10: Bike day 9, Soissons to Peronne. Distance cycled 100km
Day 11: Bike day 10, Peronne to Arras. Distance cycled 109km
Day 12: Bike day 11, Arras to Armentieres. Distance cycled 75km
Day 13: Bike day 12, Armentieres to Nieuwpoort. Distance cycled 85km
Day 14: Transfer to departure (Nieuwpoort)