The new extension to EuroVelo 1 enriches the Atlantic Coast Route with Portugal’s entire continental coastline. Continuing the existing route from where until now ended at Sagres northwards to Caminha on the country’s northern border with Spain. This extension will at last connect Lisbon and Oporto to the EuroVelo network and is being promoted by the Portuguese National EuroVelo Coordinator, the Portuguese Federation of Cycletourism and Bicycle Users (FPCUB).
EuroVelo 1 – Atlantic Coast Route
The EuroVelo 1 route belongs to a european network of 15 long distance cycle routes connecting and uniting the whole European continent.
From Norway to Portugal, the Atlantic Coast Route connects some of the world’s most beautiful seascapes. Expect dramatic fjords, sun-kissed beaches and bustling port towns. The route runs through Norway, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, France, Spain and Portugal.
EuroVelo 1 in Norway connects to EuroVelo 12, 3, 7 and 11 and covers over 2500 kilometres from Bergen to the North Cape. The route takes you along Norways beautiful long coastline with fjords, the view of high mountains and many islands that is often accessible by ferries.
Eurovelo 1 enters England at Plymouth, following the stunning Devon Coast to Coast route (National Route 27). Largely tracing the course of former railway lines, the route takes you through tunnels and across the breathtaking viaducts and bridges. It continues through Exmoor National Park to Bristol to Wales, where it joins the Celtic Trail along the Welsh coast to Fishguard, Pembrokeshire. The route visits Ireland and then continues across Northern Ireland (Lough Neagh) where a ferry from Belfast takes you to the Scottish coasts. Following the Lochs and Glenns Route you will pass through Loch Lomond National Park and Cairngorms National Park to Inverness, along the north Scottish coast to Aberdeen.
In Republic of Ireland the Atlantic Coast Route (EuroVelo 1) starts at the village of Newtowncunningham in County Donegal. The route crosses quiet rural roads, th North West Cycle Trail, former railway lines and regional and local existing routes. EuroVelo 1 in Republic of Ireland arrives at Rosslare on the East coast, where cyclists can connect with a ferry to Wales and continue on the Atlantic Route through the United Kingdom.
EuroVelo 1 in France connects to EuroVelo 4, EuroVelo 6 and EuroVelo 3 and covers over 1.200 kilometres from Roscoff, Brittany down the Atlantic coast in Hendaye to the border with Spain. The sea is never very far away as you discover the best each region has to offer along France’s longest waymarked cycle trail. The rough cliffs in Brittany and the vineyards from the Bordeaux region invite to discover this stunning coast in the west of France.
In Spain, the route of EuroVelo 1 follows two ancient paths – the Camino de Santiago and Ruta de la Plata.
Over 920 kilometres of coastline – enough to suit everybody, from sheltered dunes to rocky coves, from tiny bays to vast stretches of open sands, from shallow lagoons to the crashing surf of the wild Atlantic. Blessed with over 300 days of sunshine a year, Portugal also enjoys the perfect climate to complement its spectacular shoreline.
