I am currently doing the UK leg of the North Sea Cycle Route, but departing from Newcastle instead of Harwich for Amsterdam at this stage. Can anyone give me some information on where I can purchase the European Maps detailing the ride routes in eit her the uk or The Neatherlands? In particular where to join the route from Amsterdam. Cheers.
Riding the North Sea Cycle Route
金, 2012-08-31 15:56
#1
WS Member
Riding the North Sea Cycle Route
I don't now if there is a map specifically for the entire NSCR, but you can buy a Dutch map. Almost any Dutch bicycle map you can buy will do. There is an extensive system of numbered nodes (fietsknooppunten) for scenic bicycle routes, and there are long distance cycle routes (LF-routes, Landelijke Fietsroutes). They are normally both indicated on the cycling maps. The Dutch part of the North Sea Cycle Route is called LF1.
The Dutch are avid cyclists, so there are many maps to choose from. In Amsterdam, go to a large bookshop, or a specialist bookshop (either Pied a Terre on Overtoom, or A la Carte on the Utrechtsestraat).
If you wish to not buy a map: go Zandvoort, 35 km west of Amsterdam, on the coast. There, ask people for the nodes or LF1. Follow the plaques/ signs going north. Enjoy the dunes!
Thanks Janneke. AIll I need to know. I prefer to go a little off the beaten track, and sounds like you do too. Adventures are just unplanned journeys. T
Personally, having gone around the Baltic Sea following the Eurovelo routes, I would recommend simply noting from a website the main points of the route and get roadmaps instead. Use mainly the cyclepaths parallel to the mainroads is my advice, as I frequently have got lost, due to a lack of signage on the cycleroutes and confusing signs. Some of the cyclepaths and signs have been great to be fair, but if you are covering a longer distance I would aim for the main towns and you will be led onto the cyclepaths where they are worth being on. If you are only planning to cycle less than 50 miles a day, then perhaps, the "Bikeline Radtourenbuch" series is worth getting. They give very detailed maps of the Eurovelo routes, plus points of interest and accomodation info.
Thanks Mell. I will look into the Bikeline Radtourenbuch series. I have heard they are very good, and hearing it again confirms my thoughts.