By If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast in the UK, there’s no better way to experience the beauty and culture of Europe than hitting the open road on your bike. With endless winding roads, breathtaking scenery, and vibrant cities, Europe offers some of the best motorcycling tours in the world. To help you plan your next adventure, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 motorcycle touring destinations in Europe, including their pros and cons, and distances from the UK.
The Scottish Highlands
Distance from the UK: 0 Miles!
Pros: Stunning scenery, rugged landscapes, and plenty of challenging roads to tackle.
Cons: Weather can be unpredictable, and midges (small flying insects) can be a nuisance during summer months.
Starting your journey from the UK, the Scottish Highlands offer some of the most breathtaking views in Europe. With towering mountains, misty lochs, and winding roads, this destination is a must for any motorcycle enthusiast. The North Coast 500 route offers 500 miles of stunning scenery, including historic castles and quaint fishing villages.
The Alps
Distance from the UK: Approximately 750 miles (1207 km)
Pros: Spectacular mountain scenery, challenging roads, and great food and wine.
Cons: Some of the passes can be busy during peak season, and traffic can be heavy in popular areas.
The Alps are a mecca for motorcycle enthusiasts, offering some of the most challenging roads and spectacular scenery in Europe. The Stelvio Pass is one of the most famous roads in the Alps, with hairpin turns and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Other popular routes include the Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria and the Col de Turini in France.
The Pyrenees
Distance from the UK: Approximately 850 miles (1368 km)
Pros: Dramatic mountain scenery, quiet roads, and charming medieval towns.
Cons: Can be hot in summer months, and some of the roads can be challenging for inexperienced riders.
The Pyrenees offer some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Europe, with quiet roads and charming medieval towns to explore. The N260 route, also known as the ‘Spanish Pyrenees Route,’ offers 260 miles of breathtaking scenery and challenging roads.
The Black Forest
Distance from the UK: Approximately 550 miles (885 km)
Pros: Serene forests, picturesque villages, and challenging roads.
Cons: Can be busy during peak season, and weather can be unpredictable.
The Black Forest in Germany offers a unique blend of dense forests, serene lakes, and picturesque villages. The Schwarzwaldhochstraße, or ‘Black Forest High Road,’ offers 60 miles of challenging and scenic riding.
The Italian Lakes
Distance from the UK: Approximately 800 miles (1287 km)
Pros: Beautiful lakeside scenery, charming towns, and delicious food and wine.
Cons: Can be busy during peak season, and some of the roads can be narrow and winding.
The Italian Lakes are a popular destination for motorcycle enthusiasts, with their beautiful lakeside scenery, charming towns, and delicious food and wine. The route around Lake Garda offers 90 miles of stunning views and challenging roads.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a novice, Europe offers some of the best motorcycling tours in the world. From the rugged Scottish Highlands to the stunning Italian Lakes, there’s a destination to suit every taste and skill level. So, pack your bags, fire up your engine, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure on the roads of Europe!
