The best cycling routes around Auberchicourt

There are over 290 touring cycling routes available around Auberchicourt, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences.

The terrain around Auberchicourt is diverse, characterized by reclaimed mining landscapes, historic canals, and natural lakes. You'll find many flat paths along the banks of the Canal de la Sensée and around bodies of water like the Étang des Argales. The former mining spoil heaps, known as terrils, offer some gentle ascents and elevated viewpoints, providing a mix of easy and moderately challenging sections.

The region is generally pleasant for cycling from spring through early autumn. During these seasons, the weather is typically mild, and the natural landscapes, including the reclaimed mining areas and canal paths, are at their most inviting. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Yes, Auberchicourt offers many easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners and families. There are over 170 easy routes, often found along the flat towpaths of canals or around lakes like the Étang des Argales. A good example is the Bassin Rond Cycle Path – The Round Basin loop from Marcq-en-Ostrevent, which is an easy 17.5-mile (28.1 km) trail.

Yes, for experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, there are 35 difficult touring cycling routes around Auberchicourt. These routes may feature longer distances or more varied terrain, including the gentle ascents of the terrils. An example is the Towpath of the Scarpe – Scarpe towpath loop from Montigny-en-Ostrevent, a difficult 32.7-mile (52.6 km) route.

The routes often pass through unique natural and reclaimed industrial landscapes. You can explore former mining spoil heaps like Terril des Argales and Terril 125 of Sainte-Marie, which now offer elevated views. Many routes follow the historic Canal de la Sensée or the Scarpe river, and you can also cycle around the beautiful Étang des Argales, a large body of water formed from a former mining subsidence.

Many of the touring cycling routes in the Auberchicourt area are designed as loops, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. For instance, the popular Marchiennes State Forest – Argalles spoil tip and pond. loop from Somain is a circular route traversing a former mining landscape.

The touring cycling routes around Auberchicourt are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 260 reviews. Cyclists often praise the unique blend of natural beauty and historical industrial landscapes, the well-maintained paths along canals, and the peaceful atmosphere of the reclaimed terrils and lakes.

Yes, there are several longer touring cycling routes available. For example, the Towpath of the Scarpe – Scarpe towpath loop from Montigny-en-Ostrevent is a substantial 32.7-mile (52.6 km) route, offering an extended exploration of the region's waterways and countryside.

Many routes start from towns and villages that offer public parking facilities. For specific routes, you might find designated parking areas. For instance, The Orangery Castle is noted as a parking location, which could serve as a starting point for nearby tours.

While Auberchicourt is a commune, the broader Hauts-de-France region has a network of public transport. It's advisable to check local bus or train schedules to see if they connect to specific starting points of the cycling routes. Many routes are accessible from larger towns like Somain or Marcq-en-Ostrevent, which may have better public transport links.

Yes, the reclaimed mining spoil heaps, or terrils, are excellent for elevated viewpoints. Routes that incorporate these features, such as those around Terril des Argales or Terril 125 of Sainte-Marie, will provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, often showcasing the blend of natural beauty and industrial heritage.