The best cycling routes around Willies

There are over 150 touring cycling routes around Willies, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. The komoot community has explored these routes over 1,800 times.

The terrain around Willies features a mix of open landscapes and paths, primarily centered around the Lac du Val-Joly. You can expect moderate elevation changes, with some routes including climbs up to 1,300 feet (approximately 400 meters). Sections of the Avesnois Greenway are also incorporated into some routes.

Yes, Willies offers 33 easy touring cycling routes. A great option for a relaxed ride is the Lac du Val Joly loop from Lac du Val-Joly, which is 7.8 km long. Another easy route is the Avesnois Greenway – Liessies Picnic Area loop from Liessies, covering 18.4 km.

Many touring cyclists enjoy the 88 moderate routes available. Two highly rated options that offer extensive views of Lac du Val-Joly are the View of Lac du Val-Joly – Lac du Val Joly loop from Willies (27.5 km) and the Lac du Val Joly – View of Lac du Val-Joly loop from Willies (25.3 km).

For those seeking a longer ride, Willies has 37 difficult routes. A popular moderate option that extends further is the Val-Joly Lake Loop – Eppe-Sauvage Village Square loop from Willies, which is 31.9 km long and takes approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes to complete.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 180 reviews. Reviewers often praise the scenic lake views, the varied terrain, and the opportunities to explore the local environment, including sections of the Avesnois Greenway.

Yes, many of the routes around Willies are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the View of Lac du Val-Joly – Lac du Val Joly loop from Willies and the Val-Joly Lake Loop – Eppe-Sauvage Village Square loop from Willies.

The routes frequently offer beautiful views of Lac du Val-Joly. Beyond the lake, you can explore nearby attractions such as the Voie verte de l'Avesnois, the historic Château de Trélon, and the Church of Liessies.

While specific public transport connections directly to trailheads are not detailed, the region's infrastructure, including mentions of transportation in nearby Willis, Texas (though not the same 'Willies'), suggests some accessibility. It's recommended to check local transport schedules for connections to towns near Lac du Val-Joly or the Avesnois Greenway.

Given the moderate elevation changes and focus on lake views and greenways, spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery for touring cycling in Willies. Summer can also be enjoyable, but it's always wise to check the local weather forecast before heading out.

With over 150 routes, there are many opportunities to discover less-traveled paths. While specific 'hidden gems' are subjective, exploring some of the 33 easy routes or the 37 difficult routes that might be less frequently reviewed could lead to unique discoveries beyond the most popular lake loops.