GETTING THERE

There are plenty of options for getting to the eastern end of the Pyrenees. From the north, a three-day cross-country run from Calais, mixing a little motorway with great riding, is one option though overnight ferries to Caen and Le Havre lop off a chunk of mileage and guarantee an early start . A ferry to Santander gives the option of riding the Spanish or French side of the mountains (or zig-zagging along them).

OUR ROUTES CALAIS TO CARCASSONNE

Distance: 780 miles Riding time: Three days Overnight stops: Troyes and Ambert

LE HAVRE TO FOIX

Distance: 640 miles Riding time: Three days Overnight stops: Buzancais and Beaulieu-sur-dordogne

SANTANDER TO CARCASSONNE

Distance: 520 miles Riding time: Three days Overnight stops: St Jean-piedde-port and Bagnères-deluchon

SANTANDER TO FOIX

Distance: 450 miles Time: Two days Overnight stop: Fafalla