Bruges is a ‘chocolate box’ city near the Belgian coast, that’s long been enchanting visitors from far and wide with its charming cobbled streets, mediaeval squares and cosy pubs. However, one of the biggest attractions, for road cyclists at least, is how easy it is to get to from the UK. At just 55 miles (90 km) up the Belgian coast from the Dunkirk ferry terminal, it makes for a very achievable weekend trip by bike.

A European cycling trip, ideally with a ferry ride in the middle, is a real treat for UK-based cyclists. Pedalling across borders, you can feel the landscapes and languages change around you. By choosing the Dunkirk ferry, this route touches three countries; beginning in the UK, entering France for a short while, and then crossing into Belgium.

Starting at Dartford train station on the very edge of south-east London, it doesn’t take you long to get into the Kent countryside. You’ll pass historic sites like Rochester Castle and Canterbury Cathedral as you meander south on quiet Kentish lanes.

Like many a weary traveller waiting for a boat to mainland Europe, you’ll find plenty of welcoming inns to feed, water and house you for the night. The earliest ferry is officially at ‘very early o’clock’, so depending on what time you want to get on the road, there will be a boat that suits. I recommend taking the ferry to Dunkirk, not Calais. This is simply because Dunkirk is closer to Bruges, and the ride between Calais and Dunkirk isn’t particularly interesting.

The ride between Dunkirk and Bruges is absolutely pan-flat, with the few moments of elevation gain coming in the form of small canal bridges. However, do be mindful of the wind direction. The Belgian coast is famous for a strong wind, and if it’s blowing against you, it’ll feel like you’ve got a mountain to climb.

Stage 2 of the route is characterised by riding next to water. Either on the excellent bike paths next to the Dunkirk to Bruges canal, or on the excellent bike paths next to the Belgian coast. In fact, there’s very little of stage 2 where you won’t be riding on excellent bike paths.

Instead of riding directly to Bruges, the route goes via Ostend – a once glamorous seaside city. Very fashionable in the early part of the 20th century, the city spent some years in the doldrums, but nowadays is on the up again. With a lively nightlife and cafe scene to compliment the vast sandy beach, Ostend is a great spot for a coffee or ice cream stop.

Back on the canal after Ostend, the path will take you all the way to Bruges, with barely a moment mingling with anything that looks like traffic. Unless you count sheep, of which there are plenty. After a short tour of the Bruges city walls, you’ll enter via Kruispoort, the most magnificent of the four city gates.

Bruges is often called the Venice of the North and, as you cycle or walk along the many canals, you’ll soon understand why. The capital of West Flanders, Bruges has many classic Belgian restaurants serving hearty Flemish fare, such as Carbonade flamande (Flemish stew) or moules-frites (mussels and chips), washed down with a Trappist ale for a true Belgian experience.

Taking the train back to London with your bike is very straightforward. Catch a local service from Bruges to Brussels, which takes one hour, and then the Eurostar back to London. All Belgian trains accept bikes with a small supplement, but you’ll need to book your bike in advance on the Eurostar.

I’ve included the full route if you’d prefer to arrange your own itinerary. Or follow in my 2017 wheel-tracks and ride the full route in one day, which is a very fun adventure.