Somme Towpath (Chemin de Halage)
A serene 188-mile path along the Somme River, perfect for cycling, walking, and enjoying nature's tranquility.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Longest daylight hours
Somme Towpath (Chemin de Halage)
Best Time
Longest daylight hours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene 188-mile path along the Somme River, perfect for cycling, walking, and enjoying nature's tranquility.
"A magnificent place for walking on the banks of the Somme, and a little paradise for lovers of cycling, running, Nordic walking, etc."
🎯 Cycle the Full Towpath
Tackle the 188-mile towpath in one go by averaging 12 MPH, including stops. June offers the most daylight!
🚴 Bike Choice Matters
For longer rides towards the sea, a mountain or gravel bike is recommended over a road bike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Peaceful Riverbanks
Along the Somme River
Enjoy serene walks and rides on the banks of the Somme, accompanied by the gentle sounds of birds.
Charming Riverside Villages
Villages like Hangest/Somme, Beloy/Somme, Bourdon
Discover quaint villages with local markets and historical sites, offering a glimpse into rural French life.
Traffic-Free Trails
The entire towpath
Experience the freedom of cycling, running, or walking on a path completely protected from road traffic.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for a Long Ride
Choosing Your Ride
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Cycle the Full Towpath
Tackle the 188-mile towpath in one go by averaging 12 MPH, including stops. June offers the most daylight!
🚴 Bike Choice Matters
For longer rides towards the sea, a mountain or gravel bike is recommended over a road bike.
🚶♀️ Explore Local Villages
Don't miss charming spots like Hangest/Somme for its market or Beloy/Somme with its equestrian center.
🐦 Birdsong Serenade
Enjoy the natural soundtrack of birdsong as you walk or cycle along the river.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Cycle the Full Towpath
Tackle the 188-mile towpath in one go by averaging 12 MPH, including stops. June offers the most daylight!
🚴 Bike Choice Matters
For longer rides towards the sea, a mountain or gravel bike is recommended over a road bike.
🚶♀️ Explore Local Villages
Don't miss charming spots like Hangest/Somme for its market or Beloy/Somme with its equestrian center.
🐦 Birdsong Serenade
Enjoy the natural soundtrack of birdsong as you walk or cycle along the river.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Somme Towpath as a magnificent and peaceful place for walking, cycling, and running, highlighting the beautiful riverbanks and accompanying birdsong. The charm of small villages along the route adds to the experience, offering a delightful escape from traffic.
"A magnificent place for walking on the banks of the Somme, and a little paradise for lovers of cycling, running, Nordic walking, etc... and the song of the birds to accompany you 🥰"
Bruno Niquet
"The pleasure of sharing, seeing, and meeting small villages like Hangest/Somme and its little Friday morning market, Beloy/Somme where there's an equestrian center (you can get there via a small path under the trees), Bourdon and l'Etoile where you can see an old abbey, but be careful because it's dangerous. This is a 54 km round trip in peace and quiet, exploring the banks of the Somme.
I wish you a pleasant walk."
Marie Oblet
"Ideal for sports. Protected from traffic. Running and road cycling are possible. A long ride to the sea is also possible; in this case, consider a mountain bike or gravel bike."
Nacim Ammenouche
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Somme Towpath (Chemin de Halage) runs along the Somme River. Access points are numerous, particularly near villages like Hangest-sur-Somme and Abbeville. You can start your journey from various points depending on your intended route.
While the towpath itself is a natural trail, nearby towns and villages are served by regional transport. However, for exploring longer stretches or accessing specific points, a car or bicycle is most practical.
Yes, it's possible to cycle a long route towards the sea from the Somme Towpath. For this longer journey, it's advisable to use a mountain bike or gravel bike.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Somme Towpath is a public natural trail and does not have an entrance fee. Enjoying the scenic banks of the Somme is free for all visitors.
As an open natural path, the Somme Towpath is accessible at all hours. However, for safety and enjoyment, it's best to visit during daylight hours, especially if cycling or walking long distances.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Somme Towpath is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular activities include walking, cycling, running, and Nordic walking. It's a magnificent place for sports and enjoying nature.
The towpath is protected from traffic, making it very safe for cycling. For longer rides, especially towards the sea, a mountain or gravel bike is recommended.
The terrain is generally flat and follows the banks of the Somme River. It's suitable for walking and running, and with the right bike, it can be used for longer cycling tours.
Yes, you can discover small villages like Hangest/Somme with its market, Beloy/Somme featuring an equestrian center, and Bourdon with an old abbey. Be cautious near Bourdon as it's noted as potentially dangerous.
The entire towpath is 188 miles long. While possible to cycle in a day with significant effort (averaging 12 MPH), walking the entire length would require multiple days.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the towpath itself is a natural trail, you can find dining options in the charming villages along the way, such as Hangest/Somme which has a Friday morning market. Pack snacks and water for longer excursions.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the serene river views, charming village architecture, and the natural beauty of the birdlife. The changing seasons, including rare snowy scenes, also offer unique photographic moments.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting villages like Hangest-sur-Somme to experience a local market, which can be an engaging activity for kids. While the towpath is primarily a natural trail, the ease of access and the serene setting make it a stress-free outing for families. Remember to pack snacks and drinks, as amenities can be sparse between villages.
🚴♀️ Dedicated Cyclists
Crucially, choose your bike wisely. A mountain bike or gravel bike is strongly advised for the full journey to handle potential variations in terrain. The towpath offers a unique opportunity to cover significant distance in a protected, scenic environment, making it a memorable cycling adventure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Cycling the Somme Towpath: A Comprehensive Guide
When planning your ride, consider the time of year. June stands out as an ideal month because it offers the longest daylight hours, crucial for covering significant distances. One Reddit user calculated that averaging just 12 MPH, including stops, would allow you to complete the entire towpath in a single day, provided you have nearly 15 hours of daylight. This requires careful pacing and minimal delays.
Beyond the cycling itself, the towpath provides access to charming riverside villages. These offer opportunities for rest, refreshment, and a glimpse into local life. Villages like Hangest-sur-Somme with its market, and Beloy-sur-Somme with its equestrian center, add cultural richness to your cycling adventure. Remember to be mindful of safety, especially in areas noted as potentially hazardous.
Walking and Running the Somme Towpath
Unlike cycling longer distances, walking or running shorter sections allows for more flexibility in exploring the small villages dotted along the route. You can easily incorporate stops to visit local markets or simply enjoy the picturesque settings. The traffic-free nature of the towpath ensures a safe and uninterrupted experience, allowing you to focus on your activity and the beautiful surroundings.
Even in less common conditions, like snow, the towpath offers a unique beauty, though it's noted as being rather rare. This suggests that the path is enjoyable across various seasons, provided you are prepared for the weather. The accessibility from numerous points along the Somme River makes it easy to find a starting point for your walk or run.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit