The best gravel rides around Lecelles

There are over 40 gravel bike routes around Lecelles, offering a variety of options for different skill levels. This includes 9 easy routes, 22 moderate routes, and 11 difficult routes.

Yes, Lecelles offers several easy gravel bike routes suitable for beginners. One popular option is the Gravel path along the River Scarpe – Drève d'Escaupont loop from Saint-Amand-les-Eaux, an easy 35.1 km path that follows the River Scarpe and includes sections through the Drève d'Escaupont. Another easy route is the Scarpe towpath – Marchiennes State Forest loop from Landas, which is 28 km long.

For those seeking a challenge, the Gravel path along the River Scarpe – Étang Chabaud-Latour loop from Saint-Amand-les-Eaux is a difficult 73 km trail with over 230 meters of elevation gain, typically taking over 5 hours to complete. Another difficult option is the Towpath of the Scarpe – Scarpe towpath loop from Saint-Amand-les-Eaux, a 39.5 km route along river towpaths.

Many of the gravel bike routes around Lecelles are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Gravel path along the River Scarpe – Drève d'Escaupont loop from Saint-Amand-les-Eaux and the Argalles spoil tip and pond. – Scarpe towpath loop from Landas.

The gravel bike trails around Lecelles feature varied terrain, including river paths, open countryside, and forested sections. You'll often find routes following waterways like the River Scarpe, with relatively flat landscapes and gentle elevation changes.

Gravel biking in Lecelles is enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can be great, especially along shaded river paths. Even winter can be an option, though some paths might be muddier, so checking local conditions is always recommended.

The gravel bike trails in Lecelles are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 60 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the scenic river paths, and the peaceful forest sections.

Yes, the region offers several points of interest. You might encounter the historic Trouée d'Arenberg, a famous cobbled section, or the Arenberg Pit. The trails also pass by various lakes and ponds, such as Goriaux Pond and Grand Large de Péronnes, which offer scenic views.

Many routes incorporate sections through woodland, such as the Scarpe towpath – Marchiennes State Forest loop from Landas. These forested areas and riverbanks can provide opportunities for wildlife spotting, especially birds and small mammals, in a tranquil setting.

The duration of gravel bike trails varies significantly based on their length and difficulty. Easy routes like the Gravel path along the River Scarpe – Drève d'Escaupont loop from Saint-Amand-les-Eaux (35.1 km) can take around 2 hours, while more challenging and longer routes, such as the Gravel path along the River Scarpe – Étang Chabaud-Latour loop from Saint-Amand-les-Eaux (73 km), can take over 5 hours.

The routes along the River Scarpe and through the varied landscapes of Lecelles offer numerous scenic spots. Look for trails that pass by lakes, such as the Argalles spoil tip and pond. – Scarpe towpath loop from Landas, which provides views of the pond and surrounding nature.