Ditch the car and saddle up: readers’ best slow travel breaks

19.02.2024 - 10:17 / theguardian.com

I’ve enjoyed a lovely four- to five-day circular trip using ferries and bikes. We took the Brittany Ferries overnight sailing from Portsmouth-St Malo, then cycled along La Véloscénie [signposted cycle route] passing Mont Saint-Michel. At Domfront we took La Vélo Francette to Ouistreham and then the ferry back to Portsmouth. At least three-quarters of the ride is off road along former railway track cycle paths that are well maintained. Plenty of accommodation is available. With the exception of a hilly few miles around Flers, it’s all very easy and with the prevailing wind. The final 40 miles from the impressive Viaduc de Clécy is all downhill, passing Pegasus Bridge.
Keith Perry

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I had such a lovely slow holiday with my family, including two young children, on the Greek island of Hydra off the east of the Peloponnese, quite close to Athens. The island does not allow cars or any other transport with wheels, so we spent our days walking from one village to the other or from our accommodation to a beach. Everything was accessible by walking or by donkey – the owner of our Airbnb took the kids for a ride sometimes. It really made us appreciate time together, chatting, playing cards, reading and watching the stray cats. It’s still one of our fondest memories as a family. We opted for one of the cheapest houses on the island, with the bare minimum, but it was definitely enough.
Elodie

For me, the point of slow travel is to really get to know a place – not just visit the often overcrowded highlights. Over the past year I have being doing just that in the Peak District. The creation of the Ethel Challenge lists all 95 peaks in the national park with summits higher than 400 metres. Slowly working through the challenge has exposed me to some stunning sights on head-clearing walks, notably the windswept moorland of the Kinder Scout, Thor’s Cave, and the mossy chasm Lud’s Church. And, of course, there have been plenty of great pubs along the way.
Everly

Our favourite slow break in our 1979 Volkswagen is to the municipal campsite at Southwold (pitches from £36.50 a night). Like the town, it appears little has changed since the 1950s. Our old campervan is pitched just as soon as I’ve pulled on the handbrake and we’ve popped up the roof. We then wind down with chilled wine and canapes from our little fridge before taking the dog for a gentle stroll. There’s half a dozen pubs within about 30 minutes’ walk, where a relaxing meal and a leisurely evening is just waiting to be enjoyed.
Dave