Every adventure starts as a daydream — and mine begins at home, staring at my old Brompton. It’s carried me through cities, trains, and even the odd commute that felt like an expedition. But in 2026, it’ll be doing something a little different: a bikepacking trip across northern Europe, from the south coast of England to the heart of Belgium.
The plan is simple, which is how I like it. Cycle from home down to Newhaven, catch the afternoon ferry to Dieppe, and set off the next morning along the old Avenue Verte trail. From there, wind through Neufchâtel-en-Bray, Abbeville, and Saint-Omer — those quiet, rolling parts of France that most people only ever see from a car window — before crossing into Belgium and following the canals toward Bruges, Ghent, and finally Brussels.
It’s not about distance or speed — more about rhythm. The rhythm of small gears, gravel paths, and café stops.
I’ll probably remove the electric motor from the Brompton before setting off. Go back to analogue. Lighter, simpler, less to go wrong. There’s a certain satisfaction in knowing that every kilometre comes from your own legs.
I considered taking my gravel bike, but the Brompton wins for this kind of journey. Most of the route is smooth cycle tracks and canal paths — the kind that flow rather than fight you — and when it’s time to come home, it’s far easier to fold the bike, roll onto the Eurostar in Brussels, and be back in London the same day.
Right now, it’s just a plan. But I can already picture the ferry pulling out of Newhaven, the cliffs fading behind me, and the promise of Europe opening up ahead. A small bike, a big adventure — the perfect combination.
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