Awesome Free Cycling Map Tour WW1 Albert Somme
For cycling enthusiasts and history buffs alike, a one-day cycling route from Albert, France, offers an immersive journey through significant World War I sites.
We cycle and visit WW1 sites over 2 days. This is our first day of exploring the countryside and memorials of the Somme from our base in Albert.
This 30km round-trip takes you through poignant memorials and cemeteries, each telling a story of bravery, sacrifice, and remembrance. Here’s our detailed guide to our day.
Bike Hire
Bike hire is a bit tricky in Albert. We contact our accommodation (they believe there is no place to hire), next we contact the Tourist Information (we don’t get a reply. Our method of transport is solely by public transport and we arrive in Albert by Train. Immediately walk to the Tourist Information (currently located across the road from the Basilica/ you can’t miss it with its gold dome). We hope to receive some leaflets and maybe a map.
We are overjoyed to find that they can assist us with hire bikes!
Navigation
Using free brochures, leaflets and maps we receive from the Tourist Information we head to our studio to plan our adventures.
Awesome Free Cycling Map Tour WW1 Albert Somme (our Route)
Most of the route is on undulating quiet backroads. Approximately 5km of the route is on a main road. We wear helmets and high vis vests especially for these sections and as soon as is possible we cycle onto minor roads.
Sites we visit Day 1 – Awesome Free Cycling Map Tour WW1 sites the Somme
- Albert
- Lochnagar Crater
- 34th Division Memorial, La Boiselle
- Pozieres British Cemetery
- 1st Australian Division Memorial
- AIF Mouquet Farm Memorial
- Theipval Memorial to the Missing
- Theipval Museum
- Ulster Memorial Tower (stop for a beer)
- Beaumont Hamel Newfoundland Memorial
Albert
Start your journey in Albert, a town rich in history and known for its striking Basilica of Notre-Dame de Brebières. We collect our bikes from the Tourist Information (helmets and high vis vests) and program our first destination into our iPhones.
During WWI, Albert was near the front lines, enduring heavy bombardments. Today, it stands as a gateway to the Somme battlefields, offering museums and exhibits that set the stage for your exploration.
Explore our free 5km walking tour of Albert.
Lochnagar Crater
First stop is the Lochnagar Crater, located just outside La Boisselle. This massive, 100-meter-wide and 30-meter-deep crater was created by a British mine explosion on 1 July 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme. This privately owned site is a solemn reminder of the war’s ferocity, with a wooden walkway allowing visitors to view its vastness and reflect on the battle’s impact.
34th Division Memorial, La Boiselle
A short ride brings you to the 34th Division Memorial. This understated yet powerful monument honours the division that fought valiantly on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. The memorial stands near where the division made its advance, offering a serene spot to contemplate their courage amidst the lush French countryside.
Pozieres British Cemetery
Next, head to the Pozieres British Cemetery, a beautifully maintained site with rows of white headstones. It commemorates over 2,700 Commonwealth soldiers who died in the surrounding battles. The adjacent Pozieres Memorial lists nearly 14,000 names of those with no known grave, highlighting the enormous human cost of the war.
1st Australian Division Memorial
Cycling onward, you’ll reach the 1st Australian Division Memorial, a simple yet poignant obelisk surrounded by tranquil fields. This site marks the Australian forces’ efforts during the Somme campaign, specifically their capture of Pozieres. It’s a place to honour their determination and sacrifice in one of the war’s bloodiest battles.
AIF Mouquet Farm Memorial
Nearby, the AIF Mouquet Farm Memorial commemorates the Australian Imperial Force’s fierce fighting in the summer of 1916. Expect a quiet, reflective atmosphere as you ponder the soldiers’ resilience.
Thiepval Memorial to the Missing
A significant stop on our journey is the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing. We can see the memorial, a top the hill, from kilometres away.
This towering structure, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, is dedicated to the 72,000 British and South African soldiers who have no known grave. The memorial’s sheer scale and the engraved names offer a profound sense of the war’s devastation. The memorial is also an Anglo-French Battle Memorial.
Thiepval Museum
Adjacent to the memorial is the Thiepval Museum, where we delve deeper into the history of the Battle of the Somme. There is an informative short movie explaining strategic moments which we find very interesting.
The museum itself also features informative exhibits, artefacts, and personal stories, providing a comprehensive understanding of the conflict’s impact. (Toilets free to use)
Ulster Memorial Tower
Continue to the Ulster Memorial Tower, a striking replica of Helen’s Tower in Northern Ireland. This site honours the men of the 36th (Ulster) Division, who suffered heavy losses during the Battle of the Somme.
The visitor centre offers insights into their bravery. Here we take a moment to relax with a beer, appreciating the peaceful surroundings.
Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial
Finally we stop is the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, a preserved battlefield park dedicated to the Newfoundland Regiment.
We are delighted to be welcomed by a Canadian Ranger of the Canadian National Parks who welcomes to the site and provides us with useful information about it’s significance.
The site features trench lines, shell holes, and a caribou statue overlooking the battlefield, symbolising the regiment. It’s a poignant end to our journey.
Awesome Free Cycling Map Tour WW1 Albert Somme Conclusion
This cycling route from Albert weaves through some of the most significant WWI sites. Offering a moving and sobering experience. Each memorial tells a unique story of heroism and loss, ensuring the sacrifices of those who fought are never forgotten. So, gear up, pedal through history, and reflect on the profound impact of the Great War.