We stumbled onto the Bastogne - Wiltz cycle path by accident. It turned out to be one of our most enjoyable rides in Europe. Following the route of an old railway line, it makes it's way through the hills and woods, well away from the road. It really was very peaceful pretty and very picturesque.
Icicles
It was a very cold clear day when we did this route and there was alot of ice. In particular, the insides of the several tunnels were like ice rinks.
The only problem with the cycle path is that it arrives in Wiltz at the bottom of the valley and the youth hostel is near top, up a long steep hill (just about all the youth hostels in we stayed in in Europe seemed to be like this). The hostel it self was very modern and very empty. After we'd booked in, the warden just gave us the keys and left us to it.
Wiltz to the Wasserbillig
One of the laws of cycling its that no matter how many spares you bring, it's the thing you don't have a spare for that will break. We hadn't brought a spare freewheel, so as we climed into the hills above Wiltz, this is what started to fail on Tim's bike. The effect of this was the pedals and chain went round, but the cogs didn't drive the wheels. There were just one or two positions where I could get the cogs to engage, so it was best not to stop.
Despite the technical problems, northen Luxembourg turned out to be more scenic than expected and we had a enjoyable, albeit very cold pedal over the hills to Viaden. From there we followed a very pleasant cycle path along the River Sure to Reisdorf and a cold camp site.
Along the River Sure
Cold campsite at Reisdorf. Once again the owners thought we were barking mad to be camping so early in the year.
In the morning we had another very pleasent pedal along the Sure to Echternach, where hoped to get my freewheel fixed. Unfortunately the bike shop didn't have the right freewheel so we decided to press on to Trier. Another nice stretch by the river got us to Wasserbillig and the German border.
Rowena wobbling across the bridge into Germany
Cyclability
B+
Much better than expected. More by good luck than good route finding, almost all of the time we were on good cycle tracks or very quiet roads.
Cake rating
B
Plenty of good pastries and nice hot chocolate.
Accommodation
B
The Hostel at Wiltz was very good and the campsite at Reisdorf was fine.