At Tergnier, at the junction with the Scandibérique cycle route, the Véloroute Vallée de Somme, or Somme Valley cycle route, gets off to a gentle start, following the bucolic banks of the Canal de Saint-Quentin. Next, it traces its own way through cereal fields, passing pleasant villages with Art Deco features to spot, at Mennessis, Frières and Flavy. Continuing via the Etangs de Saint-Simon (a series of lakes that attract migrating birds), it repeatedly crosses the meandering path of the young, upper Somme River on the way to Ham, your first stopover town, set beside a meander. Pause to explore this place largely rebuilt after World War I, taking in its green spaces, the Jardin des Hardines and Parc Délicourt, and its historical remnants, notably the former castle and 12th-century church of Our Lady.

With a few Art Deco façades standing out, the town of Ham makes a distinctive place to start out along the Véloroute Vallée de Somme, or Somme Valley cycle route. Do look around the abbey area and the very lovely park set around the Etangs du Cam (lakes). After riding for a few kilometres along quiet roads through the area of Haute-Somme, you join the Canal du Nord. At this spot, the Somme River’s waters combine with those of this major canal, along which you may well spot some impressive barges, announcing the ambitious wider plan to expand the Canal Seine-Nord Europe network.

At the town of Péronne, in such a significant location during the Battle of the Somme, the Historial is a major museum focusing on World War I. Set in Péronne’s converted castle, this should not be missed to understand, in particular, this massive event for British and Commonwealth soldiers confronting the German Army in summer 1916. The traces of the so-called Great War are still very visible in these parts. After reflecting on this history, ride on to enjoy the wilder natural parts along this cycling stage. Midway, at Froissy, the café La Halte Gourmande, set in a lock-keeper’s cottage, is a good place to enjoy refreshments. Water and greenery are the main themes on this stage. Do head for the higher ground, either by bike or on foot, to make the most of the belvederes at Frise, Vaux, Chipilly and Corbie, offering remarkable views over the valley.

After visiting Corbie’s abbey church, reached via a magnificent Ancien Régime gateway, get back on your bike to head for Corbie Lock. From there, follow the south bank towpath along an unspoilt stretch. The Somme Valley slopes become gentler as you head for the suburbs of Amiens. This stage of the Véloroute Vallée de Somme, or Somme Valley cycle route, takes you on two short detours away from the towpath, leaving the many local anglers in peace. Going through Camon, on the north bank, you enter Amiens via the Hortillonnages, fascinating water gardens, enjoying views of the city’s magnificent cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Having enjoyed a final look at the mighty Amiens Cathedral, seven locks divide up the way as you cycle from the capital of the département (French county) of the Somme to Abbeville. The river flows gently here, as you cycle along its towpath. On this Véloroute Vallée de Somme or Somme Valley cycle route stage, you cross history-packed villages such as Picquigny, Long and Pont-Remy. These are worth exploring, notably Picquigny, with its ruined fort, the Château des Vidames, and options for stocking up on provisions, and Long, in its idyllic waterside setting. Look out for fine homes scattered along this peaceful stage, as well as the lakes dotted across the plain.

From Abbeville, the cycle route takes you smoothly along the south side of the Somme Valley, following the ship canal alongside the great river, built in Napoleon’s day. All the valley’s waters were made to converge in this exceptional rectilinear waterway, but there are points of interest to enjoy along it. Built just after World War II, in 1946, there’s the vertical lift bridge and four swing bridges to provide crossings, plus there’s the Réserve Ornithologique de Grand Laviers in which to enjoy bird-spotting. The arrival at the medieval port of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme via its marina proves enchanting. Do go up to explore the fortified old town, including the Guillaume Towers with their views. To extend your cycling adventure, the Bay of the Somme and La Vélomaritime - EuroVelo 4 cycle route encourage you to embark on further adventures, spurred on by the invigorating sea air in these parts!