We had another fabulous ride along the Mosel Radweg today, in cool overcast conditions. We did 113 km from Bernkastel-Kues to Winningen. This was possible because of the ease of the route, being mostly flat or a gentle downhill.

This is one of the best cycle routes that we have ever ridden, up there together with the Loire Valley and the Danube routes.

Once again the cycle route was a well maintained track with good surface –  along both sides of the river for most of the way. There are many gaste zimmers and accommodation opportunities along the whole route. Also lots of camping parks with caravans along the banks

The highlights of the ride are beautiful old villages that are full of character. Every now and then you spot an old castle on a hill top.

We were also impressed with the spanning arches of huge bridges across valleys. We saw a cable stay bridge under construction, being elevated at least 100m up.

     

The most scenic part of today’s ride was through the river bends before Cochem, where we stopped for some juice and ice cream around midday. Another picture perfect town with a castle on a hill above the river.

    

The character of the valley really comes out through its vineyards – which we continued to see along the whole route again today. According to this cartoon, they are the steepest in the world (and we believe it).

Farmers have filled every spot on the hills. Some of them are so steep it is hard imagining anyone working on those banks.

This bridge was near the end of the ride – it is huge but what is amazing is the vines, growing hundreds of meters up alongside the bridge.

We stopped at Winningen, just short of Koblenz as it looked like a nice little town, just in the bend of the river – and we were getting tired.

The tourist info was open and found us excellent accommodation in a bed and breakfast nearby. She has a large well kept home with two rooms to hire out on the ground floor, totally separate from the rest of the house and very comfortable.