A railway embankment gives a cycling route a ready-made line through the landscape, even after the tracks have gone. The Green Railways network in northern Latvia and southern Estonia brings former railway corridors into the journey. Gravel and forest roads open up countryside beyond the main highways.
One option is the 128-kilometre Smiltene–Valmiera–Ainaži route. There is no need to complete it in one go; shorter sections make a more manageable outing. Fields, woodland and river crossings alternate with connecting stretches on asphalt or gravel roads. This is not a continuous paved cycle lane.
Stops give the ride its character. Puikule recalls a former railway junction, Dikļi offers a connection with Latvia’s Song Festival tradition, and the Zilaiskalns area adds an observation tower and rail bicycles. These places turn a distance on the map into a day worth taking slowly.
For a first visit, choose one section and arrange your return before setting off. Check the current map, surface conditions and opening times for planned stops. Leave room in the schedule: the point is to enjoy the places between the start and finish.