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Seen, maybe I have conflated wildcamping and camping here. I reckon I'd probably be okay at sites, and maybe I should do a few sites before trying to wildcamp it up.
Off the top of heads what are some tarmacy routes in france/spain/germany/italy (basically, can I get there with a ferry and my bike) good for a beginner at this?
I know asking a lot but ideal is: ferry, well travelled route so if my newbyness puts me in a predicament there will be places to go / people to ask for help, sunnier than this island.
citygent-
maybe I should do a few sites before trying to wildcamp it up.
Definitely would recommend this. Camping at campsites is a piece of cake, just need to get there. Wild camping is something I haven't done myself (yet), but is arguably quite a bit more challenging/impractical (no running (hot) water, no electricity, less safety, no toilet/shower, etc).
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I'm doing a cycle touring and camping trip in September in Burgundy. I've not done any camping in years but I'll be fine.
Have a look at these if you want some inspiration for France.
https://en.francevelotourisme.com/
https://www.freewheelingfrance.com/
And if you are looking for camp sites
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I cycled from St Malo (got the ferry from Southampton) to Bordeaux about a year ago.
The route was 90% offroad on bike paths, no hills, incredible countryside. Very beautiful.
It takes anywhere between one week or two, depending on how fast you take it.
We camped wild every night but there are lots of campsites en route.
I had a splendid time. If you would like the route, I can send it to you or post it here. -
Check out the Eurovelo routes
Tijs
Aroogah
platypus
Heldring
Camping is easy. Practice putting your tent up in the garden/park then book yourself into campsites if you don't want to try wild camping which requires a tiny bit more knowledge.
Basic packing list:
Aside from that just normal stuff that you'd take anywhere if you were staying away from home (but be ruthless with excess weight).
Put your tent up in such a way that the big surfaces are not facing into the wind. Put it somewhere sheltered, flat and dry (consider where rain will pool if it's dry - don't pitch in a cleft that'll turn into a puddle).
It's really very easy