Matilda on Tour - Slovenia - Lakes, rides and a few surprises

Wednesday 29 April - Novo Mesto

Day 60 - On the move again
Slovenia

We left Plitvice this morning with the weather turning — cooler and a bit damp.

Most of the journey stayed dry, with the rain only arriving about 20 miles from tonight’s stop.

Crossing into Slovenia, there was a definite shift — better roads, larger stores, well-kept houses, and even a slightly Austrian feel to some of the villages we passed. It felt very much like being back in the heart of the EU.

We’ve ended up in Novo Mesto tonight — a large town, more practical than scenic, but a good place to regroup.

We took a quick trip out in the van for a fan heater — not sure if it’ll work with the hook-up, but worth a try. We’re toasty tonight, so that’s a bonus.

A soggy afternoon followed, which gave us the perfect excuse for coffee and cake at McDonald’s. Needs must 😄

Back on the road again tomorrow.

We’re heading towards Lake Bled, which from everything we’ve read looks stunning — and the weather is set to warm up again from tomorrow.

Thursday 30 April — Lake Bled

Day 61 — Blue skies and a proper wow
Slovenia 🇸🇮

So good to wake up to blue skies after yesterday’s rain.

We got ourselves moving and headed to McDonald’s for breakfast before hitting the autobahn — sat nav behaving today, so an easy run up to Lake Bled.

And wow… absolutely stunning.

The campsite is good, although much busier than we’re used to — May bank holiday weekend, so no surprise.

We managed one loop of the lake on the bikes, but it was just too busy, so we swapped to walking for a second loop — definitely the better option, with so much to see all the way round.

Back to the site later and a pizza to share.

A busy day — but a really good one

Friday 1 May - Lake Bled

Day 62 — Alpine rides and a birthday evening
Slovenia 🇸🇮

After a busy day yesterday, we had a slow start this morning — warm sun, just perfect.

We headed out on the bikes and it didn’t take long to reach open countryside — beautiful alpine meadows, forests, and bike lanes on most of the roads. Everywhere has that lovely alpine feel.

The route was fab — undulating roads with some glorious descents, a few testing climbs, and a drop down to the River Sava before a steady climb back up the other side.

Richard’s birthday tonight, so we’re off now for a post-ride beer and some well-earned food xx

Sitting outside, looking over Lake Bled — not a bad place for a birthday meal.

Saturday 2 May — Lake Bled / Radovna Valley

Day 63 — A ride into the valley
Slovenia 🇸🇮

After a great night’s sleep, it was wonderful to wake up to those deep blue skies once again.

We headed out on the bikes, following the red route from Bled. It didn’t take long to leave the busier areas behind and find ourselves on quiet tarmac lanes, heading up into the Radovna Valley with hardly any traffic — just that gentle pull as the valley opens out ahead.

A fantastic ride. Undulating roads with plenty of ups and downs — a really good workout.

The scenery kept changing all the way — open meadows giving way to forests with newly planted deciduous trees rather than pines. The colours were amazing.

We dropped down into the valley for a coffee stop, following the river for a while before the inevitable climb back out. Tough in places, but one of those rides that just keeps giving.

Back later, tired legs and a good feeling after a proper ride.
A top day.

Sunday 3 May - Lake Bled to Lake Bohinj

Day 64 — A ride with a few twists
Slovenia 🇸🇮

Lake Bled has turned into a full-on, action-packed stop.

Today we headed out again on the red route, this time towards Lake Bohinj, following the Sava Bohinjka for much of the way. It felt quite different to yesterday — more forest early on, then opening out into the wider valley.

We followed the cycle path out for most of the ride, with just a short off-piste detour along the way.

A lovely route — ever-changing views, with the lake looking glorious in the May sunshine. Plenty of people out enjoying it too — families walking, cycling, or just sitting and taking it all in.

One of those easy, feel-good rides.

I even spotted someone paragliding down — great to watch.

The way back was a bit more interesting, with a few wrong turns before we found the right route again, but it all worked out in the end.

Back at the van, a quick change and then out to the pub for food and a couple of beers - 42 miles today — we’ll both sleep well tonight.

Planning a short hop tomorrow, and a rest day off the bikes (probably).

We’ve really loved Lake Bled — a fantastic campsite, restaurant on site, the lake just outside the entrance, and some great cycling. We didn’t get any hiking in, but it feels like a brilliant place for that too.