THE BEAUTIFUL DANUBE – though it’s not really blue

I can’t remember the name of this village…just one of so many. Could look it up, of course, but it’s on the other side of the river. Just admire it instead.

I’m cycling along the Danube this week, doing Utracks’ Blue Danube Cycle adventure.

It’s almost the end of the season, so the Danube has turned a dullish greeny-grey; other things around it are still colourful.

Here’s a selection of my best shots so far…

The trip started in Passau, an attractive German university town by the river.

The late afternoon sun came out just enough to throw a warm glow over the graffiti.

It’s one of Europe’s most popular cycling routes – hundreds of kilometres of safe, car-free bike path.

The recommended route requires riding about 60km each day. So I’ve been making an early start.

I’ve been carefully keeping up my intake of fruits and fluids.

And it’s important to take those breaks. This cafe in Linz seemed to cater for the older cyclist. Note the walking frame outside.

Linz was European City of Culture in 2009. Some of the culture was closed on a Monday, but the public art was still open.

The bike path by the Danube isn’t all beautiful. Some people still have work to do,

I loved the small town of Grein, for its two major attractions…

It boasts the oldest theatre in Austria. The Stadttheater in Grein has operated since 1791. Still a gorgeous little theatre!

And then there’s Schloss Greinburg. Maybe it’s just “another bloody castle” but I was there at the perfect time of year, with the autumn leaves turning.

Still three days to go…more to come, I’m sure.

The writer was the guest of Utracks.