Border Crossing

Day 1 - Tynemouth to Warkworth

We’ll meet you in the city of Newcastle mid-morning on Day 1, transferring the short distance to the start point on the coast at Tynemouth. Here we’ll organise bikes and customise your fit if hiring from us. From Tynemouth, your route heads north, following Cycle Route 1 alongside the North Sea, winding its way out of the urban area. Before long you’ll hit the coast proper and ride quiet roads offering tempting sea views through the dunes. A cycleway follows the amazing beach at Druridge which stretches for miles in both directions – it’s worth stopping for a stroll along the beach. Skirt around the harbour village of Amble and follow the estuary where you’ll get the first views of the majestic Warkworth Castle. Superbly preserved, Warkworth is one of England’s finest castles and dominates the skyline of the quaint village.

Ride details: 58km/36 miles | Ascent: 213m/928ft

Day 2 - The Coquet Valley

Today you’ll ride one of our favourite loops in Northumberland as you explore the beautiful Coquet Valley. Setting off from Warkworth, follow rolling roads as far as the small village of Felton where a stop at the excellent Running Fox Cafe and Bakery is a must. From here a steady climb leads over a ridge where you descend to the Coquet Valley, crossing the river over an ancient bridge. Some short challenging climbs lead through the Simonside Hills before enjoying the long cruise to lunch in Rothbury. Here you might also like to visit Cragside – a delightful National Trust house and gardens nestled in Rothbury Forest. Your route then follows quiet country roads back east, rejoining Coquet Valley and then weaving your way on deserted lanes to return to Warkworth. (B)

Ride details: 67km/42 miles | Ascent: 885m/2,905ft

If you want to go put in some extra distance today there are several options for extending this ride further up the Coquet River with routes of up to 80-95 km / 50-60mi.

Day 3 - Warkworth to Bamburgh Castle

The Northumbrian Coast from Warkworth to Bamburgh offers some of the best cycle touring in the UK. With unspoiled coastline, charming villages and imposing castles there is a huge amount to experience in such a short distance. With little elevation today you’ll make good progress so plenty of time to explore. First up is the lovely village of Alnmouth, reached by an excellent cycleway from Warkworth, then on to Boulmer and Craster where there is the option of the road or a more adventurous off-road cycleway. Craster makes for the ideal stop off. You may want to stretch your legs by walking the 4km round trip to Dunstanburgh Castle before tucking in to the delicious crab sandwiches for which the area is famous. From Craster you’ll continue on very quiet roads through various villages and hamlets before reaching Bamburgh. We recommend a walk on the beach before dinner with the iconic and imposing Bamburgh Castle providing a magnificent backdrop. (B)

Ride details: 48km/30 miles | Ascent: 301m/990ft

Day 4 - Bamburgh to Kelso

No trip to Northumberland would be complete without a visit to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Access to the island is via a tidal causeway which is underwater at high tide, so we’ll need to time our visit carefully. The island is home to a 7th century monastery and striking 16th century castle and perfect for exploring by bike. In fact, the ride across to the island is a contender for the flattest road in England. Spend an hour or so exploring the island before heading west on quiet roads through rural Northumberland, a highlight being the picturesque villages of Ford and Etal. After an afternoon stop for tea, you’ll be riding alongside the flowing waters of the River Tweed and across the Scotland/England border to your overnight stop in Kelso. (B)

Ride details: 87km/54 miles | Ascent: 857m/2,811ft

Day 5 - Kelso to North Berwick

It’s a relaxing start to your final day as you roll on mostly flat roads out of Kelso. You’ll soon approach the border town of Duns where the most challenging climbing of the trip awaits. For the next 25km it’s up and down (and up again) through the Lammermuir Hills. The reward for the climbing is some great descending, the best of which is the final 7km into the quaint village of Gifford. Here you’ll find the celebrated cycle cafe – The Lanterne Rouge – which is an essential stop for any cyclist in the area. Once in Gifford the hard work is done with just one short climb between you and the North Sea coast at North Berwick. Congratulations on completing a cross-border ride and reaching the coast. Choose to stay here and relax for the evening or transfer back to Edinburgh. (B)

Ride details: 74km/46 miles | Ascent: 1,071m/3,515ft