Hadrian’s Wall Cycleway

Day 1 - Arrive into Carlisle

Arrive into the border city of Carlisle by train the afternoon/evening before your cycle begins. Check-in to your hotel before taking a walk around the city streets with its ancient castle and impressive cathedral. Enjoy dinner and a relaxed evening ready for tomorrow’s ride.

Day 2 - Silloth to Carlisle

Following breakfast, you’ll be met by one of our team and transferred out to the start point at the coastal town of Silloth on the Cumbrian coast. On arrival, you’ll receive a personal bike fit (if hiring a bike from us) and a detailed trip briefing. When you’re ready to go it’s time to head east. Rolling out of Silloth into the surrounding countryside and passing through the Solway Coast, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The riding is mostly flat and you’ll soon reach the western end of Hadrian’s Wall. Passing the Roman Fort at Drumburgh follow the River Eden back into Carlisle and roll through the city to your overnight hotel. (B)

Ride details: 56 km/35mi | Ascent: 876ft/267m

Day 3 - Carlisle to Haltwhistle

A welcome start to the day as you warm up on flat roads out of Carlisle and through the River Eden Valley. From around 16km/10mi onwards there are some small hills to climb as you ascend to the small market town of Brampton. With several cafes to choose from the town makes an ideal stop for morning coffee and cake. A short distance from Brampton, you will come across the impressive Lanercost Priory. Dating from the 12th century the Priory suffered frequent attacks during the Anglo-Scot wars but remains remarkably well preserved. From Lanercost you climb up to join a road that runs right alongside Hadrian’s Wall to the Roman Fort at Birdoswald which is well worth a visit. After some 16km/10mi you will reach your overnight stop at Haltwhistle where a warm welcome and your luggage awaits. (B)

Ride details: 47 km/29mi | Ascent: 1,628ft/496m

Day 4 - Haltwhistle to Hexham

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before continuing your journey east. This morning we strongly recommend making time for a visit to the fascinating Vindolanda. The archaeological discoveries here provide a remarkable insight into Roman times. Throughout the summer months, it’s usually possible to witness further excavations taking place. The museum is also worth a visit, as is the cafe which does fantastic cream tea. From Vindolanda you’ll ride on through Muckle Moss National Nature Reserve and back up to cross the wall and pass another fort at Walwick. From here it’s mostly downhill to the welcoming Hexham – proud holder of the title “England’s favourite market town”. Explore the town before dinner and overnight here. (B)

Ride details: 44 km/27mi | Ascent: 1,713ft/522m

Day 5 - Hexham to Tynemouth

Your final day of riding will take you from Hexham to the North Sea coast. From Hexham, you’ll soon reach the attractive town of Corbridge where quiet lanes lead you to Prudhoe. Here the route becomes virtually traffic free all the way to the coast on a cycleway which follows the north bank of the River Tyne and threads it way through the heart of Newcastle city centre. From Newcastle/ less than 16km/10mi of your journey remains; enjoy the final stretch before you roll onto the coast at Tynemouth having successfully completed Hadrian’s cycleway. Once you’ve captured the finishing photo and enjoyed a celebratory drink, return back to Newcastle to your hotel and a night in the vibrant city. (B)

Ride details: 57 km/36 mi | Ascent: 1,018ft/310m

Day 6 | Depart Newcastle

There are many options for your final day in Newcastle depending upon how much time you have available. If the weather is good, it’s hard to beat lunch by the riverside. Newcastle train station is a short walk away with excellent travel connections to the rest of the UK. (B)