Trip created by Paul Easto
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Region: Multi-Location
Trip Type: Self Guided Cycling
Comfort: Classic
Confirmed: When 2 Traveller(s) Book
Deposit From £140.00
£140.00
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All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.
Download ItineraryOur Hadrian’s Cycleway tour offers a journey through some of England’s most wild and dramatic countryside. Ride 130mi/210km from coast to coast from Cumbria to Tyne and Wear. Each day you’ll experience memorable views, breathtaking countryside, Roman forts and museums, historic villages and attractive market towns, as you trace a line along the World Heritage Site which is the 2,000-year-old Hadrian’s Wall.
This is an easy-going itinerary, ideal as a first multi-day bike tour where you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the many places of interest along the route. With all the details taken care of, you can cruise care-free along the quiet back roads which proliferate in this part of the country. Each night, stay in hand-picked accommodation where a warm welcome is guaranteed.
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.
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: 35 miles / 56 km | Ascent: 876th/267m
A welcome start to the day as you warm-up on flat roads out of Carlisle and through the River Eden Valley. From around 10mi/16km 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. Some 10mi/16km you will reach your overnight stop at Haltwhistle where a warm welcome and your luggage awaits. (B)
Ride details: 29 miles / 47 km | Ascent: 1,628th/496m
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: 27 miles / 44 km | Ascent: 1,713th/522m
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 10mi/16km of your journey remains; enjoy the final miles 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: 36 miles / 57 km | Ascent: 1,018th/310m
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)
To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:
This itinerary includes 4 nights in 3 or 4-star standard accommodation ranging from cosy guesthouses, inns, small hotels, bed and breakfast – or perhaps even on working farms, all of which are the picture of warmth, comfort and rustic charm typical to northern England. Our accommodation partners are carefully handpicked for a number of factors – picturesque locations, very good facilities and a reputation for providing welcoming hospitality.
Accommodation will be reserved on a Bed & Breakfast basis, lunches and evening meals are not included. Local shops sell sandwiches and snacks for the day ahead. Many guesthouses will also be able to provide a packed lunch for you if you ask them the night before. In the evenings, meals can be taken in local restaurants, hotels or bars.
Single Room
Single occupancy rooms are available for a small supplement. Please get in touch with the team to book.
Need a bike? See our bike hire page for details.
Arrival Info
Arrive into Carlisle Railway Station. Alternatively, you are free to drive to your location.
Departure Info
Your trip finishes in Newcastle where there are convenient train links to the rest of the UK available.
Accommodation Upgrades are available in some locations for a supplement and are subject to availability. Please note that choosing to upgrade the accommodation may mean additional transfers to and from the route at the beginning and end of each day.
Contact us to discuss what options will work best for you.
Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of Britain & Ireland. We are committed to providing you with the best customer service and are more than happy to chat through options and provide help and advice. Get in touch to find your perfect adventure.
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