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Self Guided Cycling

Hadrian’s Wall Cycleway

Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights

From £655 Book Now

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Trip created by Paul Easto
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Region: Multi-Location
Trip Type: Self Guided Cycling
Accommodation: Classic
Confirmed: When 2 Traveller(s) Book
Deposit From: £163.75 £163.75

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All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

Download Itinerary

Our 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.

Trip Highlights

  • Cycle coast to coast across England following the route of the ancient Hadrian's Wall
  • Explore the fascinating 2,000yr old Hadrian's Wall, including the fascinating site of Vindolanda
  • Enjoy magnificent views, quiet roads as you ride through quaint villages and market towns
  • Experience the best of England hospitality in hand-picked accommodation along the route

Day by Day Itinerary

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)

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Self Guided Cycling
Hadrian’s Wall Cycleway

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Price from: £655
Duration: 6 Days 5 Nights

Trip Details

Accommodation Read More

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.

Inclusions Read More
  • 5 nights accommodation in 3-4 star locally-owned guesthouses and small hotels.
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary; Breakfast each morning (Meals indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
  • Essential equipment including a helmet, GPS with pre-loaded routes, bike lock, bike tool, spare inner tube, pump and tyre levers.
  • Welcome briefing and expert bike fitting on Day 1 if renting bikes.
  • Luggage transfers as needed throughout.
  • Private transfers at the start and end of the trip if required.
  • 24/7 advice and emergency support.

Need a bike? See our bike hire page for details.

Trip Grading Read More

Green Graded 1-3

Green graded trips are suitable for people with a reasonable level of fitness who enjoy cycling and are looking for an active but relaxed trip. They are also suitable for active people who are new to cycle touring and looking for a new way to explore the countryside.

On this self guided cycling adventure, each day you will have detailed route notes to follow. On most days, you will also have the option to extend your cycling routes with optimal extensions ranging from 2 to 25 miles.

Travel Read More

Arrival Info
Arrive at 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.

Upgrade and Customise Your Trip Read More

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.

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Speak to an Expert

Chris Page

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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Difficulty Grades Explained

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