Hadrian's Cycleway in Northumberland

Utilising the National Cycle Network, with that extra Skedaddle ingredient, we travel gently along the boundary of the Old Roman Empire, starting and finishing at either end of Hadrian’s Wall.

During the ride you will be able to follow in the footsteps of Roman soldiers, whilst experiencing some of the rich heritage that Cumbria and Northumberland have to offer.

This coast to coast holiday boasts craggy highlands, atmospheric countryside, peaceful river valleys and a finish in the vibrant city of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Accommodation is in well-appointed bed and breakfasts, inns or small family-run hotels. Breakfasts and lunch are provided and evening meals are taken in restaurants or pubs close to the accommodation.

If you’re looking for a cycling holiday on quiet roads, traffic free paths and National Cycle Network routes - then Hadrian's Cycle Way is the holiday for you.

Skedaddle Self-Guided:

If you can’t find a date to suit or want to go it alone, there are self-guided options. We book all your accommodation, take you to the start point from the nearest train station, transfer your luggage and then provide you with routes and maps for you to do the trails ‘unguided’.

Detailed Itinerary:
Day One - Arrival into Newcastle
Newcastle is our chosen rendezvous point for the Hadrian's Cycle Way ride. With its excellent road, rail and air connections getting to Newcastle is easy. For those arriving by car, you will be able to leave your vehicle at your accommodation in Newcastle, or if the train is your preferred transport mode, we will be happy to collect you from the nearby station. We will then transfer you to the quayside where you will spend your first evening. At a suitable point a general overview of the next few days of riding will be given. You will be free in the evening to discover the vibrant city of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Day Two - Transfer from Newcastle - Bowness on Solway to Gilsland - Distance 59 km / 37 miles
After a hearty breakfast at our accommodation in Newcastle, we transfer to Bowness-on-Solway to begin our journey. The village sits on the stunning Solway Firth (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and the views of Scotland from here are simply breathtaking. The area is also a haven for wildlife, so keep an eye out for wildfowl during this first part of the trip. Our first day's riding is a gentle introduction to the trip with a flat ride by the banks of the Solway Firth before skirting Carlisle. This thriving regional city is well worth a visit if time allows; showcasing some of the area's historic treasures in the Tuille House Museum and Art Gallery, and boasting Carlisle Castle; still welcoming visitors as it has done since Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobites.

Gently undulating we carry on our merry way towards Warwick Bridge, this section along the river is very picturesque - so camera's at the ready! A short roller coast of a ride then takes us past Lanercost, with its impressive priory and onto our first real uphill section of the day towards Gilsland, our second nights stop. Just before Birdoswald Roman Fort, there is a superb section of the wall, right next to your cycling route, which leads all the way to Birdoswald. Thirwall Castle (14th Century and built of Roman Stone) and the remains of the Roman river crossing at Willowford are also nearby and worth a viewing if time permits.

Day Three - Gilsland to Corbridge - Distance 50 km / 31 miles
After yet another hearty breakfast, we pack our belongings into the support vehicle and set off on our second day's cycling. We cross the Pennine watershed and gradually climb out of Greenhead before a welcome descent begins through the South Tyne Valley into Haltwhistle. If you're in need of a rest and recharge (and maybe a cake and cup of tea), there are plenty of tea shops here to take your pick from.

At Bardon Mill we head back up the South Tyne Valley to a summit at Smith's Shield before a speedy section to Vindolanda. This Roman frontier military and civilian site is a must for those in search of Roman history and culture and a suitable mid-point place for lunch. Dating back to just before the Wall was constructed, the 2,000 writing tablets (discovered just a mere 30 years ago) form the earliest archive of written material in British history and are matched by similar tablets from the Eastern Frontier; it's a sort of 360-degree view of empire life. A slight detour towards Housesteads provides outstanding views over Vindolanda and classic Hadrian Wall scenery. A cheeky climb takes us to Crindledykes, our highest point of the route (263 metres above sea level). We then drop towards Fourstones before passing through the market town of Hexham and entering the Tyne Valley, towards the garrison town of Corbridge and our accommodation for the night…. don’ t worry you’ll be more comfortable than the Roman soldiers were!

Day Four - Corbridge to Tynemouth - Distance 52km / 32 miles - Transfer to Newcastle
With all the major climbs behind us we begin to follow the valley floor towards Prudhoe. Passing through the pretty villages of Ovingham and Wylam (check out Robert Stevenson’s Cottage) and then crossing the River Tyne twice, we cycle along an old wagon way towards Newcastle following the banks of the Tyne. Taking in views of the famous bridges across the river, including the "blinking eye" Millennium Bridge which you will cycle past, with the imposing Baltic Arts centre dominating the skyline. Not far to go now as we head into the heart of the ship building area of the Tyne. On passing Wallsend - literally the Wall's end, keep an eye out for Segedunum Roman Fort Museum here - if you fancy a little more Roman history to end your Hadrian’s Wall experience.

Continuing along close to the river we soon reach the Fish Quays of North Shields, where you’ll find a bustling little harbour and be able to sample some of the finest fish and chips in the North East! You are now at the very mouth of the Tyne and a few more pedal turns lead to your final destination, Tynemouth. Time to dip your front wheel in the North Sea and celebrate your achievement, before the Skedaddle support vehicle whisks you back to your car or to the train station.

Equipment
We provide everything except personnel equipment, clothing and a bike (although you are able to hire these). Please contact us if you are unsure whether your bike will be suitable.

What the price doesn't include
(A)    Bike & helmet hire (if required, £80).
(B)    Personal clothing and equipment.
(C)    Insurance (if required, £13).
(D)    Evening meals.
(E)    Single room option (if required, £90).
(F)    A riding guide.