Hadrian's Cycleway

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Arrival into Newcastle

   Getting to Newcastle is easy. If you are planning to arrive by air, there is an airport at Newcastle with direct services to Newcastle Central train station. For those arriving by car, you will be able to leave your vehicle at your accommodation at no extra cost, or if the train is your preferred transport mode, you can either take a taxi from the station to your accommodation or it is just a short 10-15 minute walk away.
   
   

   • Local accommodation
2. Day 2Bowness-on-Solway to Carlisle

    After a hearty breakfast, you will be met by a representative at your accommodation in Newcastle and they’ll provide you with your rental bikes (if renting) and your map and chat you through how to use the navigation app.
   
   They will then transfer you to Bowness-on-Solway, a little village that sits on the stunning Solway Firth’s National Landscape, which is a haven for wildlife. Your first day’s riding is a gentle introduction to the trip with a flat ride by the banks of the Solway Firth before arriving in Carlisle. This thriving regional city showcases some of the area’s historic treasures in the Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, and boasting Carlisle Castle; still welcoming visitors since Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobites.
   
   

   • 14.3 miles
   • 492.1 ft
     492.1 ft
   • Local accommodation
   • Breakfast
3. Day 3Carlisle to Brampton

   Leaving the bustling city of Carlisle behind, you will cycle along a section that follows the picturesque river Eden and with photo opportunities at every turn, make sure you have your camera ready! The route gently undulates passing through Warwick Bridge to your accommodation in Brampton.
   
   

   • 14.9 miles
   • 820.2 ft
     820.2 ft
   • Local accommodation
   • Breakfast
4. Day 4Brampton to Twice Brewed

   Your cycling today takes you through the pretty village of Lanercost with its hauntingly beautiful priory which was founded in 1165 by Augustinian canons before it takes you onto your first uphill section of the ride and goes directly past Birdoswald Roman Fort which stands high above a bend in the River Irthing, in one of the most picturesque settings on Hadrian’s Wall.
   
   A Roman fort, turret and milecastle can all be seen on this excellent stretch of the Wall. With probably the best preserved defences of any Wall fort, this was an important base for some 1,000 Roman soldiers. Passing the ruins of the 14th century Thirwall Castle, (built out of stone plundered from the wall), you will cross the Pennine watershed and gradually climb out of Greenhead before a welcome descent into the South Tyne Valley down into Haltwhistle.
   
   At Bardon Mill you head back up the South Tyne Valley to a summit at Smith’s Shield, before arriving at your accommodation at Twice Brewed.
   
   

   • 21.7 miles
   • 1,640.4 ft
     1,640.4 ft
   • Local accommodation
   • Breakfast
5. Day 5Twice Brewed to Corbridge

   After breakfast, you start your day with an exhilarating descent to Vindolanda, a Roman frontier military and civilian site, and a must for those in search of Roman history and culture. Dating back to just before the Wall was constructed, the 2,000 writing tablets (discovered just 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’s Wall scenery. A cheeky climb takes you to Crindledykes, the highest point of the route (263 metres above sea level). You then drop towards Fourstones before passing through the market town of Hexham, towards the garrison town of Corbridge.
   
   

   • 19.3 miles
   • 984.3 ft
     984.3 ft
   • Local accommodation
   • Breakfast
6. Day 6Corbridge to Ryton

   With all the major climbs behind you, the route begins to follow the valley floor towards Prudhoe. Passing through the pretty villages of Ovingham and Wylam, passing Robert Stevenson’s Cottage and then crossing the River Tyne twice, you will cycle along an old wagonway towards Newburn following the banks of the Tyne before crossing the Tyne again to your accommodation in Ryton.
   
   

   • 14.9 miles
   • 656.2 ft
     656.2 ft
   • Local accommodation
   • Breakfast
7. Day 7Ryton to Tynemouth

   You can take your time on your last day by 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 Centre for Contemporary Art dominating the skyline. The Cycle Hub is situated on your right just after this and the perfect place for a well-earned cuppa and a slice of delicious homemade cake. It’s dedicated to the cyclist and also the home of the ground operator.

   Not far to the end now as you head into the heart of the shipbuilding area of the Tyne. On passing Wallsend – literally the “Wall’s end“, keep an eye out for Segedunum Roman Fort Museum if you fancy a little more Roman history to end your Hadrian’s Wall experience. Continuing along close to the river you soon reach the North Shields Fish Quay, 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 mouth of the Tyne and a few more pedal turns lead to your final destination, Tynemouth. Time to celebrate your achievement before being taken back to Newcastle.
   
   

   • 19.3 miles
   • 656.2 ft
     656.2 ft
   • Breakfast