UK

Hadrian's Cycleway (6 days cycling)

Self-Guided Leisure Cycling Holiday

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

7 days

Prices from

£885 P.P.

E-BIKE HIRE AVAILABLE

This tour is well-suited to both regular bikes and pedal assist e-bikes, and you can choose to hire either when you book your tour with us. Confident cyclists will enjoy the boost from a battery for those cheeky climbs, and with less effort required on the bike, you’ll have more energy at the end of the day for off-the-bike activities.

UK

Hadrian's Cycleway (6 days cycling)

Self-Guided Leisure Cycling Holiday

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

7 days

Prices from

£885 P.P.

E-BIKE HIRE AVAILABLE

This tour is well-suited to both regular bikes and pedal assist e-bikes, and you can choose to hire either when you book your tour with us. Confident cyclists will enjoy the boost from a battery for those cheeky climbs, and with less effort required on the bike, you’ll have more energy at the end of the day for off-the-bike activities.

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Utilising the National Cycle Network, this cycling holiday in the UK travels along the northern boundary of the Roman Empire, starting and finishing at either end of Hadrian’s Wall. This wonderfully mellow cycling break follows in the footsteps of Roman soldiers, allowing you to experience some of the rich heritage that Cumbria and Northumberland have to offer.
From cycling in open hill country, through peaceful river valleys and finishing at the North Sea at Tynemouth, the route passes through some of the most beautiful parts of England and skirts a number of fascinating Roman sites including Birdoswald Fort, Walltown Quarry, Great Chesters Fort and Vindolanda.
After arriving into Newcastle you spend the first night in this vibrant city before we transfer you to Bowness-on-Solway and the start of your ride which ends 100 miles later in Tynemouth where we will meet you and transfer you back to Newcastle for your onward journey home. 
This self-guided trip is for a minimum of 2 people and accommodation, transfers, luggage transfers and emergency back up are all included. With access to the navigation app you'll be able to navigate the route with ease. Nothing could be simpler!
If you’re looking for a cycling holiday on quiet roads, traffic free paths and National Cycle Network routes - then Hadrian's Cycleway is the holiday for you!
You can also do this route over 3 or 4 days of cycling, as well as a supported 6 day trip. For an even more challenging trip with longer daily distances, talk to us about our 2 day version. 
If you're interested in doing this holiday with children, then check out the family version of this trip where we may have kid's discounts available. 

Holiday Highlights

  • The well preserved forts of Birdoswald and Vindolanda
  • The rugged beauty of the North Pennines
  • The view down the Tyne as you arrive in to Newcastle
  • The picturesque market town of Corbridge
  • The sense of achievement having ridden from coast to coast
  • Following in the footsteps of the Roman Empire

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Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival into Newcastle
Non Cycling Day

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.

Day 2
Bowness-on-Solway to Carlisle
14 Miles / 23 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 150 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 150 Metres Approx.

After a hearty breakfast, you will be met by our Skedaddle 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. Our first day’s riding is a gentle introduction to the trip with a flat ride by the banks of the Solway Firth before arriving into 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.

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Day 3
Carlisle to Brampton
14 Miles / 23 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 235 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 235 Metres Approx.

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.

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Day 4
Brampton to Twice Brewed
22 Miles / 36 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 510 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 510 Metres Approx.

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.

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Day 5
Twice Brewed to Corbridge
19 Miles / 30 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 275 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 275 Metres Approx.

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.

Day 6
Corbridge to Ryton
15 Miles / 24 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 165 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 165 Metres Approx.

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.

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Day 7
Ryton to Tynemouth
18 Miles / 29 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 205 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 205 Metres Approx.

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 Saddle Skedaddle – if you catch us during office hours, why not come and say hello?

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 we whisk you back to Newcastle.

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Understanding Profiles

Use these profiles to see:

  • Distance in Km (horizontal axis)
  • Ascent / Descent in metres (vertical axis)

Click 'see gradient' to see:

  • Distance in Km (horizontal axis)
  • % Gradient (vertical axis)

Please check the scales on both graphs, and both axes as they both may differ from day to day.

White vertical lines indicate unpaved sections or slightly rougher terrain. Using both graphs, alongside the grading and terrain information provided, will give you a full picture of how flat, bumpy or steep the climbing on your particular tour is going to be. Please keep in mind this is an indicative guide and GPS units and software produce different statistical information.

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The Cycling

Terrain

Hadrian’s Cycleway runs mainly on country lanes and quiet roads, interspersed with sections of traffic-free path, promenade and riverside paths. The coastal sections at either end of the route are relatively flat, but there are a few steep, short hills in the central section.

The majority of the route is paved, with a couple of short sections on hard-packed gravel. A hybrid bike is recommended, but a road bike fitted with touring tyres is also suitable when ridden with a little extra care.

It is possible to use an e-bike on this holiday. Although there are no significant climbs or long passes on the route, an e-bike could be beneficial to get you up some of the short, steep climbs if you are after a bit of a boost. Similarly, if you are wanting to spend more time exploring the towns and villages along the way, then an e-bike is a great idea to cover the miles a little quicker. Please note, e-bikes are generally heavier than standard bikes, so this is worth considering when handling the bike over any rough / uneven terrain.

For more information about riding an electric bike on our holidays please click here

Hadrian’s Cycleway uses a part of the National Cycle Network, a route from the charity, Sustrans, who are working to make it easier for everyone to cycle in the UK. Skedaddle will donate to Sustrans for every mile that you and others ride on this route with us. If you fancy donating more to Sustrans, you can choose to make your own donation for the development of the National Cycle Network when you make a booking with us.

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Leisure Cycling Grade

1
2
3
4
5
Grade 1-2 : Easy/Gentle

Aspects of both our grade 1 and 2 holidays

Suitable for those looking for a relaxed ride

Occasional ups and downs

Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!

For more information about our grading system click here.

Is this suitable for you?

Holidays that are graded as a 1-2, will have aspects of both our grade 1 and grade 2 holidays. These tours are still suitable for those looking for an accessible cycling holiday with manageable daily distances, along predominately flat terrain, however there will be some days / sections where we’d expect you to be up for a slightly cheeky challenge. It might be that the distances are a little longer on some days or that the terrain is slightly more undulating, but the rides are still relaxed and manageable for someone whose generally fit and healthy.

For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.

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Dates & Prices

Daily departures available from April to mid October. Choose your own dates from:

2025 £885 per person

You either can make a booking online or over the phone. Once we have your details, we’ll be able to check availability.

Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit

Book now with a £150 deposit and nothing more to pay until 60 days before departure. Choose a date to start your booking and see all prices, including bike hire and single room supplements.

Select a date to view prices and book
Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
Return Date
--/--/----
Duration
7 days
Price
£885.00

Whats Included Tick

A) Accommodation (shared twin/ double rooms)

B) Meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

C) Access to an app for holiday information and navigation

D) A printed map

E) Luggage transfer service

F) Local Skedaddle representative

G) Emergency tool kit, pump etc. (if renting your bike from Skedaddle)

H) Financial Protection through ABTOT

What's not Included Cross

A) Bike and helmet rental (available if required)

B) Travel or flight costs or charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)

C) Meals not stated in the itinerary

D) Single room (available if required)

E) Travel insurance

F) Personal clothing and equipment

G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)

H) Entrance fees to cultural or historical sites and visitor centres

I) Other optional activities

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The Essentials

Travel Options

If you decide to drive we will provide you with full directions to the accommodation and meeting point in Newcastle. You will be able to leave your car at the accommodation for the duration of the trip at no additional cost.

If you would prefer to catch the train the most convenient station for arrival is Newcastle. You will find a taxi directly outside of the train station and the journey to the first hotel is only 5-10 minutes. At the end of the trip we will meet you and transfer you to your car or Newcastle train station as appropriate. Please do not book any return trains prior to 15.30.

The nearest airport is Newcastle International (NCL) and it’s a 30 minute Metro ride to Newcastle train station.

Please check with Skedaddle before making any travel arrangements so we can ensure they fit in with the holiday schedule.

Accommodation

In the UK we use good quality 3 or 4 star hotels, B&Bs, inns and family-run guesthouses that are cycle friendly, located close to the cycling route and showcase the style and hospitality of the area you are visiting.

Where possible we prioritise locally owned businesses and those offering locally sourced food, drink and speciality products. This all promotes sustainability in-line with our responsible travel policy.

All our UK trips are operated on a double/twin-share basis. Single occupancy rooms can be provided for a supplement and are subject to availability at the time of booking.

Bike Hire

If you would like to rent a bike we have both hybrid and electric bikes available.

The hybrid bikes are generally Giant Roam (male frame) or Liv Rove (female frame) with a wide gear range suitable for the route and terrain, semi-slick tyres, hydraulic disc brakes and a relaxed riding position.

Our electric bikes are generally Giant E+ pedal assist bikes with batteries suitable for the daily distances on this holiday and hydraulic disc brakes. E-bikes come with step through frames as standard but some cross bar frames may be available if preferred. Please let us know if you have a preference.

A rack and two panniers, a handlebar phone mount and one bottle cage are provided with all our rental bikes, along with an emergency repair kit in a seat-post bag containing a puncture repair kit, a multitool, a spare innertube and a bike pump. A bike lock will also be provided (one between two bikes).

We are also able to provide helmets. If you’d like one to be provided, please request this at the time of booking.

You are welcome to bring along your own saddle, or own pedals if renting a hybrid bike, but please let us know if advance if you plan to do so.

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