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

£895 P.P.
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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. 
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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
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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.

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Day 2 Bowness-on-Solway to Carlisle

15 Miles / 24 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 150 Metres Approx.
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  • 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

15 Miles / 24 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 240 Metres Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 240 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.
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  • 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 / 31 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 280 Metres Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 280 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.

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Day 6 Corbridge to Ryton

15 Miles / 24 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 185 Metres Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 185 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 / 30 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 205 Metres Approx.
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  • 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.

Please note that entrance fees to the various Roman sites on this holiday are NOT included in the price. There are some sites managed by English Heritage (so bring your membership card if you have one!), and some are independently run. You can check the different ticket options online or enquire at each site.

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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)

White vertical lines indicate unpaved sections or slightly rougher terrain.

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

GPS units and navigation softwares produce different statistical information based on a number of different factors, so please keep in mind the information we’re providing here is meant to be an indicative guide only.

Gradients in particular can be difficult to measure consistently, and sometimes steepness shown can vary as much as 5-10% from what’s signposted on the ground.

Using both graphs, alongside the grading and terrain information provided, should however give you a good idea of how flat, bumpy or steep the climbing on your particular tour is going to be.

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Still Thinking It Over?

Register your interest and we'll keep you up-to-date on departures, availability, accommodation and all the amazing experiences we have in store on this trip.

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 or gravel 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, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, who are working to make it easier for everyone to cycle in the UK. Skedaddle will donate to Walk Wheel Cycle Trust for every mile that you and others ride on this route with us. If you fancy donating more to Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, you can choose to make your own donation for the development of the National Cycle Network when you make a booking with us.

Two cyclists riding the Hadrian's Cycleway route

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:

2026 £895 per person

2027 £915 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.

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To see the prices for any optional extras, including bike hire, select your date below.
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Duration
7 days
Price
£895.00
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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 17.30.

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.

Please note, if you are travelling to the UK from overseas and are not a British or Irish national, you will need to apply for either an ETA or a visa depending on your nationality. Please check the relevant state department or foreign office guidance for your country or you can find more information here

Contact us for full details on the travel options on this trip

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.

Contact us for full details on the accommodation for this trip

Bike Hire

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

The hybrid bikes are generally Giant Roam (male frame) or Liv Rove (female frame) with flat bars and semi-slick tyres. They are set up with a rear rack, two panniers and at least one bottle cage.

The gravel bikes are generally Giant Revolt (male frame) or Liv Devote (female frame) with drop-bars, aluminium frames, carbon forks, and 700×38c gravel-specific tyres fitted with inner tubes. They are set up with a rear rack, two panniers and at least one bottle cage.

The electric bikes are generally Giant E+ pedal assist bikes with flat bars, step through frames, semi-slick tyres, and batteries suitable for the daily distance on this holiday. They are set up with a rear rack and two panniers and they will either have a bottle cage or you will be able to store a water bottle in your pannier bag.

When choosing your hire bike, we recommend selecting the type of bike you’re used to riding and feel most comfortable and confident on, whether that’s a flat-bar bike or a drop-bar setup. If you’re unsure about anything, or would like to chat through the available options, please do give us a call.

All of our hire bikes have a wide range of gears, hydraulic disc brakes and offer a comfortable riding position. All bikes have inner tubes and come equipped with a small seat-post bag containing a puncture repair kit, a multitool and a spare tube, as well as a bike pump. We will also provide a handlebar phone mount (if required), and a bike lock (one between two bikes). Please note, given the variety of shapes and sizes of on-bike luggage and the fact the mechanisms for fitting them vary, we aren’t able to safely accommodate customers’ own frame bags or on-bike luggage on our hire bikes.

We are also able to provide helmets. If you’d like one, please request this at the time of booking. You are welcome to bring along your own saddle and / or own pedals if renting a hybrid or gravel bike, but please let us know in advance if you plan to do so. Please note, all our hire bikes come with flat pedals as standard.

If you are planning to bring your own bike, please let us know the make and model and we can check its suitability.

Contact us for full details on the bikes available for hire on this trip

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What's 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

J) Tips for guides, drivers, support staff

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Hadrian's Cycleway (6 days cycling) FAQs

Can I hire a bike?

Yes, we have a range of high-quality hire bikes available on all of our tours that you can select at the time of booking (you can see more details about our hire bikes in the dedicated section above.) Or, if you prefer the flexibility to bring your own bike, this is also an option.

Do I need to wear a cycle helmet?

Yes. We take very seriously the duty of care we have towards our customers, and we will always ask that you wear a helmet. If you don’t own a helmet, then let us know and we’ll ensure there is one available for you. More about our helmet policy.

Can I bring my own e-bike?

Yes, you may bring your own e-bike on this tour but it’s best to chat to our team so we can make sure the bike is legally compliant and that help determine if your bike will have enough power to last each day. We recommend riding with the bike in eco mode, or lower level of pedal assist most of the time, along with other tips to conserve battery life. Remember, if you are flying to your destination, you won’t be able to take a battery on the plane. Check out our e-bike page for more FAQs about e-bikes.

What bike spares should I bring?

If you’re bringing your own bike, it’s a good idea to pack basic tools (tyre levers, pump, chain tool) and a puncture repair kit with a spare inner tube in a saddle bag or day bag. If you’re hiring a bike with us, then we’ll provide you with tools and spares. If you run into problems with your bike or have a mechanical, we’ll always be available to assist.

Do you transfer my luggage and bike box?

Yes, our tours include luggage transfers so you can enjoy cycling without the need to carry heavy bags. If you’re bringing your own bike in a bike box or bag, then we will store and transfer it for you. Please let us know in advance if you are bringing a bike box – the size, make and model.

What if something goes wrong?

Self-guided doesn’t mean left to manage on your own. One of our local representatives will be there to greet you on arrival and help get you set up with your bike and navigation. Throughout your trip, we’re always available with local support and emergency phone support aswell, so whether there’s an unexpected issue or you’ve got a mechanical with your bike, we’ll get it sorted.

How do I navigate and know which route to follow?

We’ll provide you with easy-to-use navigation and you’ll be shown how to use it at your meet and greet on arrival. Across many of our tours, we use Ride with GPS or a similar navigation app. You’ll need to bring a phone or GPS unit for navigation. On some holidays, paper maps are provided. Holidays which mainly follow National Cycle Network routes or other designated routes have the benefit of clear signposting along the way.  

Can I do this self-guided holiday on my own?

For safety reasons, we only offer self-guided tours to two or more riders. If you’re a solo traveller, why not join one of our group tours? It’s a great way to meet likeminded people and we see lots of solo travellers joining our guided holidays.

Do you cater for different dietary needs?

Vegetarians and people with specific dietary requirements will be catered for – please let us know at the time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.

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