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United Kingdom

Hadrian's Cycleway

Supported Leisure cycling holiday

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

4 days

Prices from

£570 P.P.
United Kingdom

Hadrian's Cycleway

Supported Leisure cycling holiday

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

4 days

Prices from

£570 P.P.
BOOK NOW
This fantastic supported cycling holiday in the UK utilises the National Cycle Network, travelling along the northern boundary of Britannia and the Roman Empire, starting and finishing at either end of Emperor 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 open hill country, peaceful river valleys, and a finish on the seafront at Tynemouth next to the Priory and nearby impressive beaches - a favourite for local surfers. You will be supported by a vehicle and driver all the way, who will provide refreshments and lunch en-route, and will carry bike spares and tools.
Accommodation is in well-appointed bed and breakfasts, inns or small family run hotels. Breakfasts and lunches are provided, and evening meals enjoyed 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 Cycleway is the holiday for you. Hadrian's Cycleway is a great cycling alternative to our ever popular C2C cycling trip, and suitable for those looking for an easier C2C option.
If you fancy extending your ride, take a look at our 6 day self-guided Coast and Castles option where you can continue on from Tynemouth to Edinburgh, with six more fantastic days of cycling. The Coast and Castles route takes you up the stunning Northumberland Coast, along the Tweed Valley in the Scottish Borders, and over the Moorfoot Hills into Edinburgh. Please let us know if you'd like to extend your trip!
If you're interested in doing this holiday with children, then check out the family version of this trip where you may find the information more relevant to your needs.
Like any of our UK supported trips, Hadrian's Cycleway is also available as a private departure for groups of friends, colleagues, families or anyone else! If our standard dates don't work, or you would like a slightly altered itinerary, or you would prefer a fully supported trip just for your group please give us a call for a chat.
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Holiday Highlights

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

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A very well organised trip from the pick up at the train station to the final return drop off, every thing was taken care of during the ride. All of this takes away the hassle and contributes to a more relaxing cycling holiday.

David, Liverpool

Itinerary

Day 1
Friday: Arrival in 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 (supplement payable), 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.

After meeting up in the early evening, you’ll have the chance to get to know the rest of the group and chat with the Skedaddle guide about the next few days of riding. The meal tonight will be taken at one of the many friendly restaurants on the nearby quayside. With the Millennium Bridge lit up at night, it makes a great backdrop to this bustling part of Newcastle.

Day 2
Saturday: Bowness-on-Solway to Gilsland
37 Miles / 59 Kms Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 650 Metres Approx.

After a hearty breakfast at our accommodation in Newcastle, we transfer the group to Bowness-on-Solway to begin our journey. The village sits on the stunning Solway Firth AONB (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 Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, and boasting Carlisle Castle; still welcoming visitors since Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobites.

The route gently undulates towards Warwick Bridge and this section along the river is very picturesque – so cameras at the ready! A short roller coaster of a ride then takes us into Lanercost, with its impressive priory. We then continue on to a nice uphill section towards Banks with its superb viewpoint before heading downhill to Gilsland. 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 stone plundered from the wall) and the remains of the Roman river crossing at Willowford are also nearby and worth a viewing if time permits.

Day 3
Sunday: Gilsland to Corbridge
31 Miles / 50 Kms Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 650 Metres Approx.

After yet another hearty breakfast, we set off on our second day’s cycling. Crossing the Pennine watershed and climbing steeply out of Greenhead before a welcome descent through the South Tyne Valley into Haltwhistle.

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 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 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 4
Monday: Corbridge to Tynemouth
31 Miles / 50 Kms Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 450 Metres Approx.

With all the major climbs behind us we begin to follow the valley floor towards Prudhoe. We cycle through the pretty villages of Ovingham and Wylam, passing Robert Stevenson’s Cottage, and then crossing the River Tyne twice, and along an old wagonway towards Newcastle following the banks of the Tyne. We pass through Newcastle taking in views of the famous bridges including the “blinking eye” Millennium Bridge, with the imposing Baltic Centre for Contemporary Arts 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 North Shields Fish Quay, where you’ll find a bustling little harbour. You are now at the very mouth of the Tyne and a few more pedal turns lead to your final destination, Tynemouth. Time to celebrate your achievement before the Skedaddle support vehicle whisks you back to Newcastle.

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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.

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Leisure Cycling Grade

1
2
3
4
5
Grade 3 : Moderate

Distances generally between 20-45 miles / 32-72 kms per day

For the leisure cyclist with a good level of physical fitness

May include some steeper, cheeky climbs and possibly sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc)

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?

Although you may not cycle everyday, you do keep yourself relatively fit and maybe enjoy an afternoon out on your bike at the weekend. Your preference is perhaps for flatter terrain but you don’t mind tackling some hills, and the occasional steep climb if you can take it at your own pace. For those happy to tackle some ups and downs, and possibly some sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc) we’d recommend our grade 3 trips. We’d generally expect those on a Grade 3 holiday to have a decent level of physical fitness and be comfortable with some longer days in the saddle.

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I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Skedaddle to friends. The organisation of the trip from start to finish was excellent.

Katherine, North Yorkshire

Dates & Prices

Private Departures

Private Departures

Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.

Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
18/08/2023
Guaranteed
Return Date
21/08/2023
Duration
4 days
Price
£570.00
Start Date
06/10/2023
Return Date
09/10/2023
Duration
4 days
Price
£570.00

Whats Included Tick

A) Accommodation (shared twin / double en suite rooms)

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

C) Full support service including a guide qualified in First Aid in a back up vehicle carrying spares, snacks and extra equipment not needed on your bike

D) Access to the Skedaddle App for holiday information

E) GPX files available upon request

F) Scheduled train station transfers on arrival and departure days

What's not Included Cross

A) Riding guide

B) Personal clothing and equipment

C) Travel insurance

D) Bar bills, telephone calls, souvenirs, etc.

E) Bike & helmet hire (available if required)

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

G) Single room option (may be available if required)

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 intend to drive to Newcastle we will provide directions to the accommodation where you can leave your car for the duration of the trip (supplement payable). If you prefer to travel by plane or train your destination is Newcastle and group train station transfers are included in the holiday price. There will be a Skedaddle transfer at 16.00 from Newcastle train station to the accommodation.

You will be expected to finish in Tynemouth at around 15.00 and we will transfer you back to your car in Newcastle or to Newcastle train station. Please do not book any return trains prior to 16.30 or flights prior to 18.00.

Please check with us before making any travel arrangements to make sure we have reached the minimum number required to guarantee your holiday and to ensure your arrangements fit with our scheduled transfers and logistics.

Please note If you make alternative travel arrangements, which fall outside of the planned train station transfers, there may be an additional charge for individual transfers.

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, 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 multi-tool, a spare innertube and a bike pump.

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 saddles, 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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