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
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.
Itinerary
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.

- 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.
- 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!
- 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.

Gallery
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.

Leisure Cycling Grade
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.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Skedaddle to friends. The organisation of the trip from start to finish was excellent.
Dates & Prices

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.
Whats Included 
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 
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
The Essentials
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Reviews
Katherine, North YorkshireI wouldn't hesitate to recommend Skedaddle to friends!Les was an excellent guide. He was professional, friendly and very organised. His detailed explanations each day of our route were very helpful and nothing was too much trouble. We would be delighted if he was our guide on any future trips.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Skedaddle to friends. The organisation of the trip from start to finish was excellent. Having next to no cycling experience and never having done a cycling holiday before I was apprehensive and unsure whether this would be for me. I needn’t have worried I enjoyed the experience and am already looking forward to next years trip.
David, LiverpoolExcellent guide!A very well organised trip from the pick up at the train station to the final retun 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.
Les was a great guide a very hospitable host he could not do enough for us. A credit to your company that you have someone as good as him working for you!
Catherine, DundeeI thoroughly enjoyed it!This is my second trip with Skedaddle and once again I thoroughly enjoyed it. The grading system is a fair representation of the level you need to be at with your cycling and this trip was definitely the right level for me!
This is a great trip for anyone who wants to experience a Coast to Coast cycle ride without the challenges of the better known C2C. The scenery may be a little less dramatic but there’s still plenty of beautiful countryside to cycle through and I would recommend this trip to anyone thinking of giving a cycling holiday a go who’s maybe not that confident of their fitness.
Holly, PennsylvaniaVery good trip...The daily lunch prepared by the guide on the supported trip on Hadrian’s were excellent. Lots of variety and healthy options! The weather cooperated with mostly sunny skies and we had a chance to ride up to the highest point on Hadrian’s where the views were spectacular! The long and fast downhill after going through the Village of Vindolanda was a lot of fun too.
William, EdinburghWould use Skedaddle again in a heartbeat...Again, a very enjoyable holiday – good company and effortlessly well organised.
Will definitely be back next year, possibly more than once!
Sujata, KentThe guides went the extra mile...Just wanted to say how much I appreciate the care and support provided to me and the boys over the tour. John and Andy spent so much time with me and were so patient and encouraging!
Julia, DoncasterAn amazing time...Everything was so well organised – food, accommodation and routes. The riding was brilliant and in fantastic company. Thanks you for a great holiday – I am looking forward to my next trip with you already!
Sandra, UKSkedaddle offers a personal touch...Great way to enjoy cycling / walking – in a group of friendly and like-minded people.
Already looking what else Skedaddle has on offer!
Denise, LancashireExcellent value for money...There was just the right mix of ‘relaxed organisation‘. Before the trip we were always able to speak to someone about even the smallest query. The tour leader provided great support for those riders who needed encouragement and confidence boosting.
Sue, DerbyshireImpressed by Skedaddle at every point...The bike provided was far superior than mine and lovely to know it was in good working order and all the hassle of transporting it taken care of. I appreciated the subtle direction by Skedaddle towards a slightly easier cycling holiday, given my age and lack of experience.
The lunches provided were almost a work of art! Very nicely presented with a good range of food; tasty, nutritious and well judged.
I enjoyed every minute of the cycling. I felt safe on the road and my confidence grew considerably over the 3 days. The breaks and route were clearly very well designed.